The 7 best spas on the Great Ocean Road and Bellarine Peninsula

Relax, recharge and retreat from the daily grind at one of these boutique Great Ocean Road and Bellarine Peninsula spas.

From facials on bucolic country farms in the Otways to mineral-fed hot springs on the Shipwreck Coast, these are seven of the region’s best offerings.

1. Warilda Spa by Denise Pinot, Birregurra

The set-up at this Birregurra spa is a little bit special; picture a quaint whitewashed cottage in the heart of the Otways, surrounded by pine trees, farmland and fields, and you have Warilda Spa . Inside the cottage you’ll find exposed timber beams paired with sleek matte black fixtures and a minimalist design, with furnishings in muted neutral tones and a riot of textures. And no wonder: Denise may have started her career as a massage therapist in 2008, but she later added a qualification in interior design to her résumé.

House Exterior, Warilda Spa, Birregurra, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia — Picture a quaint whitewashed cottage surrounded by pine trees, farmland and fields. (Image: Great Ocean Road Tourism)

If you’re looking to hide away and seek out relaxation, this is the place. After all, there’s only space for two at this little countryside retreat, where you can indulge in a bathing ritual, a Shiatsu massage or a foot spa. You can even up the ante and book a night in an on-site cottage on the water, replete with freestanding outdoor tub and Denise’s keen eye for aesthetics inside.

Woman Bathing at Warilda Spa, Birregurra, Victoria, Australia — Indulge in a bathing ritual. (Image: Great Ocean Road Tourism)

2. Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs, Warrnambool

A wellness-focussed hotel that comprises not just a spa but hot springs to boot, you’ll find sanctuary at Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs on the state’s Shipwreck Coast. Wallow in the resort’s mineral-rich geothermal waters to soothe weary muscles and overactive minds.

Mantra Deep Blue Resort, Warrnambool, VIC Australia — A wellness-focused hotel that comprises not just a spa but hot springs to boot. (Image: Visit Victoria)

You’ll find a vast complex of open-air and cave bathing areas, waterfalls to bask under and deep freshwater plunge pools to jump into, as well as rockpools, hydrotherapy pools complete with 20 jets, sensorial caves with starlit ceilings and ambient piped music, and even a purpose-built salt room. Although the springs are the main attraction, there’s plenty more to entertain spa-goers: think an infrared sauna, indoor swimming pool, indoor bathhouse and a day spa.

Pool Area, Mantra Deep Blue Resort - Warrnambool, Geelong & The Bellarine Peninsula VIC Australia — The indoor swimming pool is also quite relaxing. (Image: Visit Victoria)

3. Saltair Day Spa, Torquay

The carefully curated spa menu at Saltair Day Spa isn’t the only thing that keeps loyal customers coming back for more: the dreamy setting, amid manicured gardens and water features, and overlooking a lush blanket of greenery, make it a destination to remember. Moreover, there’s a healthy number of reasonably priced packages on offer – from couples to prenatal pampering sessions – so you can make a day of it.

Saltair Day Spa, Torquay, VIC Australia — The carefully curated spa menu at Saltair Day Spa make it a destination to remember. (Image: Visit Victoria)

4. One Spa at RACV Torquay Resort

Flotation tanks, make-up services, scalp therapy, waxing, mani-pedis, body wraps; you name it, this Torquay spa probably offers it. Encyclopaedic treatment menu aside, One Spa at RACV Torquay Resort commands a bit of a niche in so-called ‘wet rooms’. Guests can laze away the day in a steam room, a thermal stone room (similar to a hammam) with heated stone walls, flooring and seats, or even a Lusar room, which includes steam, aroma infusion, mist sprays and showers, and a sensorial lighting and sound system. Once you’ve idled around to pruney perfection, soak up the restorative warmth of the sun’s rays on a leather lounger in the timber-lined Relaxation Lounge, cup of steaming herbal tea in hand.

Aerial shot, One Spa at RACV Torquay Resort, Great Ocean Road, VIC, Australia — One Spa at RACV Torquay Resort commands a bit of a niche in so-called ‘wet rooms’. (Image: Great Ocean Road Tourism)

5. Port Fairy Day Spa, Port Fairy

This boutique day spa hits the perfect pitch for Port Fairy, a historic, artsy and affluent village on Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. The therapists are known for their professionalism, friendliness and warm hospitality, so you’ll feel at ease from the minute you walk in the door. While Port Fairy Day Spa might be best known for the healing hands of its masseuses, there’s an array of different therapies on offer.

Room interior, Port Fairy Day Spa, VIC, Australia — This boutique day spa hits the perfect pitch for Port Fairy. (Image: Port Fairy Day Spa)

Those new to the enticing world of spas might want to dip their toes into the waters of treatments with the entry-level Indulge package, which includes a 15-minute scalp massage, 15-minute face massage, 15-minute foot massage, and either a sauna session, private spa bath session or cheese platter.

Reflection room with wine and platter, Port Fairy Day Spa, VIC, Australia — Indulge in some wine and cheese in their reflection room. (Image: Port Fairy Day Spa)

6. Lon Spa, Point Lonsdale

Tucked away behind windswept dunes on the very fringes of town, Lon Retreat exudes tranquillity right from the start. Set amid more than 80 hectares of rural and conservation land, this adults-only boutique hotel is the picture of serenity, with a spa to match.

Alto Interiors, Lon Spa, Geelong & The Bellarine, VIC, Australia — Lon Retreat exudes tranquillity right from the start. (Image: Visit Geelong & The Bellarine)

Lon Spa’s distinctive calling card is its warm mineral springs, which run beneath the farm from limestone caves and feed directly into its baths and heated indoor swimming pool. Each of the spa’s three treatment rooms feature mineral water-fed tubs, Vichy steam showers and calming coastal views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Further exploration reveals private gardens, sundecks and a sunroom.

Mineral Indoor Pool, Lon Spa, VIC, Australia — Lon Spa has warm mineral springs, which run beneath the farm from limestone caves and feed directly into its baths and heated indoor swimming pool.

Lon’s therapists anoint spa-goers exclusively with Subtle Energies, a homegrown skincare label based on principles of aromatherapy and Ayurveda, and there’s a select number of treatments to choose from, including scrubs, facials, massages and body masks. Draw out the indulgence with one of the spa’s packages and you can also add on a grazing platter and a bottle of local sparkling. Act with haste if you have a particular date in mind: this in-demand spa often books out up to a month in advance.

Private Beach, Lon Spa, Victoria, Australia — This in-demand spa often books out up to a month in advance.

7. Lux Spa & Wellness, Anglesea

This Great Ocean Road spa takes a holistic view of wellness, boasting a team of spa therapists and wellbeing consultants from a variety of disciplines who are ready to usher you into peak health. Beyond the spa’s more mainstream offerings, such as massages and mud wraps, guests at this Anglesea spa can dabble in treatments such as LED facials, cosmetic tattooing and infrared sauna sessions, as well taking a nutritional consult or trying out alternative therapies, such as reiki.

Facial Treatment, Lux Spa and Wellness Anglesea, Great Ocean Road, VIC, Australia — Guests can dabble in treatments and facials. (Image: Great Ocean Road Tourism)

Part of the Great Ocean Road Resort, Lux Spa & Wellness also runs multi-night all-inclusive retreats for those who are in need of a thorough recharge. There’s a multitude of options on offer, including postnatal, gut health, men’s health, couples getaways and plenty more.

Luxe Spa, Anglesea, Great Ocean Road, VIC, Australia — Lux Spa & Wellness also runs multi-night all-inclusive retreats for those who are in need of a thorough recharge. (Image: Great Ocean Road Tourism)

In recent years, Ballarat has emerged as one of Victoria’s most dynamic and daring cities. And, this spring, two unexpected creative showcases will take over the town.

No matter the season, it’s always a good time to visit Ballarat – but spring might be the most ideal. The weather is warmer, the skies are clearer, the flowers across its botanical landscapes are in bloom. And events in Ballarat transform the city into a playground of creativity.

This year, Ballarat will welcome both new and returning artistic events, best paired with a jaunt through the city’s eclectic array of things to eat, drink and explore. Here’s how to spend a spring weekend in this cool cultural hub.

The events

Two of the most exciting events hitting Ballarat this spring are the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale and the inaugural edition of Sunnyside, a captivating and immersive art extravaganza.

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply curious, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is a must. The event permeates the entire city, with works by over 360 local and international photographers adorning over 100 buildings, businesses, streets and public spaces.

This year marks the 11th chapter and will centre on ‘Lifeforce’ – a theme that’s all about humanity and connection. Among the many talents on show, the headline artist is Campbell Addy, a British-Ghanaian creative who explores roots and identity. Be sure to visit before it ends in 2025 on 19 October.

Sunnyside

Sunnyside is making its debut this year, introducing a brand-new celebration of colour, creativity and community to Ballarat. The 17-day celebration, from 6 to 23 November, will feature immersive installations and experiences, talks, a vibrant opening night gala, and workshops covering everything from crochet to neon block printing.

Internationally acclaimed London-based artist Morag Myerscough will lead the celebration and convert Ballarat’s historic Mining Exchange – a gold rush era trading hall – and the city’s streets into a multi-sensory art spectacle.

While you’re there

Don’t miss out on everything else Ballarat has to offer. Here’s where to eat, drink, see and stay in the city.

Where to eat

Vibrant Latin American dishes at Pancho, adding flavour to Events in Ballarat. — Savour bold Latin American dishes at Pancho. (Image: Einwick)

For daytime dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Johnny Alloo does contemporary cafe fare in a warm and inviting space, while Hydrant Food Hall is a popular pick for breakfast and lunch classics. Eclectic Tastes makes seasonal dishes that incorporate plenty of local produce, giving you a great opportunity to taste the region’s flavours.

At night, head to Roy Hammond for delicious cocktails and contemporary Asian-inspired eats or Pancho for vibrant (and very good) Latin American food in fun surrounds. At Hop Temple, you’ll find an incredible selection of craft beers (more than 200, to be exact) and punchy pub fare, or you can head slightly out of town for tasty bistro classics at the historic and character-filled Buninyong Hotel .

In the mood for something fancy? Visit one of Ballarat’s many hatted restaurants, like Babae (produce-driven fine dining inspired by regional Victoria), Mr Jones (modern Asian by a chef with a Michelin pedigree) and Underbar (an ultra-exclusive spot doing ultra-refined tasting menus).

Where to drink

Food and wine tastings at Blue Pyrenees Estate, a refined experience beyond Events in Ballarat. — Relax over wine at Blue Pyrenees Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria)

No matter your poison, you’ll find a venue to suit in Ballarat. Aunty Jacks is a local institution, serving a generous line-up of beers made in the on-site brewery. Renard is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap, with a menu that spans creative signature cocktails, locally produced wines and Australian spirits.

Try some of Ballarat’s finest creations at one of its many boutique distilleries, including Grainery Lane and Itinerant Spirits. The former specialises in gin and vodka, while the latter offers gin, vodka and craft whiskey. Buy a bottle from either as a memento of your trip.

You can also venture a little further afield to one of the area’s renowned wineries and cellar doors. There are 25 scattered around the Pyrenees (Ballarat’s very own surrounding wine region), including Dalwhinnie, Summerfield and Blue Pyrenees Estate. Eastern Peake – a family-owned winery led by Young Gun of Wine 2025, Owen Latta – is also a must-visit.

What to see

A koala eating eucalyptus leaves at Ballarat Wildlife Park. — Meet a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’ve got time to spare after the thrill of the spring festivities, there’s lots to see and do. More art can be found in the city’s streets and laneways, with local street artists transforming the walls with impressive murals and installations.

Ballarat is equally renowned for its heritage architecture, much of which flourished during the gold rush. Notable buildings include Ballarat Town Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Craig’s Royal Hotel, all located centrally and within walking distance of one another.

Travelling with kids? Head to Sovereign Hill for a living-history adventure or Ballarat Wildlife Park to meet koalas, reptiles and free-roaming kangaroos.

Where to stay

An elegant suite at Hotel Vera, offering boutique comfort. — Enjoy all-out luxury at Hotel Vera. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’re venturing to the city by train and want to stay somewhere central, Quest Ballarat Station is an excellent pick. The modern serviced apartments are situated just 250m from the station and a short stroll from downtown Ballarat, making coming, going and exploring the city incredibly easy. There’s also an on-site gym, barbecue area and accessible rooms available.

For a touch of French luxe in regional Victoria, The Provincial Hotel is a standout choice, with gorgeously appointed rooms and suites in a restored heritage-listed building. The hotel is also conveniently located on Lydiard Street, which is lined with grand historic architecture.

If you’re after something truly luxe, book a few nights at Hotel Vera. The exclusive collection of only seven suites presents all-out opulence: think lush linens, designer furniture, works by notable artists and gilded touches. It also happens to house fine-dining favourite Babae, making it an optimal stay if you’re keen to try the restaurant.

Getting there

aerial of hop lane in ballarat — Turn your Ballarat visit into a memorable weekend. (Image: Einwick)

One of the best things about Ballarat is its proximity to Melbourne. It’s only 90 minutes away by car – an easy journey down the Western Freeway – or can be easily reached by rail. The train from Southern Cross to Ballarat Station takes less than 90 minutes and drops you right in the centre of town.

Start planning your stay at visitballarat.com.au.