Do the new sleep rooms at Peninsula Hot Springs Eco Lodge help?

Known for its tranquil springs, the new Peninsula Hot Springs Eco Lodge now offers a sanctuary for sleep. But did it help this restless sleeper find the ultimate night’s rest?

The Peninsula Hot Springs on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has long been a beloved escape for Melburnians, where therapeutic geothermal water invites visitors to unwind. While rest and rejuvenation have always been at the heart of the hot springs, the launch of the luxurious Eco Lodges this Saturday, November 9, brings a new emphasis on restorative sleep. I was invited to spend a weekend in the Peninsula Hot Springs Eco Lodge Peninsula Suite. As a notoriously poor sleeper, I was eager to see if this new sanctuary could genuinely deliver on its promise of restful sleep.

The quest for rest

Inside the new Peninsula Hot Springs Eco Lodge Spring Room — Guests can sink into luxurious linens or relax on the daybed.

We all know how essential quality sleep is. So much so that some hotels now market themselves as “sleep hotels", offering sleep-enhancing amenities once you’ve slipped into your PJs. But at Peninsula Hot Springs, my journey to restful sleep begins when I arrive. The Wellness Centre staff greet me warmly, their slow, soothing tone creating a subtle shift toward slowing down. Their calmness is contagious, and my usual brisk walk eases to an unhurried pace as I head to my suite.

Inside the sleep suite

Eco Lodge Peninsula Hot Springs lounge room — The spacious Peninsula Lodge boasts a lounge room, dining room, and kitchenette.

The suite has everything needed for a restorative getaway: a large master bedroom with windows that look out over wetlands, a well-appointed kitchen, comfy sofas and a private geothermal hot pool outside – a detail that thrills me. As someone who could happily soak in a bath all day if only the water didn’t go cold, having my own private hot pool feels like pure luxury. But will it help my sleep? I remain unconvinced.

The suite’s technology is tailored for rest, with features like circadian lighting that transitions from bright white by day to a warm evening glow, then dims to darkness for sleep. I appreciated the concept, even after accidentally overriding it. At the touch of an iPad, I can access a calming playlist, a Yin Yoga class, and breathwork guides to unwind.

Eco Lodge Peninsula Hot Springs bathroom — The bathroom features a double vanity and underfloor heating powered by geothermal water.

The concierge is available for an added luxury touch, and the wellness team suggests champagne and a cheese board, allowing me to relax by my private pool without needing to venture into the shared areas.

Of course, as anyone would expect, a thoughtfully curated sleep pack includes neuroscience-inspired tips to optimise rest. The pack offers a room spray, mineral magnesium mist, eye masks, organic sleep tea, and bath salts to help build a soothing pre-sleep routine. For light sleepers like me, earplugs are also tucked away in the bathroom drawers—a considerate touch.

The relaxation routine

Spa Dreaming Centre Restaurant at peninsula hot springs — Dining in a bathrobe is almost the best part.

I spend the afternoon drifting between my private sanctuary and the pools in the shared areas, all surrounded by Coastal Tea Trees, Moonah, and Drooping Sheoaks. A night in the Eco Lodge includes a choice of a wellness activity. I choose a Body Clay Ritual, where I paint detoxifying clays over my body, a playful yet grounding experience.

I dress for dinner at the Spa Dreaming Centre, and to my surprise, most guests are still in their bathers and bath robes —a humorous sight in such a refined restaurant. Next time, I’ll join them. My welcome pack in the suite encourages me to choose tryptophan-rich foods like chicken, salmon, or legumes, all known to promote better sleep. I chose the Nourish Bowl; roasted chicken, roasted, pureed, sautéed, and pickled vegetables – the perfect pre-sleep meal and absolutely delicious!

The evening wind-down experience

Eco Lodge Peninsula Hot Springs private hot springs pool — Bathe in your private geothermal pool until 11 pm (you may even be visited by the local ducks).

As the night settles, I eagerly await the moment of truth. Would the tranquillity of the Eco Lodge be enough to quiet my mind and deliver a good night’s sleep? There’d been mention of local frogs serenading guests all through the night, and as a light sleeper, I am worried the sounds of nature might be a bit loud. But they end up only being a gentle background hum. I hear no artificial sounds.

I am also a little concerned that my eagerness to try out all the in-suite wind-down experiences might leave me buzzing with excitement, but my worries are unfounded. After a whole afternoon of bathing, my mind naturally drifts toward rest. Following an after-dinner dip in my private pool, I have a soothing tea, listen briefly to a breathwork session, and switch off the lights.

It would be unreasonable to assume that, after years of waking through the night, I would suddenly sleep through. I do wake up a few times, but I notice a calm awareness rather than the usual busy mind. I easily drift back off to sleep.

Verdict: A dream come true?

eninsula Hot Springs hilltop pool — Soak in the geothermal waters, then return to your private Eco Lodge.

As a self-proclaimed shocking sleeper, the pressure to sleep well was real. Did the Eco Lodge live up to its promise? Yes, but not only in the traditional sense. In a world where sleep can feel like a luxury, this Mornington Peninsula weekend offered me something so much more – the rare gift of meaningful rest. It was a rest woven through every part of the experience, reaching far beyond just sleep itself. But yes, my sleep was wonderful, too!

Details

The Eco Lodges can be booked for groups or individuals.
Packages for two people include unlimited bathing, one wellness activity and breakfast starting at $930

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.

I’m a bad sleeper! Do Peninsula Hot Springs’ new ‘sleep suites’ help?