Metung Hot Springs, Australia

What it is

Metung Hot Springs is a purpose-built geothermal bathing and wellness site on the edge of the Gippsland Lakes, set on a rise just outside Metung village. It’s not a single “spring” you find in the bush. Think designed pools and bathing areas across a landscaped property, with a mix of open-air and sheltered soaking spaces and a day spa on-site. The draw here is the setting, you soak with long views over the lakes and coastal scrub, and you can move between different temperatures and styles of pools depending on what’s open on the day.

Facilities and what you actually do

Expect change rooms, lockers, food options, and clearly managed entry sessions. Families are welcome in the general bathing areas, with some wellness facilities reserved for older guests. If you want quiet, aim for times that are less popular, weekends and holiday periods can feel busy. This is a good pick if you want hot-spring style bathing without rough roads, and you like having amenities close by.

What makes it distinct

In Australia, many geothermal experiences sit inland or in big complexes near capital cities. Metung feels more like a regional coastal retreat. The lakes backdrop changes the mood, and the site is close to small-town dining, walking trails, and easy East Gippsland side trips.

Where it is

Metung Hot Springs sits just outside Metung in East Gippsland, Victoria, a short drive from the village and within reach of Bairnsdale for fuel, groceries, and supplies. The approach is straightforward by sealed roads, with the last stretch feeling semi-rural rather than remote. If you’re touring the region, it pairs easily with Lakes Entrance, Raymond Island, and the Gippsland Lakes shoreline.

Getting there and parking

Arrive by car and follow on-site signage for parking and check-in. Because this is a managed venue, you’ll want to plan around your booked session or planned arrival window. If you’re travelling on summer weekends or during school holidays, build in buffer time for traffic and a slower check-in flow. Bring a water bottle and something warm for the walk between pools in cooler months.

What to pack and seasonal notes

Pack swimwear, a towel (or confirm hire options before you go), sandals for wet paths, and a light layer for after-soak wind. Sun protection matters in open areas. In winter the contrast can feel great, but you’ll appreciate a robe or warm jumper for breaks. In hot weather, pacing is key, shorter soaks with cooling breaks usually feel better than trying to “push through” long sessions.

Who it suits best

This is a solid choice for travellers who want geothermal bathing with amenities, predictable access, and a scenic setting. Couples and friend groups do well here because you can spread out and try different areas at your own pace. Families are welcome in the general bathing experiences, including young children, but it goes best when adults keep an eye on hydration and take regular breaks. Some facilities, like saunas and spa areas, can be age-restricted, so check what your group can access before you promise anyone a sauna day.

Mobility and access realities

The venue is marketed as having disabled access available, but hot-springs-style bathing often involves steps into pools and uneven wet surfaces. Even when paths are smooth, pool entry can be the limiting factor. If you use a wheelchair or have balance concerns, contact the venue ahead of time and ask which pools have step-free or supported entry, and what staff can and cannot assist with. On-site seating helps for rest breaks, but distances between areas can still add up over a long session.

Expectations vs reality

Because it’s a built facility, you won’t get the wild, riverside feel you find in the Northern Territory. What you get instead is comfort: change rooms, clear boundaries, and a warmer experience in cooler weather. If you want a short, low-effort soak while travelling East Gippsland, it fits nicely.

Heat, hydration, and pacing

Geothermal bathing can sneak up on you. Start with shorter soaks, especially if you’re new to hot pools, and drink water between rounds. If you feel lightheaded, get out early, cool down slowly, and sit somewhere shaded or sheltered. Kids often overheat faster than adults, so build in breaks and don’t treat it like a marathon session.

Moving around safely

Wet paths and pool edges are slippery even when they look grippy. Walk, do not rush. Sandals help, but choose something with traction. Keep phones and glass away from wet areas. If you’re visiting in cooler months, plan for wind chill when you step out, a robe or towel wrap makes the transition easier.

Sharing space

These pools work best with quiet voices and steady flow. If a pool is small or popular, keep your soak time reasonable and let others cycle through. Rinse off if showers are provided, and avoid heavy lotions before bathing. For families, the kind move is using calmer areas and keeping splashing to a minimum when others are clearly there to relax.

Health cautions without drama

If you’re pregnant, have heart conditions, or are sensitive to heat, ask your clinician what’s sensible for you. When in doubt, keep soaks short and stick to moderate temperatures.

Do I need to book, or can I walk in?

This is a managed venue, so booking ahead is the safer plan, especially on weekends and in school holidays. If you arrive without a booking, you may need to wait for capacity.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes. Entry is paid, and pricing can vary by session type and timing. Check the official site for current rates and what each option includes.

Is it family friendly?

Yes. Children, including infants, are allowed in the general bathing experiences, with supervision required. Some areas like saunas or day spa spaces can be restricted to older guests.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Some access features are available, but pool entry often involves steps. Contact the venue before you go and ask which pools have the easiest access and what support equipment is available.