Where to find the best natural hot springs in Victoria

Why hot springs are so ‘hot’ right now 

The desire to open a hot spring in Victoria came to Charles Davidson, the Chairman, Founder and Creative Director of Peninsula Hot Springs, while working in Japan in 1992. “The friends I was with said ‘let's go to a hot spring’ - and I didn't know what a hot spring was!”

After experiencing the traditional Japanese springs, or ‘onsen,’ Davidson was inspired to bring the feeling of “summer in winter” to the Victorian masses. Travelling the globe for inspiration, he researched how other cultures around the world utilised natural hot springs for “health, wellness and community creation.” 

This led to globally inspired practices, like the Turkish-inspired hammam (a public steam room); the healing properties of springs in Russia; and the moonlit bathing experiences of Hungary, with Davidson also citing the Czech Republic, Russia, Iceland and Yemen as some of his most inspiring springs visits. 

While many may consider the hot springs more of a cold weather activity, Davidson says the springs are a year-round destination. 

“There are hammocks to hang out in, walks in the shade, food experiences, cooler pools and even an ice cave.” 

Davidson is encouraging of guests to become repeat visitors who also explore the area, from the new springs to visiting the local art and wineries, restaurants, or making a weekend out of their experience.

Soak up the hot new experiences

Since opening their doors in 1997, the Peninsula Hot Springs has undergone numerous transformations, including the Spa Dreaming Centre, new amphitheatres for live performances, on-site glamping experiences, relaxation zones, picnic hampers, and even their own sustainable produce grown on directly on the property. 

That said, “the intention of it hasn’t really changed,” says Davidson. 

Focusing on key pillars of health, nature, relaxation and education, one can see how at this workplace, wellness is not just a concept or box to tick, but a way of life. “We’re hoping to build intentional wellness communities, particularly in the regions,” he says.  

Davidson’s Global Wellness Institute is indeed booming, and is set to open springs in more hot spots around the country and overseas, including Metung in East Gippsland, in Phillip Island looking over the Bass Strait, as well as on the Gold Coast and on New Zealand’s South Island.

How to get the best out of your hot springs experience

For first timers, Davidson recommends some classic bathing, as well as the ‘Fire and Ice Experience’ that leads you from a 50-degree-Celsius sauna to a 4-degree ice plunge. 

There is also the newly launched ‘Food bowl,’ where guests are treated to breakfast and a wellness seminar in a glass house with stunning panoramic views of their new amphitheatre; followed by a walk with an expert grower who displays fresh produce on-site.

Davidson also recommends ‘Clay Ridge,’ where guests can have fun painting clays on themselves and friends, leaving the skin feeling fresh and exfoliated after a soothing warm outdoor shower.