There are a number of relaxing hot springs dotted across NSW where you can kick back and detox away from the city. These soothing spots have naturally filtered and mineral-rich waters that are worth planning a trip out of the city for. They also offer several therapeutic and health benefits like skin detox, relief from aching muscles and general stress relief. Check out some of the best hot springs in NSW you can visit on a cold day.
1. Japanese Bathhouse
Surrender to the beauty of nature around you as you warm up at this bathhouse in the Blue Mountains. The quaint spot offers a variety of options to detox and recharge from private buros to hot spa caves. You can also grab healthy snacks and meals at the venue that overlooks the mountains, lakes and the bush. It’s the perfect getaway from the city and will only take you about 2 hours from Sydney. Read all about it here.
Cost: $90pp
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 2 hours
2. Yarrangobily Caves Thermal Pool
If you’re looking for a picturesque hot spring for the whole family, the Yarrangobily Caves Thermal Pool is the answer. At the hidden location, you’ll find two pools — the larger one about 20 meters long and heated to a consistent 27 degrees all year round and a smaller kiddie pool around 10 meters long which spills over from the larger pool. The pools are surrounded by lush greenery, clear blue skies, local wildlife and clear blue waters in case you needed an incentive to escape the city.
Cost: Free
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 5 hours, 30 minutes.
3. Lightning Ridge Hot Bore Baths
Lightning Ridge is well known for its black opal. But that’s not the only thing that people drive all the way to the outback region for. The water in the Bore Baths at Lightning Ridge comes from the Great Artesian Basin and is approximately two million years old. Sitting at a 40 to 50-degree temperature, the hot springs are a perfect excuse for a weekend getaway. Even better, the hot springs are completely free to visit.
Cost: Free
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 8 hours, 30 minutes.
4. Moree Artesian Baths
The Moree Baths originated back in 1895 and now offer better facilities than ever after a multi-million dollar refurbishment. Choose from a number of baths and hot springs along with a sauna retreat for a leisurely soak in the winter. At the centre, you’ll also find a heated kid’s Hidroplay region, a waterslide, a 50-meter Olympic pool, a wellness centre, full-day spa treatments, a fitness centre and of course, the hot artesian pools.
Cost: $25 per family
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 7 hours
5. Burren Junction Bore Baths
If you want to experience something truly off-the-beaten-track, the Burren Junction Bore Baths are the place to be. The baths are open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, making them a popular fixture among locals and visitors. The water is maintained at a constant 41.5 degrees and is believed to contain therapeutic qualities that can provide relief for aching muscles. The Bore Baths and Camp Ground are situated in a bush setting, 100 metres off the Kamilaroi Highway on a sealed road offering a true outback experience.
Cost: Free
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 7 hours
6. Boomi Hot Springs
The Boomi Hot Springs is located in the quaint village of Boomi with a tiny population of about 200 people. Boomi hosts a 25m cold pool, a wading pool and a hot Artesian spa pool complete with a poolside lounge area and a huge lawn space to relax in. There are also other facilities available on-site including a tennis court, toddler’s playground and BBQ for you to make a day out of it.
Cost: Free
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 8 hours