Exploring Australia is a tough business – luckily, the country is full of naturally occurring hot springs popping up in the most unexpected places to help wash the cares of the road away. So say farewell to fancy spas … and hello to the best hot springs in the country!
Zebedee Hot Springs, El Questro Station, Western Australia
Zebedee Hot Springs by @robynchalk – Instagram
By the time you’ve bounced your way along the rough Kimberley roads into El Questro Station, you’ll have plenty of aches and pains to wash away. So you’ll be counting your lucky stars that the property is home to the ridiculously pretty Zebedee Hot Springs, a series of small pools nestled in tiered layers down a rock-face among tropical palms. The water hovers at around 38 degrees Celsius; it’s guaranteed to relax your muscles. The hot springs are only open to the general public from 7am until 12pm in season (the afternoons are reserved for guests of the station’s luxury homestead), so get in early to beat the crowds.
Lightning Ridge Hot Bore Baths, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales
Lightning Ridge Hot Bore Baths by Tripadvisor reviewer Julia J
A long way in both location and style from Zebedee Hot Springs, Lightning Ridge Hot Bore Baths is a large circular pool in the middle of a dry and dusty plain with shrubby trees. But we’d expect nothing less from the idiosyncratic opal-mining town of Lightning Ridge, which is renowned for its frontier feel. The baths are just outside of town, and, with water temperature that’s around 40 degrees Celsius, are the perfect spot to relax after a long day travelling or opal mining – but unless you’re visiting the town in winter, best leave the swimming to early morning or late at night.
Artesian Mud Baths, Eulo, Queensland
Artesian Mud Baths by Tripadvisor reviewer CocoGELM
You’ll find hot springs with a large side of personality at Eulo in Queensland. Owner Nan has inventively placed four large claw baths in an enclosed area that’s open to the sky. The baths are filled with the naturally hot artesian water and infused with artesian mud, for the most unique beauty experience you’ll have this year. You can even book your bath at night, and sip on a glass of wine while leaning back in the tub and staring at the starry, starry night. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Bitter Springs, Elsey National Park, Northern Territory
Bitter Springs by Tripadvisor reviewer Lesley2402
Bitter Springs, just two kilometres south of Mataranka, has long been a hot spot for its hot springs. Near the equally famous Mataranka Thermal Pool, Bitter Springs is famously beautiful, with interconnected pools of sparkling aqua overshadowed by palms and tropical grasses. The water is a balmy 34 degrees Celsius, and you can hire a noodle from the nearby camping area and float from the top pool to the bottom – don’t forget your snorkel for a glimpse of underwater life. Word to the wise: there are crocs about, so stay alert.
Dalhousie Springs, Witjira National Park, South Australia
Dalhousie Springs by Tripadvisor reviewer family_of_four_qld
On the edge of the Simpson Desert lies the dusty Witjira National Park, which hides a hot secret – around 120 mound springs full of artesian water. The most well known of the springs is Dalhousie Main Spring, a National Heritage–listed pool surrounded by palms and hardy desert trees where the water sits at around 37 degrees Celsius. The largest pool on this list, the oasis is a pretty good reward for braving the long, bumpy and dirty road into the park.
