Winter caravanning in Australia is the perfect opportunity to explore the country’s stunning hot springs. These natural thermal pools provide a warm, relaxing escape from the chilly weather, making them ideal for caravanners seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Australia boasts the largest artesian system in the world, the Great Artesian Basin, which covers more than 20 percent of the continent and features around 600 artesian spring complexes in twelve major groups. These springs vary in size, from small pools to large clusters of freshwater known as “supergroups”.
Pack your caravan, plan your route, and get ready to soak in the soothing waters of these incredible hot springs this winter. Here’s a few of our favourites!
Katherine is famous for its thermal pools, so Bitter Springs definitely needs to be on your list.
This spring-fed thermal pool, located inside the Elsey National Park, is an ideal place to relax and unwind. According to the Northern Territory Government, the spring water rises from underground at a rate of 30.5 million litres per day.
You can’t camp here, but the path is accessible from the carpark to the swimming hole. Camping is permitted at the Jalmurark Campground.
This park requires visitors to the NT to have a park pass.
Relaxing in a deep circular pool, standing open to an outback sky, how good does that sound?
The water found in the Bore Baths at Lightning Ridge comes from the Great Artesian Basin and is approximately two-million-years old.
According to Visit NSW, the bores supplying these baths are only a few of hundreds being rehabilitated throughout the Great Artesian Basin, conserving this precious natural resources for future generations.
It is open 24 hours a day and also has free entry too.
Immerse yourself in the natural oasis that is the Witjira-Dalhousie springs, right at the edge of the Simpson Desert. Situated about 250 kilometres southeast of Alice Springs, Witjira-Dalhousie is the most northerly group of springs in South Australia and a supergroup that contains around 60 springs, extending over an area of more than 50,000 hectares.
The water in the Dalhousie Main Spring is around 37 degrees, making it perfect for a relaxing soak.
The springs, which are included in the Australian National Heritage List, are steeped in Aboriginal history and support unique aquatic life.
You have to book to visit these springs and access is via 4WD only. The Dalhousie Springs Campground is $25 and suitable for caravans.
https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/witjira-national-park/booking/73186
It’s a magical experience to float in the warmth and watch the steam rise as snow blankets the ground around you at the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool, fed by a natural spring.
In a pristine mountain river setting nestled in Kosciuszko National Park, you probably wouldn’t expect to find a pool, never mind one permanently heated to 27ºC by a natural spring. But that’s exactly what you’ll discover at Yarrangobilly Caves. Hike the track and then relax in the pool.
The pool is free to soak in, but park entry fees apply in the Yarrangobilly area – $4 per vehicle per day applies at Yarrangobilly Caves for motor vehicles without a Kosciuszko National Park day pass or NPWS All Parks annual pass.
The 28-degree thermal pool at Hastings Caves in Tasmania is filled with mineral-rich natural spring water, making it perfect for a good soak.
The Hastings Caves State Reserve caves are located in the south of Tasmania’s Huon Valley, about 90 minutes from Hobart.
The thermal pool has been open to the public since 1939, with the spring temperature normally around 28°C.
Rainwater enters the dolomite area near the Hastings Caves and is heated as it descends to about 600m before rising again under pressure to bubble out as warm springs.
Entry is $5 per adult, which includes the use of the thermal springs pool and amenities all day and access to the 5-10 minute Platypus and 20-minute Hot Springs forest walks.
Happy Travels!
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