A Day Trip to The Peninsula Hot Springs From Melbourne

The Peninsula Hot Springs lie within the Mornington Peninsula and is the perfect tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne. This natural hot spring destination combines therapeutic baths with picturesque surroundings, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and self-care. The hot springs are a geothermal wonderland that allows you to properly unwind and reconnect with nature, whether that’s for an afternoon or full-day trip.

What to Expect at Peninsula Hot Springs

Geothermal Mineral Springs

The Peninsula Hot Springs are renowned for their geothermal mineral springs, which are naturally heated and rich in beneficial minerals. The springs are set amidst a stunning landscape of rolling hills and lush gardens, creating a serene environment where you can escape everyday stresses. There are a number of pools to choose from and you can choose to visit a number of them during your stay. We visited the hot springs on a Friday Morning, so had a very quiet experience and got to go in many empty thermal pools. I would imagine during busier times it might be easier to choose which pools you go in based on how crowded they are.

Varied Thermal Pools

The cornerstone of Peninsula Hot Springs is its array of natural hot spring pools. Fed by mineral-rich waters from deep underground, these pools offer a range of temperatures to suit different preferences. You can enjoy everything from refreshing plunge pools to steaming thermal baths, each providing unique therapeutic benefits. We loved going between the steamy rooms and then jumping into the icy plunge pools! The diverse temperatures and mineral compositions cater to both relaxation and therapeutic needs.

Wellness Activities and Treatments

In addition to the thermal pools, the Peninsula Hot Springs offers a range of wellness experiences. You can indulge in spa treatments such as massages and facials, or participate in wellness classes like yoga and meditation. The focus is on holistic health, aiming to balance both mind and body, with popular activities including:

Yoga and Pilates classes
Meditation sessions
Massage therapies
Facials and body treatments

Be sure to check out their site and book these activities in advance to ensure you get them!

The Bath House

The Bath House is the heart of the Peninsula Hot Springs, featuring over 20 different bathing experiences. From the naturally heated pools to the stunning views of the surrounding landscape, it provides a comprehensive and immersive hot springs experience. Hilltop Pool The crown jewel of Peninsula Hot Springs is undoubtedly the hilltop pool. Perched at the highest point of the facility, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Soaking in this pool while taking in the breathtaking vistas is truly a memorable experience.

Cave Pool For those seeking a more secluded experience, the cave pool provides a cosy and intimate setting. The dimly lit ambience creates a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for quiet contemplation or intimate conversations.

Reflexology Walk Beyond traditional bathing, Peninsula Hot Springs offers a reflexology walk. This unique feature allows visitors to stimulate pressure points in their feet by walking on a textured path submerged in thermal waters.

Private Bathing

For those seeking a more intimate experience, the Peninsula Hot Springs offer private bathing options. These include private thermal mineral pools, perfect for couples or individuals who prefer a quieter, more personal setting. I went with a big group so I didn’t venture into these private baths and can’t provide much personal experience but I imagine these would be a great place to celebrate anniversaries!

Eating at The Hot Springs

The hot springs have a few dining options on-site. There’s an outdoor bath house cafe which serves light meals, coffee and healthy drinks. For more substantial options, check out their amphitheatre cafe or dining room in their spa centre. These also offer health meal options in an aesthetic setting. I like how the food here uses fresh and locally sourced ingredients, with options to suit various dietary requirements in our group.

How To Get To Peninsula Hot Springs From Melbourne

With a car, the Peninsula Hot Springs are easily accessible, with a journey time of approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne. If you don’t have access to a car, it is possible to get there with public transport, but it’s long!! You’ll need to get the train to Frankston, and from there, get several buses. As there isn’t a direct bus from Frankston, i’d recommend using CityMapper, Google Maps or the PTV app to plan your specific route. This will increase the journey time from 90 minutes to 3-5 hours depending on your route and time of travel. If you can’t drive/rent a car, I would recommend spending a few days in the Mornington Peninsula area or Sorrento area to make place like the Peninsula Hot Springs more accessible for day trips.

Other Logistics

Booking and Reservations

It’s advisable to book your visit in advance, especially during peak times or weekends. You can book through their official site, where a variety of packages are on offer. The facility offers various packages to suit different budgets and preferences, from basic bathing experiences to comprehensive spa retreats.

What to Bring

To make the most of your visit, bring swimwear, a towel and comfortable clothing. The hot springs provide amenities such as lockers and showers, and you can rent dressing gowns to spend the day in.

Peninsula Hot Springs offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne city life. Its natural geothermal pools, diverse bathing experiences and focus on overall wellness provides an opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect with nature! Whether you’re a local looking for a day trip or a tourist seeking a distinctive Melbourne experience, Peninsula Hot Springs is a destination definitely worth exploring.

Other places to check out in the area include Sorrento, the Port Nepean National Park, Arthurs Seat, Cape Schanck and the wider Mornington Peninsula area. Outside of this region, I highly recommend visiting the Yarra Valley, the 1000 steps in Dandenong National Park and Great Ocean Road.