Are There Hot SpringsAre there hot springs in Australia?
Yes, though most aren't volcanic. Australia's best-known soaks are Peninsula Hot Springs near Melbourne, the free artesian bore baths of outback New South Wales and Queensland, and natural thermal pools in the Northern Territory such as Mataranka.
The bore baths are filled from the Great Artesian Basin, and many outback towns, such as Lightning Ridge, Walgett and Pilliga, keep them free. Queensland has added newer artesian spas at Cunnamulla, Quilpie and Julia Creek.
In the Top End, Mataranka, Bitter Springs and Katherine have warm, clear pools that close in the wet season, and in the Kimberley, Zebedee Springs runs through a palm-filled gorge.
Hot springs in Australia map
All 35 hot springs we list in Australia, shaped by type. Open the larger map to zoom in.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Best hot springs in Australia
The hot springs most visitors plan a trip around, from city spas to outback bore baths.
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Thermal spa
Peninsula Hot Springs
Fingal, VictoriaAustralia's best-known hot springs, with dozens of geothermal pools on the Mornington Peninsula, about 90 minutes from Melbourne.
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Bore baths
Lightning Ridge Artesian Bore Baths
Lightning Ridge, New South WalesFree artesian bore baths open around the clock in the opal-mining town.
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Artesian spa
Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
Moree, New South WalesArtesian hot pools beside a 50 m pool, in a town known for its bore baths.
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Natural
Mataranka Thermal Pool
Mataranka, Northern TerritoryA warm, clear pool among palms in Elsey National Park, open in the dry season.
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Natural
Bitter Springs
Mataranka, Northern TerritoryA natural spring where you float downstream through the palms.
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Natural
Dalhousie Springs
Witjira National Park, South AustraliaA large warm artesian spring in the desert, reached by 4WD.
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Hot springs
Talaroo Hot Springs
Near Mount Surprise, QueenslandMound springs on Ewamian country, with guided tours and private soaking pools.
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Natural
Zebedee Springs
El Questro, Western AustraliaTiered thermal pools among palms in the Kimberley, open in the dry season.
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Thermal pool
Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
Dover, TasmaniaA spring-fed pool in the forest south of Hobart, next to show caves.
Famous hot springs in Australia
All 35 hot springs we list in Australia, A to Z, from outback bore baths to Victoria's spas.
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Thermal spa
Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, Australia
Mornington Peninsula thermal spa with many pools, a restaurant and rooms; book ahead.
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Artesian spa
Bedourie Artesian Spa and Aquatic Centre, Australia
Outback spa and pool fed by a 1905 bore; collect an access pass from the visitor centre.
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Natural
Bitter Springs, Australia
Natural spring at about 34°C in Elsey National Park where you float downstream; closed in the wet season.
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Artesian spa
Blackall Aquatic Centre, Australia
Free artesian spas next to a 50 m pool in the outback town of Blackall.
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Artesian spa
Boomi Artesian Spa Pools, Australia
Covered artesian spa and 25 m pool in a small town near the Queensland border.
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Bore baths
Burren Junction Artesian Bore Baths, Australia
Free round bore baths at about 41°C with camping nearby; best in the cooler months.
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Caravan park
Channel Country Tourist Park and Spas, Australia
Caravan park in Quilpie with artesian spa baths, powered sites and cabins.
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Bore baths
Collarenebri Bore Bath, Australia
Free tiered artesian pool opened in 2024, with ramp access; may close in summer.
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Artesian spa
Coward Springs Campground, Australia
Heritage campground on the Oodnadatta Track with a warm artesian spa pool.
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Hot springs
Cunnamulla Hot Springs, Australia
Artesian pools of 30–40°C beside the Warrego River, with a sauna and cold plunge; opened in 2024.
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Natural
Dalhousie Springs, Australia
Large warm artesian spring in Witjira National Park, swimmable at 37–43°C; 4WD access only.
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Thermal spa
Deep Blue Hot Springs, Australia
Geothermal spa in Warrnambool with pools of 35–41°C, sensory caves and a cold plunge.
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Mud baths
Eulo Artesian Mud Baths, Australia
Private artesian mud baths in old tubs in a tiny outback town; book ahead.
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Bore baths
Great Artesian Bore Baths Goodooga, Australia
Free 40°C artesian pool with ramp access in a remote town; open March to November.
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Artesian spa
Great Artesian Spa, Australia
Artesian hot pool and a cooler pool in Mitchell, with a café and visitor centre.
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Thermal pool
Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs, Australia
Spring-fed 28°C pool in the forest at Hastings Caves, south of Hobart, open since 1939.
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Bathhouse
Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, Australia
Historic mineral spa in Victoria's spa country, running since 1895, with pools and a hammam.
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Caravan park
Innot Hot Springs Caravan & Leisure Park, Australia
Caravan park on the Atherton Tablelands with pools fed by hot springs; closes in the wet season.
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Private baths
Julia Creek Artesian Baths, Australia
Private outdoor claw-foot baths filled with artesian water; book ahead.
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Natural
Katherine Hot Springs, Australia
Natural warm pools beside the Katherine River in town; closed in the wet season.
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Artesian pool
Lara Wetlands thermal pool, Australia
Round artesian pool at about 38°C on a cattle station south of Barcaldine; open in the cooler months.
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Bore baths
Lightning Ridge Artesian Bore Baths, Australia
Free 24-hour artesian bore baths in the opal town, closed briefly some mornings for cleaning.
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Natural
Mataranka Thermal Pool, Australia
Natural 34°C pool among palms in Elsey National Park; closed in the wet season.
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Thermal spa
Metung Hot Springs, Australia
Geothermal pools and bathing barrels looking over Lake King in Gippsland; book ahead.
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Artesian spa
Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, Australia
Artesian hot pools, a 50 m pool and a waterslide in Moree, open all year.
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Artesian spa
Mungindi Hot Pool, Australia
Artesian mineral pool at about 38°C on the Queensland border, with lap and kids' pools; seasonal.
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Thermal spa
Peninsula Hot Springs, Australia
Australia's best-known hot springs, with dozens of pools on the Mornington Peninsula, about 90 minutes from Melbourne.
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Bore baths
Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths, Australia
Free artesian bore bath at about 37°C, with basic camping nearby.
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Artesian spa
St George Aquatic Centre artesian baths, Australia
Artesian pool beside a 50 m lap pool and splash park in St George.
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Hot springs
Talaroo Hot Springs, Australia
Ewamian-owned mound springs with guided tours and private soaking pools; open April to October.
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Private bath
The Lake Bathhouse, Australia
Private artesian bathhouse on a lake near Quilpie, booked for sunset soaks.
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Bore baths
Walgett Artesian Bore Baths, Australia
Free artesian pool at 38–40°C in a park, with toilets and showers.
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Thermal pool
Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool, Australia
Spring-fed pool at about 27°C in Kosciuszko National Park, down a short, steep walk.
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Artesian pools
Yowah Artesian Pools, Australia
Two artesian pools in an opal-mining town, paid by honesty box.
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Natural
Zebedee Springs, Australia
Tiered thermal pools among palms in El Questro Wilderness Park; open in the dry season with a park permit.
Seasons, costs and access in Australia
Seasons
Outback bore baths are best from autumn to spring; summer is very hot, and a few close then. Top End pools open in the dry season, roughly May to September or October. Victoria's spas are open all year.
Entry fees
Many outback bore baths are free, and others cost a few dollars or use an honesty box. Spas such as Peninsula Hot Springs charge more and need booking. Northern Territory parks may need a park pass.
Access and travel
Peninsula and Alba are about 90 minutes from Melbourne. The outback bore baths are long drives inland, so plan fuel and water. Dalhousie Springs needs a 4WD, and Zebedee Springs is in El Questro, reached on the Gibb River Road.
Australia hot spring etiquette and rules
Australian bore baths and springs have some simple rules.
- Check seasonal closuresTop End pools close in the wet season, and some outback baths close in summer.
- Respect CountrySeveral springs are on Aboriginal land; follow guides and signs.
- Respect cleaning timesBore baths close briefly for cleaning, often in the morning.
- Keep your head above waterHealth authorities warn that a rare amoeba can live in warm, untreated water.
- Wear a swimsuitSwimwear is expected everywhere.
- Keep soaks short in hot bore bathsMany are 40°C or more; take breaks and drink water.
Frequently asked questions about hot springs in Australia
Are there free hot springs in Australia?
Yes. Many outback bore baths in New South Wales and Queensland are free, including Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Pilliga and Burren Junction.
Are there hot springs near Melbourne?
Yes. Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are on the Mornington Peninsula, about 90 minutes away.
What is a bore bath?
A pool filled with warm water from a bore drilled into the Great Artesian Basin, common in outback towns.
Is Mataranka Thermal Pool open all year?
No. It usually closes in the wet season, roughly November to May, when the river floods.
When is the best time for outback hot springs?
From autumn to spring, when the days are cooler; summer in the outback is very hot.
Should you put your head under in hot springs?
No. Keep your head above water in natural and artesian pools to avoid the rare risk of amoebic meningitis.
Pictures of hot springs in Australia
Photos of Peninsula Hot Springs, Lightning Ridge Artesian Bore Baths, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, Dalhousie Springs and Talaroo Hot Springs, all hot springs in this guide. We only use photos whose license allows reuse and credit the photographer under each one. The full credits are on our photo credits page.
How we checked this page
Reviewed on against the sources below.
- NSW Health: amoebic meningitis warning (keep your head above water)
- Tourism Australia (official tourism site)
Hot springs elsewhere in Oceania
Other countries in Oceania where we list hot springs.