Australia is a known ‘hot’ spot for immersing yourself in the natural world. Uniquely, every state on the continent boasts numerous undeveloped, and developed springs and waterholes, and many are directly accessible via major cities — making it THE quintessential destination for a road trip. To top it off: most are also surrounded by indigenous areas/experiences and national parks.
2023 ushers in a huge number of NEW luxury, and immersive natural experiences and lodging options for travelers that make now a great time to pen a story (and book a trip).
Bathing and wellness experiences are available via Bath House or Spa Dreaming Centre at Peninsula Hot Springs in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo courtesy peninsulahotsprings.com.
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
Just a few hours from Melbourne, visitors can connect several incredible new lodges and springs(all within four hours):
* NEW: Peninsula Hot Springs (debuts Spring 2023) — Consists of three eco-accommodation lodges, three outdoor massage pods, and undercover dining area and a relaxation sleep lounge.
* NEW: Stella the Stargazer — Bookings are now open for this new, limited edition, off-grid accommodation experience. Stella is a uniquely Victorian tiny home — that will pop up in three Victorian regions for eight weeks each.
* This is a perfect spot to spend the night in a tiny home with everything a hotel guest needs, and conveniently located between several natural spa baths to plan an incredible outdoor road trip.
* NEW: Alba Thermal Springs & Spa — Recently debuted on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula (one hour from central Melbourne). A selection of indoor, open-air, and outdoor thermal pools and spa services with an on-site restaurant utilizing locally sourced seasonal produce.
The Rocky Pool in John Forrest National Park in Hovea, Western Australia. Photo by: Jean and Fred Hort
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Western Australia’s capital city Perth (I was there in May and LOVED it) is another major city surrounded by natural wonders (Nambung, Moore River, Blackwood River, and Milyeannup), paired with natural swimming pools to visit:
* NEW/MAJOR RENOVATION: Bassendean Hotel — After two years and a $7M renovation, the historic property is back and better than ever. This includes restoration of the 1930s pub’s historic charm and character.
* Natural swimming holes close to the city: Perth is the rare destination featuring multiple hot springs (within national parks, no less), within an hour of the city center including Rocky Pool at John Forrest National Park, Rocky Pool at Kalamunda National Park and Serpentine Falls.
Wander on Kangaroo Island: The Columba Pod on Snelling Beach in Adelaide, South Australia. Photo provided by wander.com
ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
A road trip starting in South Australia’s capital city will take travelers to iconic Kangaroo Island or into the country’s legendary outback.
* NEW: Wander on Kangaroo Island — Debuted October 2022. Here on this magical island, four WanderPods rest atop the northern bluff overlooking Snelling Beach and the biodiverse waters of the Great Australia Bight.
* Meander Among Hot Springs and National Parks — Dalhousie Springs consists of 60 natural springs rising from the depth of cracks in the earth’s surface; also known as the Witjira-Dalhousie Springs, and part of the Australian Natural Heritage list because of its strong indigenous ties. These springs offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and are about 700 miles north of Adelaide; however, there are two hot springs en-route: Wabman Kadarbu Mound Springs and Coward Springs Campground Natural Spa. This area is home to National Parks, lakes, and indigenous sites — making it the ultimate extended road trip option into the Australian Outback.
