Australia’s answer to Japan’s onsens is hiding in NSW

Yarrangobilly thermal pool

Outdoor swimming pool with winter landscape and snow. Yarrangobilly hot spring pool, Australia

In winter, the steaming waters and snow-blanketed surroundings will transport you to Japan. (Image: Getty Images/Katharina13)

In the summer, this pool might be a cool escape from the heat, but in winter, the steaming waters and snow-blanketed surroundings will instantly transport you to Japan . It’s no secret Australians are obsessed with the island country (nearly 1 million of us visited Japan in 2024), but we especially love their onsen culture, the ancient practice of bathing in natural hot springs, without clothes and often experienced during a stay at a ryokan (a Japanese inn). Just be sure to keep your clothes on at Yarrangobilly. But you absolutely can bask in the pool’s heated waters as you’re transported to an unexpected winter wonderland. With a picnic area, change rooms, and bathrooms that are easily accessible, this pool is easily one of Australia’s most under-the-radar winter experiences.

Depending on the time of day, Yarrangobilly’s local animals can put on quite a display. Nearby to the pool lies the Yarrangobilly River, where you might spot lyrebirds, superb blue wrens, crimson rosellas, and king parrots bouncing between trees. Closer to the ground, waddling wombats and lazing water dragons can be seen throughout the park. If you didn’t catch a look at a platypus by the thermal pools, you might get one (only during sunrise or sunset hours!) surfacing the river to briefly say hello. Better yet, if you look closely, you might spot tiny critters—the endangered smoky mouse—who are rare sights, but impossibly cute and worth spotting.

What are the Yarrangobilly Caves?

Yarrangobilly Caves North Glory Cave, Snowy Mountains

There are six caves at Yarrangobilly, too. (Image: Destination NSW)

The thermal pool isn’t the only reason to visit. There are six breathtaking caves to explore, too! Yarrangobilly Caves are exquisitely decorated with natural stalagmites, stalactites and cave corals. These 440-million-year-old caves are strikingly unique and open to visitors year-round.

The largest in its region, the South Glory Cave, lets you soak in its grandeur at your own pace, with self-guided tours available to the general public. Fancy an official tour? Visit the Jersey and Jillabenan Caves for a 90-minute walk-through, where your personal, expert tour guide will unravel the history and secrets of this natural phenomenon. Ancient formations, intimidating overhead crystals and alluring limestone structures await inside these prehistoric wonders.

How do you get there?

Hot spring pool with crystal clear water and snow covered ground nearby. Yarrangobilly thermal pool, Australia

Bask in Yarrangobilly thermal pool’s heated waters. (Image: Getty Images/Katharina13)

The Yarrangobilly Caves and thermal pool can be reached from a few points in New South Wales, but these are the recommended routes.

From Cooma, travel south for around seven kilometres until you reach the Snowy Mountains Highway. Continue for approximately 110 kilometres and turn left into the Yarrangobilly Caves Entrance Road.

From the Hume Highway (outside of Canberra/Ngambri), take the Tumut exit and follow the Gocup Road to Tumut. There, you can find the Snowy Mountains Highway and continue on for 110 kilometres to find the Yarrangobilly Caves Entrance Road to the left.

How much does entry cost?

In the summer, this pool is a cool escape from the heat. (Image: Jpatokal)

If you plan on spending the day (of which I highly recommend), the Yarrangobilly Caves entry is $4 per vehicle, with an additional $22 per adult and $18 per concession.

True to its name–derived from the Indigenous term yarangu-bili, meaning “flowing stream"–Yarrangobilly offers a range of flowing waters. Whether that’s underground, in the water, or along scenic trails, these waters bring true meaning to Yarrangobilly. Whether you’re exploring the atmospheric caves, spotting curious wildlife, or soaking in the dreamy onsen-like thermal pool, Yarrangobilly’s natural wonders are definitely worth the trip. Be prepared to add this to your brag list, because the Yarrongobilly experience doesn’t get any better than that.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.