Relax at these Mornington Peninsula hot springs and day spas

Soak in mineral waters, indulge in a massage or test out the latest body treatments on your next Mornington Peninsula holiday. Your mind and body will thank you.

How often do you come back from a break – whether a weekend or longer – feeling more tired than before you left? If your answer is “too often", you need to begin including downtime to allow yourself to recover, both physically and emotionally. On the Mornington Peninsula, just an hour from Melbourne, you could spend the whole weekend taking a deep breath in, soaking in mineral-rich waters and enjoying massages and treatments. These are the best Mornington Peninsula hot springs and day spas to make you feel like a new person.

1. Peninsula Hot Springs

Peninsula Hot Springs Couple Walking Into Pool — Sign up for a soothing dip surrounded by bushland. (Image: Visit Victoria)

This has been a hot spot for everyone from local mums to wellness gurus since it opened in 1997. Much has changed since then, but the central essence of Peninsula Hot Springs – pools of naturally heated, mineral-rich waters surrounded by natural bushland – has not.

With over 70 different bathing experiences across its Bath House and Spa Dreaming Centre, rather than of varying temperatures to take a dip in, a spa offering a range of treatments from detox body wraps to a Dreamtime stone massage developed in conjunction with an Indigenous medicine man (the cost includes site-wide bathing), plus a variety of bookable workshops – from body clay to hot springs yoga – there’s something for everyone and every age.

While there’s space for everyone, guests wanting a quieter bathing experience can book access to The Spa Dreaming Centre. This adults-only retreat features mineral spring pools, barrel bathing, falling water massage and more.

If you just can’t get enough, book one of the glamping tents or sleep-focused eco lodges (some even have their own outdoor heated mineral spring pool) to extend your blissful stay.

Address: 140 Springs Lane, Fingal, Mornington Peninsula

2. Alba Thermal Springs & Spa

a woman floating on Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, Mornington Peninsula — Enjoy total bliss in the calming thermal waters. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If beautiful design makes your heart sing, book a soaking session at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa . Architectural firm Hayball used the undulating landscape of the Mornington Peninsula as inspiration for this world-class bathing experience. The 31 pools of varying sizes, including geothermal pools, cold plunge pools and herbal-infused botanical pools, and the spa building are set on 15 hectares of regenerated dunes, surrounded by natural bushland and pretty gardens. The building, which is partly embedded in the hilltop, has 21 treatment rooms, including a dry sauna, steam room, Vichy shower, and single and double massage rooms, as well as a relaxation lounge.

Of the pools, 22 are accessible with a bathing pass, while there is also The Terrace, with private pools and a deck, The Salts, a private rooftop salt pool, and The Clouds, private rooftop geothermal pools.

Add a massage, facial or body ritual to your soak to extend the pleasure, and finish just in time for lunch or high tea at Thyme, the onsite restaurant serving healthy, delicious dishes, pressed juices, herbal tea or, if you prefer, a glass of wine or cocktail.

Address: 282 Browns Road, Fingal, Mornington Peninsula

3. Aurora Spa & Bathhouse

a woman bathing in a magnesium mineral pool at Aurora Spa & Bathhouse — Immerse yourself in magnesium, mineral-rich waters. (Image: Aurora Photography)

Part of the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula development, Aurora Spa & Bathhouse is a refined Australian take on traditional European-style bathing. Spend about 90 minutes enjoying the magnesium mineral pools and hot and cold thermal experiences. The Daydream Pool, with its skylight and gentle bubbles, is heated to 38ºC to soothe your mind and muscles. Heat up in the Aroma Steam room before stimulating the immune system and boosting circulation by submerging in the chilled water of the Cold Plunge Pool. There’s also a salt therapy room, glacial mist room and reflexology pool.

Aurora offers a full suite of massages, facials and body treatments. Very popular is the Himalayan Sound & Stone Massage which nourishes the skin, balances the system and helps to eliminate congestion. Afterwards, you’ll feel deeply relaxed.

You can even check into the hotel for three days and enjoy a custom-designed retreat so you can turn off and refuel your mind and body. As well as bathing and spa treatments, you’ll head off on guided coastal walks, take private yoga classes and enjoy wellbeing coaching. Sounds like heaven.

Address: 23 Constitution Hill Road, Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula

4. One Spa at RACV Cape Schanck Resort

a couple soaking in the relaxation pool at RACV Cape Schanck Resort, Mornington Peninsula — Serene pools are sure to invigorate the senses. (Image: RACV Cape Schanck Resort)

Leave your normal life behind when you enter the architecturally designed One Spa at RACV Cape Schanck Resort . Spend some time in the hammam, where you can soak in the relaxation pool, spa pool, thermal stone steam room and immersive showers. There are other water-based treatments, including a soak in the hydrotherapy pool with its massaging jets, as well as a series of rituals that combine therapies to induce serenity, invigorate the senses, or reduce stress. There are also facials, body therapies and massages, as well as a number of half-hour additions to treatments, like gua sha facial massage or full body exfoliation. Bring along a book and spend some time in the relaxation lounge afterwards before, once again, facing the world.

Address: Trent Jones Drive, Cape Schanck, Mornington Peninsula

5. 1028 Mornington Day Spa

If you’re looking for a different type of massage, check out what’s on offer at 1028 Mornington Day Spa , owned by Thai woman, Apple. It offers lommi lommi, a traditional Hawaiian style of massage that involves long, flowing movements along the length of the body, as well as Tok Sen, an ancient Thai massage method that uses a special wooden hammer to relax muscles. Of course, you can always choose to go with a relaxation or remedial massage. Add a session in the infrared sauna or a facial to your time here. The prices are very reasonable, and Apple’s treatments are highly recommended by all who visit.

Address: 1028 Nepean Highway, Mornington, Mornington Peninsula

6. Timeless Day Spa

the treatment room at Timeless Day Spa, Mornington Peninsula — Their massage treatments will rejuvenate both body and mind. (Image: Supplied)

At Timeless Day Spa in Rye expect a high level of service, no matter which treatment you’re here to receive. There’s a range of spa treatments designed to leave skin soft and glowing, as well as relaxation and remedial massages and facials. You can also get your beauty treatments done here. If your pedicure needs attention, your legs need waxing, your tan needs a top-up, or your brows need sculpting, owner Jessica and her team will send you on your way looking and feeling better.

Address: 2275 Point Nepean Road, Rye, Mornington Peninsula

7. endota Day Spa

hands on the back of a woman, endota Day Spa, Mornington Peninsula — Treat yourself to a relaxing back massage. (Image: Supplied)

There are three endota Day Spas on the Mornington Peninsula, at Mornington, Moorooduc and Red Hill. The treatments are all designed to nurture, nourish and improve wellbeing. It offers a range of massages – relaxation, remedial, soothing stones and pregnancy – packages designed to help you detox, rebalance and revitalise, and a range of high-performance facials. You can choose to get a customised facial to target any skin problems you have or undergo microdermabrasion, a clinical peel or light therapy. endota also has its own range of face and body products, and therapists can help you choose the ones that are right for your skin.

Addresses: 30 Main Street, Mornington; The Coolstores, 475 Moorooduc Highway, Moorooduc; 159 Shoreham Road, Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula

8. The Private Sea Wellness Centre

the signage of The Private Sea Wellness Centre, Mornington Peninsula — The Private Sea Wellness Centre features floatation tanks and infrared saunas. (Image: Supplied)

If you’re not one for massages or body treatments, The Private Sea Wellness Centre can still get you started on your relaxation journey. It has floatation tanks, infrared saunas and salt therapy. It also features Pandora Star, a meditation unit that uses white LED lights to offer a relaxing, visual journey of colour and imagery. It is said to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep and bring about deep states of meditation and relaxation. You can also book a red light therapy session, which can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve skin conditions like acne, and boost recovery after workouts. Of course, you can choose to combine any of these with a relaxation massage.

Need something more specific? There are several allied health professionals, including naturopaths, a reiki therapist and physiotherapist, operating from the wellness centre.

Address: 3 Satu Way, Mornington, Mornington Peninsula

9. Sunset Spa

If you’re looking for an oasis where you can rest and relax, try Mount Eliza’s Sunset Spa . The treatment room is surrounded by trees and clients sit and discuss their needs with therapist Delyse before the treatment begins to ensure they get exactly what they need. She offers a range of massages, organic facials, body treatments and customised pampering packages. Afterwards, pour yourself a cup of herbal tea and either sit on the deck or by the fireplace in the lounge.

Address: 27 Sunset Crescent, Mount Eliza, Mornington Peninsula

Just over an hour from Melbourne, spectacular walking and hiking trails encompass ancient landscapes, forested ridgelines and volcanic peaks.

Just a short drive from the city, the urban sprawl gives way to rolling hills, mineral springs, and lush forests that will have you feeling like you’re in the bucolic countryside of France. Encompassing Daylesford , the Macedon Ranges, Castlemaine and the Central Goldfields, this pocket of Victoria is a region where nature, art, and wellness intertwine. Heritage towns hum with creativity, good food and wine, and welcoming locals. While Daylesford hikes, and those nearby, offer the chance to take a pause and reconnect with nature.

1. Hanging Rock Summit Walk

Etched into folklore, few places in Australia carry as much mystique as Hanging Rock. Rising dramatically from the plains near Woodend, this volcanic mamelon offers a beautiful nature walk. The walk begins at a gentle pace, weaving through shaded woodland before it gets a little steeper as the path starts to climb and twist to the summit. From here, you’ll have views that stretch across the Macedon Ranges. The walk is roughly 1.8 kilometres return, but the real reward lies in standing among the weathered boulders, feeling the age and energy of the earth beneath your feet.

2. Macedon Ranges Walking Trail

Macedon Ranges Walking Trail camel's hump lookout — Walk to Camel’s Hump. (Image: Clair Derwort)

The Macedon Ranges Walking Trail traverses around 19 kilometres of forest and mountain landscapes. The full trail is a six-hour circuit, with most of the walk being a grade three; however, you don’t have to tackle it all at once. There are shorter walks that will take you through the tall mountain ash forests, to tranquil picnic areas, and sweeping views from Camels Hump and the Memorial Cross. The best times of year to head out are autumn, when the mountain turns into a tapestry of crimson and gold, and spring, when wildflowers brighten the trail.

3. Mount Alexander Traverse

Towering above the goldfields near Castlemaine, Mount Alexander is a granite giant that offers some great bushwalking trails. The Mount Alexander Traverse winds along the mountain’s rocky spine through dry eucalypt forest that opens up in sections to reveal beautiful panoramas across Loddon Valley and all the way to the distant Grampians. Once a site of ancient volcanic activity (and later a gathering place for the Dja Dja Wurrung people), the mountain’s granite tors are now quiet and create a beautiful, serene atmosphere for a moment of reflection while walking.

4. Murmuring Walk

Murmuring Walk daylesford hikes — Circle the picturesque Sanatorium Lake.

Located an easy drive from Daylesford, Murmuring Walk offers something a little different. Circling Sanatorium Lake, this free audio-guided walk aims to immerse you in the rhythms of Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country by blending the sounds of nature with a multi-layered soundtrack. There are two routes to explore while you listen: a shorter loop around the lake itself and a longer circuit that extends deeper into the woodland.

5. La Gerche Forest Walk

Located in Creswick, the La Gerche Forest Walk honours the legacy of John La Gerche, a 19th-century forester who championed the regeneration of the then gold-rush-ravaged land. Today, over 100 years later, his replanting efforts have grown into a living cathedral of towering pines, oaks, and native gums. As you meander along the 2.2-kilometre circuit, you’ll find interpretive panels along the way that help tell the story of La Gerche’s vision, so you can learn as you wander.

6. Sailors Falls Loop

Just outside Daylesford, Sailors Falls tumbles through a fern-lined gorge, fed by mineral springs. Thought to be named after the sailors who jumped ship to seek gold in the area during the 1850s gold rush, the loop walk begins at the car park and descends through a cool, shaded gully to the base of the falls. From here, you’ll make the climb back via the mineral springs. It’s a short but enchanting walk – about 1.5 kilometres in total, so make a day of it by packing a picnic to sit by the springs; you’ll feel worlds away from the city.

7. Paddys Ranges Loop Walk

Further north, the Paddys Ranges State Park loop reveals a different side of Victoria’s Heartland – dry forest, golden light and hints of a gold-rush past. This protected reserve is a stronghold of box-ironbark woodland, providing vital refuge for endangered species. In spring, the forest floor is awash with the colour of over 230 species of wildflowers, so a springtime walk is a must-do. As you walk the 4.5-kilometre loop trail, keep an eye out for remnants of old mine shafts and rusted relics from the prospectors who once sought their fortunes here.

8. Mount Franklin Summit Walk

An extinct volcano turned picnic ground, Mount Franklin (known as Lalgambook to the Dja Dja Wurrung people) is one of the region’s quiet marvels. The summit walk follows a narrow, winding path through native forest to the crater’s rim, where you’ll get glimpses of farmland and forest below. It’s a moderate climb – just over an hour return, so it can easily be done if you’re camping in the surrounding reserve for a weekend nature retreat.

The trails of Victoria’s Heartland offer a chance to reconnect with the landscape, local history and yourself. Start planning your next adventure at daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au.