Unwind at the best hot springs in NSW

Hot springs aren’t just about a warm dip–no siree!–Tthey’re packed with more health benefits than you think. These mineral-rich waters can ease muscle tension and reduce joint pain, improve circulation and eliminate toxins, trigger happy endorphins that may help with stress relief. Imagine soaking in a steaming pool while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Now that’s an experience like no other!.

Health Benefits of Hot Springs

Courtesy of the National Library Of Medicine

• Muscle relaxation – Perfect for post-hike recovery or easing tension.
• Improved circulation – The minerals in the water help promote better blood flow.
• Stress relief – The combination of warmth, nature, and stillness helps reduce anxiety and stress. Floating in warm water has been linked to improved sleep.
• Skin nourishment – Silica, sulphur, and other minerals can leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed and reduce common skin inflammation complaints like eczema, psoriasis and acne.
• Immune system – Minerals like magnesium and lithium may help strengthen the immune system and stimulate the body’s natural defence mechanisms.
• Breathe clearer – Steam from hot springs can help open blocked airways alleviating congestions from common conditions like colds and allergies.

• Start your road trip in the iconic Blue Mountains at Japanese Bath House for a culturally-inspired soak and massage. Explore local hiking trails and the Hassans Walls Lookout (highest lookout in the Blue Mountains, no biggie) with stunning views, before settling in for a serene onsen experience then spending the night onsite in a traditional Japanese inspired accommodation.
• Head north and consider stopping for a night at Dubbo, where the Taronga Western Plains Zoo offers a uniquely Australian open-range zoo experience. For space enthusiasts, a further three hours north, you’ll reach the CSIRO Australia Telescope Compact Array Visitors Centre where you can enjoy the view and take a look at the astronomy exhibition.
• Moree Artesian Baths is your next destination where there’s a therapeutic dip just waiting for you. Relax and make the most of the gym and pool facilities onsite before exploring the town. Art lovers will enjoy the Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM) showcasing Indigenous and contemporary art.
• Next stop, head west towards Lightning Ridge for an outback-style hot spring experience, and soak under the stars if you desire. Afterwards, check out the famous opal mines and enjoy other surreal and unique attractions like The Bottle House and Mining Museum and Bevan’s Cactus Nursery–one of the largest of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. If you’re looking for a unique stay, nothing beats Ridges Castle.

Along the way, explore charming country towns, visit national parks, and indulge in Australia’s wholesome local food and wine offerings.

*Image courtesy of Destination NSW

Turn your hot springs getaway into a full-fledged adventure by exploring nearby attractions:

• Blue Mountains Japanese Bath House: Take a scenic bush walk–Grand Canyon Walk (Blackheath)–one of the best bushwalks in Australia, passing through lush rainforest, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs. Visit the stunning Wentworth Falls with great trails and breathtaking lookouts, and Scenic World (Katoomba) features the world’s steepest passenger railway and stunning Cableway.
• Moree Artesian Baths: Check out the Trawalla Pecan Farm tour to witness one of Australia’s largest pecan farms alongside the Guided Cotton Farm Tour where you can see how cotton is picked and packed firsthand. There’s also Moree’s Street Art & Heritage Trail that should not be overlooked for a self-guided tour of the town.
• Lightning Ridge Bore Baths: Discover opal mining history by exploring the Chambers of the Black Hand, a fascinating underground sandstone gallery featuring hand-carved sculptures, from Egyptian gods to pop culture icons alongside. It’s right by the Australian Opal Centre showroom, where you can see highlights of their opal collection.
• Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool: Explore fascinating caves like South Glory Cave and Jillabenan Cave, perhaps grab your hat, sunscreen and plenty of water and hike through the Yarrangobilly River Walk or Bluff Lookout for breathtaking views of the Limestone gorge and river below.

*Image courtesy of Destination NSW