When it comes to Victorian Bucket List destinations, Mornington Peninsula’s Peninsula Hot Springs with kids needs to be on the list. We head to the Hot Springs in the summer of 2020 and quickly decided that it was one of our favourite Victorian experiences.
Thank you to Peninsula Hot Springs for hosting our visit. All opinions are our own.
Image via Peninsula Hot Springs
Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs with Kids Overview
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The Peninsula Hot Springs in Mornington is an amazing natural hot spring and day spa destination that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With natural thermal mineral waters flowing into and through the pools and private baths, this idyllic setting is perfect for both relaxation and rejuvenation. Put it on your list!
Benefits of Geothermal Mineral Springs
Throughout history and across numerous cultures, bathing in geothermal mineral springs has been a place of healing. When we visited Hells Gate Rotorua with the kids we learned that their pools were used to cleanse warriors after battle, and to heal. Here in Australia, the stories are similar with First Nation Australian’s considering them power spots in nature.
In modern times, scientific studies have confirmed the therapeutic nature of Geothermal Mineral Springs. Not being a doctor or currently conducting research ourselves, we can’t verify if the Peninsula’s Hot Springs will be beneficial to your health but for us we found that it leached out our stress, helped us sleep better and my skin has been glowing ever since!
Peninsula Hot Springs Areas for Kids
We highly recommend that you arrive before 10.00 am so you can access the stunning hilltop pool with its incredible panoramic views across the Mornington Peninsula. We arrived a little bit later and sadly missed this opportunity as it closes after this time for children under the age of 16 years old. However, there are a range of other spots you can visit with the whole family during your visit.
Family Bathing Area
The Family Bathing Area is a great space for families with young children. The water here is shallow and the pools are not as hot as other spaces. Around the pool are some baby baths and half wine barrels to sit in. We loved the big double swing beds as well as the proximity to both the change rooms and cafe.
Cave Pool
The Cave Pool was one of my favourite areas. The cave itself has a wondrous echo, whilst the pool leading into it has two large shelf-like spaces which can accommodate 2-3 people to lay flat and enjoy the water.
Reflexology Walk
The Reflexology Walk was one of Sunshine’s favourite spaces but an area I found really tricky to navigate. The pathway, which is immersed in water, is made up of different stones that provide a different sensation on your feet as you trek past them. There are 10 different sections in all, designed to massage various pressure points on your feet and promote wellness for your whole body and mind.
I discovered that my feet are super sensitive to most of the stones, whereas the kids loved it!
Hamam (Turkish Steam Bath)
Having only seen the Hamam or Turkish Steam Bath in movies and documentaries, I was interested to try this one out on our visit. I thought it was just another name for a sauna, but realised on entry that it is a little different.
So what is a Hamam? Traditionally, the Hamam was a room for cleansing, detoxification and relaxation. Within the space, not only would you relax but engage in a process of cleansing which included heating, scrubbing, massaging, lathering and rinsing. Instructions on how to use the Hamam are here.
We simply sat in the space on the marble benches, occasionally pouring water over ourselves as we enjoyed the steam and humidity. My recommendation is not to stay too long in the Hamam with kids and make sure you drink a lot of water!
Swedish Sauna
The Swedish sauna is typically the first type of sauna people experience. Dryer than the Hamam and featuring wood, the purpose of the Swedish sauna is to make you sweat out every possible sin and toxin from your body. In between sessions you should utilise the cold plunge pool, something I find really tricky!
Cold Plunge Pools
I’ve been asking myself why cold plunge pools? since we left the Peninsula Hot Springs as both Sunshine and Striker loved them, whilst I found the deplorable. I had to find out why it would be so appealing and discovered that the movement between hot and cold, cold and hot, can actually have numerous benefits.
“When you hop into cold, the blood rushes towards the core of the body,” explains Peninsula Hot Springs Wellness Director, Brook Ramage. “So you get this flushing through the vital organs of the body – starting with the extremities.”
There are scattering of cold plunge pools around the Peninsula Hot Spring to enjoy – or avoid!
Massaging Thermal Mineral Showers
In the same area as the Swedish Sauna and Hamam you will find Massaging Thermal Mineral Showers. There are around 4 different showers, each with a different head but all warm. I ran to these after each dip in the cold plunge pool.
Foot Pools
The foot pools are the first hot springs you will come across when entering the Peninsula Hot Springs. One is inside, so covered, and the others are just outside the change rooms. They are hot, relaxing and a great place to sit and chat, although I prefer the nearby pools that you can sit in.
Tips for visiting the Peninsula Hot Springs with Kids
The Peninsula Hot Springs in the Mornington Peninsula are a must visit location if you are heading to the area with the kids. We had so much fun and we noted that every other family around us, from those with toddlers right through to those like us with tweens and teens, were having an incredible time too.
But what tips should families consider when visiting the Peninsula Hot Springs with kids to ensure the day goes well?
Arrive Early
This is something we did not do and regretted it once we realised that the Hilltop pools are only accessible until 10.00 am. After that time, access to the Hilltop pool is for those 16+. Ths Spa Dreaming Centre is also only accessible to those over 16 <insert pout>
Grab a Freedom Wristband
The Freedom Wristband provides a cardless cash system during your visit so you don’t need to keep going to your locker for your wallet. You can load the wristband at anytime using card or cash. It can then be used to access your locker, purchase food and drink from the cafe, or purchase other items. The best thing, the unused funds are refunded at reception on your departure!
Hire Robes
Initially I was reluctant to spend the $12.00 on robe hire, but once I realised that the kids would want to move between the pools quite frequently I invested in one for each of us. I would do the same again.
The positive of the robes is that they keep you warm between pools and mop up the water as well. One problem is keeping tabs on your robe as everyone else is wearing the same style and hanging them close together.
BYO
We were somewhat prepared, taking along our bathers, towels and thongs. I wouldn’t bother taking a robe as we are travelling, but would suggest this for locals.
If When we return I will be taking a small esky of water along with us as well and noted that many families had brought snacks along too. It is important not to eat near the pools, and only bring water pool side. There are drinking fountains around the hot springs, but icy cold drinks from the esky would be my bet.
Utilise the Lockers
Whilst there are pigeon-hole type space to keep your bags, we paid the $3.00 to grab a locker. Lockers are accessed by a wristband and can be opened and locked at will throughout your visit. They are large enough to fit a backpack, shoes and clothing for a family of four.
If You Forget Something Don’t Panic!
The Peninsula Hot Springs are well resourced for families. There are highchairs, you can hire towels, there are aqua nappies available for purchase, and there are even bathing suits available to buy too.
Book Ahead
A few people have told us stories of missing out on attending the Peninsula Hot Springs as they didnt book in advance and the hot springs were full. As such, we suggest booking if attending in peak times. Use the online system rather than the phone service which attracts a fee.
Peninsula Hot Springs Prices
For families wishing to explore the Peninsula Hot Springs, the Bath House will be the experience to book.
This is the current pricing list as of January 2020
Peninsula Hot Springs Hours
The Peninsula Hot Springs is open every day of the week. The Bath House is open 7:00am to 10:00pm daily.
The Bath House Café is open:
Sunday to Wednesday: 7:30am to 8:00pm
Thursday to Saturday: 7:30am to 9:00pm
School holidays: 7:30am to 9:00pm
The Bath House Amphitheatre Café is open on weekends and school holidays from 11:00am to 5:00pm,
Dawn until dusk daily
Getting to the Peninsula Hot Springs
Mornington Peninsula’s Peninsula Hot Springs is located around 90 minutes south of Sydney.
By Car
The Peninsula Hot Springs is located at 140 Springs Lane, Fingal. It takes approximately 90 minutes by car from Melbourne
By Public Transport
Public transport options are minimal to Peninsula Hot Springs. If traveling from Melbourne:
- board a Frankston line train to Frankston,
- then take the No 788 bus to Rye,
- where you can call a taxi or Uber.
By Taxi
Whether travelling from our local surrounding areas or coming from Melbourne, there are various chauffeured options by taxi or Uber to travel at your convenience.
Peninsula Hot Springs – Further Information
If you would like further information, head to the Peninsula Hot Springs website
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