Victoria bathing trail
Slow down, switch off, and soak in the therapeutic waters of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and beyond
WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DIPS IN Australia this time of the year, taking a soak in naturally heated spring water is a welcome experience. With over 100 recognised mineral springs, Victoria has the highest number of natural springs in the country.
These springs are largely found in the towns of Daylesford and Hepburn. Mornington Peninsula along the coastline is also popular for thermal baths. Consider escaping from Melbourne city and spending several days exploring some of these restorative gems. The healing waters and fresh air will rejuvenate your tired body and mind.
Minimalist wellness oasis
One of the newest therapeutic resorts is the upscale Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, a wellness sanctuary in the heart of Mornington Peninsula – about 90 minutes by car from Melbourne.
The building is grey and stark, but step inside and a calming scent envelopes you. Alba’s luxurious full-day self-care packages, half-day rituals and indulgent spa treatments feature only Australian-made products.
Even if it’s chilly, a dip in the open-air pools outside is a must. Once you’re immersed in the heated water, your muscles immediately loosen as you sink into a state of utter relaxation.
There are 31 pools of varying sizes including geothermal pools, cold plunge pools and herbal-infused botanical pools. You can even float weightlessly in a private rooftop salt pool. For privacy, some of the pools are sunken, semi-enclosed, or nestled in native landscaped gardens. A few are ideal for larger groups of bathers.
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Unwind with a refreshing green smoothie in the relaxation lounge, furnished with voluptuous private booths. Or you could laze on oversized day beds overlooking the gardens. Refuel at Thyme, the on-site restaurant where award-winning chef Karen Martini crafts a healthy menu of locally sourced produce.
You wish you could stay overnight, but Alba’s luxury villa accommodation won’t be ready till 2024. In the meantime, there’s the stylish Jackalope Hotel a 30-minute drive away.
If you like glamping, the well-established Peninsula Hot Springs is just across the road from Alba. Nestled within a verdant landscape surrounded by soothing hot spring pools are spacious “tents” designed with private decks, ensuite bathrooms and modern luxuries.
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The natural 47 deg C geothermal mineral waters flow from 637 metres below ground into the outdoor pools and private baths. There are 70 bathing and wellness experiences for you to pick. If you don’t mind the cold, try Moonlit bathing at the Spa Dreaming Centre where you can soak under the star-lit sky from 10 pm to 2 am. You can even have supper served afterwards. At other times of the day, the culinary team rustles up a wholesome menu and fresh juices for bathrobe-clad guests to tuck into for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Beachside revival
About 15 minutes’ drive away is the seaside village of Sorrento, one of the earliest spots along the Peninsula to introduce bathhouses. It was popular with bathers in the 19th century when the first bathhouses were built in 1875.
Right at the end of Sorrento’s charming thoroughfare lined with boutiques, bookshops and galleries is the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, which opened in 2022. The 1875 heritage landmark underwent a massive transformation, and now houses beautifully designed rooms, restaurants, bars, and a wellness centre. Nestled within the property too is the Aurora Spa & Bathhouse. This expansive thermal bathhouse and wellness centre is ultra-modern yet plush.
Aurora’s Bathhouse features one of the largest saunas in the southern hemisphere, as well as a first of its kind, Glacial Mist Room – custom-designed to recreate the elements indoors, including mist, rain, ice and wind. Enjoy the relaxing subterranean space at your leisure. Or follow Aurora’s Bathing Ritual – a 10-step immersive bathing journey with a circuit of hot and cold experiences – curated for optimal well-being. The baths also boast hydro-massage elements, and magnesium mineral-rich waters.
Spa Country
After Sorrento, make your way to the “Spa Country” of Daylesford and Hepburn. Going on a road trip in the Victoria region means never-ending stretches of country roads leading to charming townships, festooned with crimson-orange fall colours.
You can break your journey in the historic town of Ballarat, where the discovery of gold in 1851 sparked Victoria’s gold rush. Check into Hotel Vera, a new boutique hotel housed within a glorious 19th century mansion. There are seven personalised suites inspired by characteristics and colours of different local townships. The rooms’ decor juxtaposes the original fireplaces, elaborate cornices and lofty ceilings with a contemporary chic aesthetic. Wake up to the smell of coffee and head over to the light-filled dining hall. At breakfast, you’ll be served granola, stewed plums, and moreish local pastries. A must-have before you start your day.
Visit Hepburn Springs’ Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, popular among the locals for wellness bathing since 1895. Or escape to The Spa at Lake House owned by the renowned chef Alla Wolf-Tasker. There you’ll get to soak in private circular spa tubs in individual cabins that overlook Lake Daylesford. Pure 100 per cent Daylesford mineral water is gently heated for each use.
Just 10 minutes’ drive from the village of Daylesford is the Dairy Flat Farm, a stunning property opened by the Wolf-Tasker family in 2020. Located in the hamlet of Musk, this is a tranquil place surrounded by rolling hills and mineral water springs.
The specially designed country lodge can accommodate up to 12 guests in six private and luxe king suites. Groups can also rent the entire place. The resident concierge can help to coordinate activities (beekeeping anyone?), light the firepit and prepare dinner in the well-equipped kitchen.
The regenerative farm here supplies herbs and vegetables to the Lake House kitchens. Wander around the small vineyard and spend some time exploring the beautifully manicured ornamental hedgerow garden. Meet the resident alpacas grazing in the open meadows. Or contemplate while soaking in the cedar hot tub overlooking vines.
After a good night’s rest and before heading back to the city, tuck into some oven-fresh bread. The onsite bakehouse is dedicated to slow-fermented sourdough loaves, baguettes, brioche and viennoiserie.
When it’s time for a body and mind revival, Victoria’s fresh country air and beneficial geothermal waters are the perfect antidote.
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