Regional day trips, Melbourne

Geothermal mineral hot springs sanctuary on the Warrnambool foreshore, with open-air rock pools, sensory caves and cascading thermal waterfalls. Bathing runs in two-hour sessions from 7am, with daytime sessions open to ages 5 and over and evening sessions from 5pm limited to 16 and over. A separate indoor bathhouse and day spa is entered via Pertobe Road.

Historic mineral bathhouse in the Mineral Springs Reserve at Hepburn Springs, using local mineral water.

Geothermal hot springs above the Gippsland Lakes at Metung, drawing water from a well 500 metres below ground that reaches 45°C at the source. Revive Bathing is an all-day, self-guided pass across the Bathing Ridge, Lagoon Precinct and Hilltop areas. Children under 15 must be with an adult, while the saunas and day spa are for guests 16 and over. Open daily.

Private mineral bathing venue at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges in Montrose. Outdoor packages give exclusive use of a Japanese cedar hot tub or rock pool in a walled garden, with water at 37 to 39°C, for 50, 80 or 120 minutes, swimwear optional. There is also an indoor Roman-style bathhouse, plus massage and dining packages. Outdoor bathing runs Thursday to Monday.