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Unlike other countries that have been using hot springs for thousands of years. Government and privately funded thermal spas in Australia started popping up in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
However, their popularity started declining during the 1950s and was once again revived during the 1980s. Since then, the interest in hot spring spas has only grown due to their numerous benefits.
Hot springs in Australia attract many visitors to the country, who believe the minerals in the natural spring water contain many health properties. Whether you are visiting the hot springs for health or to explore the beauty of the outback one thing is sure, their beauty is otherworldly.
Types of Hot Springs in Australia
Australia has natural and travertine hot springs, some are in fully developed resorts while others are in natural settings. The majority of the hot springs in Australia are fed water from the Great Artesian Basin.
Natural Hot Springs
With the country’s active volcanic past, it is easy to assume that the hot springs are volcanic. However, the hot springs in Australia are created when groundwater passes through porous bedrock deep underground.
In these reservoirs, the water is heated by the radiation that Earth’s molten core emits. After thousands of years, this hot water rises to the surface as natural springs due to underground pressure.
Travertine Hot Springs
The travertine hot springs are rich in calcium carbonate. Travertine is a form of terrestrial limestone that is deposited around these mineral-rich springs. The travertine in hot springs forms due to the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate.
This formation begins at the bottom of the spring when the groundwater with a high concentration of carbon dioxide comes into contact with limestone or other rocks with calcium carbonate.
The carbon dioxide dissolves some of the limestones, and the build-up of dissolved calcium carbonate, having nowhere else to go, makes its way back to the surface. The thick deposits it leaves on the surface are travertine.
Hot Spring Regions in Australia
There are hot springs all over Australia, except for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). There are no known hot springs in that region. The regions that have hot springs are:
- South Australia (SA)
- Northern Territory (NT)
- New South Wales (NSW)
- West Australia (WA)
- Victoria (VIC)
- Queensland (QLD)
- Tasmania (TAS).
Best Hot Springs
Talaroo Hot Springs (Queensland)
Unlike other hot springs across Australia, the Talaroo Hot Springs in North Queensland are not fed water by the Great Artesian Basin. Instead, the two pools at Talaroo are filled by a spring deep underground.
As the water makes its way up, passing by the granite rock bed, it is heated to boiling temperatures.
The Talaroo pools are located near the Einasleigh River, offering visitors the chance to swim in cooler waters along with visiting the hot springs. The Tallaroo Hot Springs offers four private soaking pools along with its restored communal baths.
Additional Info
- Location: Gulf Savannah Way (Gulf Development Road, Mount Surprise QLD 4871, Australia
- Water Temperature: 82° – 97°F during the day
- Website: http://www.talaroo.com.au/
Katherine Hot Springs (Northern Territory)
The clear pools of Katherine Hot Springs are framed by native vegetation, paperbark, and gum trees that offer shade during the hot summer months. It is, easily, one of the most picturesque Hot Springs in the country.
The hot spring derives its name since it is close to Katherine, a small town. The location’s climate and water temperature make it a popular destination with tourists year-round.
In Katherine Hot Springs, you will find six pools interconnected by a stream.
Additional Info
- Location: Riverbank Dr, Katherine South NT 0850, Australia
- Water Temperature: 77 – 89 ºF
- Website: http://northernterritory.com/katherine-hot-springs
Zebedee Thermal Springs (West Australia)
Zebedee Hot Springs is located in Kimberley’s El Questro Wilderness Park, about an hour’s drive from Kununurra. The gorgeous location is framed by the pre-historic forest of Livistona and pandanus palms that lead up to the springs.
General visitors can make the trek to Zebedee Springs from 7 am to noon, to soak in its waters and take in the scenery. However, if you want uninterrupted access to the springs they are exclusive to Homestead guests in the afternoons.
Entry cost is $11 – $22, but we recommend booking a luxury suite at the Homestead El Questro for the full experience.
Additional Info
- Location: Unnamed Road, Durack WA 6743, Australia
- Water Temperature: 82.4 – 89.6 ºF
- Website: https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Attraction/Zebedee_Springs
Kimberley Hot Springs (Tasmania)
The only thermal springs in North West Tasmania, Kimberly Hot Springs, provide visitors with excellent views and mineral-rich water to swim in. The springs are secluded and are not a tourist hot spot, making them the perfect vacation destination for those looking to relax with privacy.
The warm water in Kimberly Hot Springs comes from over 1,000 feet below the Earth’s surface. The springs are maintained by Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania.
Additional Info
- Location: Kimberley TAS 7304, Australia
- Water Temperature: 77 ºF
- Website: https://parks.tas.gov.au/
Peninsula Hot Springs (Victoria)
The Peninsula Hot Springs, located in Victoria on the Mornington Peninsula, is a luxury mineral spa and wellness center. The hot water that feeds Victoria’s first natural thermal mineral springs bathing facility comes from underground.
The spa has several pools, including a hydrotherapy pool, a moon-viewing pool, a family swimming area, and a cave pool.
The 17-hectare property offers an abundance of ways to unwind utilizing the hot springs on-site, making it an ideal location to pamper oneself.
Additional Info
- Location: 140 Springs Ln, Fingal VIC 3939, Australia
- Water Temperature: 96.8 – 109.4ºF
- Website: http://www.peninsulahotsprings.com/
Dalhousie Springs (South Australia)
At the edge of the Simpson Desert in Witjira National Park, you will discover the natural Dalhousie Springs. The Witjira National Park hosts over 120 mound springs for visitors to discover, with Dalhousie Springs being the most popular among visitors.
The site, which is part of the National Historic Registry, was integral in the lives of the aboriginal people who used the springs for food and medicine.
You can find camping nearby, and if you are lucky enough to visit after a rainfall you will get to see the wildflowers bursting into bloom all around the park and springs.
Additional Info
- Location: Stuart Hwy, Oodnadatta SA 5734, Australia
- Water Temperature: 100 – 107 °F
- Website: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/witjira-national-park
Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (New South Wales)
The mineral hot springs that fill the outdoor baths in the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre in New South Wales were first discovered by the Kamilaroi people in 1895. The Moree Artesian Aquatic Complex, which was recently renovated, is the hot tub enthusiast’s mecca.
Waters from Australia’s Great Artesian Basin have long been known for their wellness and healing properties. This is a pool complex for the whole family, including various pools at various temperatures and an excellent warm-water playground for children.
Additional Info
- Location: 20 Anne St, Moree NSW 2400, Australia
- Water Temperature: 105 °F
- Website: https://www.moreeartesianaquaticcentre.com.au/
Final Thoughts
These are only some of the incredible hot springs in Australia that people can visit and marvel at their beauty. People from all over the world visit the springs as a tourist attraction and for their healing properties.
Some of the possible health benefits the hot spring spas across Australia advertise include help with cardiovascular disease, liver, respiratory, rheumatic, orthopedic, skin conditions, etc.