Hot Springs in Australia

Rebecca Hanlon
Last Updated: March 14th, 2024

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

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

Travertine-Hot-Springs
Travertine Hot Springs Via Don DeBold

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.

Talaroo-Hot-Springs
Talaroo Hot Springs Via Talaroo

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.

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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.

Katherine-Hot-Springs
Katherine Hot Springs Via Sally Cummings

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.

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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.

Zebedee-Thermal-Springs
Zebedee Springs Via yaruman5

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.

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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.

Kimberley-Hot-Springs
Emma Gorge – El Questro Station, Kimberleys, Western Australia Via Neerav Bhatt

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.

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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.

Peninsula-Hot-Springs
Peninsula Hot Springs – Sunset Via Roderick Eime

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.

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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.

Dalhousie-Springs
Rejuvenation, At the Dalhousie Hot Springs Via dannebrog

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.

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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.

Moree-Artesian-Aquatic-Centre
Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre Via Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

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.

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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.

About The Author

Rebecca Hanlon

Rebecca has been a blogger for over 5 years, before that enjoying a number of jobs to fund her passion for travel. She’s taught English as a foreign language in 5 different countries, been a part-time Barista, a waitress, and a tour guide around some of Europe’s finest vineyards. She the one behind the social channels here at HotSprings.co whilst somehow finding the time to travel the world with her partner Will ❤

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