Photo by RN Tara (Berry Springs, NT)
3min read
Ever found yourself unable to leave your hot shower in the early winter morning?
You raise your hand to turn it off, but the thought of braving that chilly bathroom buys you another five-or-so minutes of steamy bliss. And soon enough, you start feeling like you could stay in there forever.
Well, you could, and be late for work, but why not take that thermal desire and use it as an opportunity for some travel while on contract? Rural Australia is lucky to have a great selection of meltingly warm, natural hot springs that you can indulge in across every state. It’s the ultimate answer for your days off and will give you a fantastic boost to your wellness as well!
Hot springs give you the one-two wellness punch of mineral-rich water (loads of health benefits!) and fantastic vantage points of rural Australia (limitless views during the day and heavenly starry vistas at night). It’s a holistic experience designed to nurture your body and mind, with some locations even providing saunas, steam rooms, and even cold plunge pools (if you dare).
So, if you’re planning on some future rural contract work, dip into our hot springs recommendations!
Queensland
Cunnamulla Hot Springs
Cunnamulla sits in the south-west region of Queensland, close to the NSW border. This hidden gem will give you everything: culture, adventure, history, natural beauty, and an enchanting hot spring. Enjoy seven open-air geothermal pools, one cold plunge pool, a sauna, and a steam room. $45 per adult.
Great if you’re on contract near: Cunnamulla, Charleville, Bourke (NSW)
Image credit: Peninsula Hot Springs Pty Ltd & Cunnamulla Hot Springs
Innot Hot Springs Caravan & Leisure Park
On the road in northern Queensland with your caravan or camping gear? The Innot Hot Springs also double as a (pet-friendly) caravan and leisure park for those who’d like to stay for a day or three. They offer six thermal pools, each at different temperatures for a soak that feels juuust right. Booking rates vary.
Great if you’re on contract near: Atherton, Cairns
Image credit: Innot Hot Springs Caravan & Leisure Park
New South Wales
Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Burren Junction, Pilliga, Goodooga
Ok, we cheated a little, because these ones are close to Cunnamulla, but on the other side of the state border. This area is such a literal hot spot that we can give you not one, but five popular picks.
These bore baths all draw from the Great Artesian Basin—and while the facilities themselves may seem basic—a simple soak is all you need to enjoy the limitless sky in this part of the country. Camping is available at the Burren Junction, Pilliga, and Goodooga bore baths. Entry to the baths is free.
Great if you’re on contract near: Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Moree, Bourke, Cunnamulla (QLD), Dirranbandi (QLD)
Image credit: Destination NSW
Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool
Mist mingles in the trees here in Kosciuszko National Park, rising from a domestic looking swimming pool smack-bang in a mountain forest just shy of the ACT border.
Combine your visit with a picnic and a river walk through the park or submerge yourself during the heart of winter with snow gently falling around you. $4 per vehicle per day for those without a day pass or National Parks & Wildlife Service annual pass.
Great if you’re on contract near: Batlow, Cooma, Wagga Wagga, Canberra (ACT)
Image credit: Destination NSW
Northern Territory
Bitter Springs
Don’t let the name turn you off! These natural thermal pools located in Elsey National Park come straight from the underground. Surrounded by tropical woodland, Bitter Springs will have you enraptured by nature—you may even see some wild baby turtles! $10-$60 per adult. Non-NT residents will require a Park Pass.
Great if you’re on contract near: Katherine
Image credit: Northern Territory Government of Australia
Berry Springs Nature Park
If you want a more temperate option, try the naturalist surrounds of Berry Springs just south of Darwin. Fed by a warm spring—not a hot one—these waters hover around a comfortable 28 degrees Celsius and are the perfect way to finish a bushwalk. History buffs will appreciate the World War II camp remains set up by the armed forces, and all other nurses and midwives will appreciate, obviously, the serenity. Free entry.
Great if you’re on contract near: Darwin, Katherine
Image credit: Tourism NT
Victoria
Deep Blue Hot Springs Sanctuary
Heading along the Great Ocean Road on your next contract in Victoria? Stop by Warrnambool and see why they call this place a sanctuary. You’ll have a hard time choosing between open-air bathing, mineral baths, sensory caves, aroma pools, a foot spa, a cold plunge pool and atmospheric twilight sessions. Tick them all off and you may just feel like a different person afterwards. From $33 per adult.
Great if you’re on contract near: Warrnambool, Portland, Melbourne
Image credit: Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs Warrnambool Instagram
Tasmania
Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
These caves dates back from over 40 million years ago, which some of us may feel like after one-too-many shifts. Only 90 minutes from Hobart, combine a relaxing mineral water plunge with a tour of the prehistoric Newdegate Cave. $5 per adult for thermal spring entry, $24 per adult for cave tour.
Great if you’re on contract near: Hobart
Image credit: Paleontour
See what else you can do during a picturesque Tasmanian winter
South Australia
Dalhousie Springs
Here the water line truly meets the horizon. Preserved by the Wangkangurru Indigenous people, you’ll want to experience these waters near sunset for full exposure to the outback’s splendour.
The springs are located in Witjira National Park, so if you ever find yourself camping near the country’s center, you owe it to yourself to pay a visit. Campground access from $25.80 per adult.
Great if you’re on contract near: Coober Pedy, Alice Springs (NT)
Image credit: TonyFeder
Western Australia
Zebedee Springs
A tranquil retreat hidden in the heart of a forest awaits you after a short walk through the El Questro wilderness. This one is highly recommended for the adventurous types; transportation to the track can be done by four-wheel driving, booking a transfer from Kununurra, or joining a guided tour. $11-$22 per person.
Great if you’re on contract near: Kununurra, Wyndham
Image credit: DNC Parks & Resorts at El Questro
Feeling warmer after reading this? Start thinking about dipping your toes into a rural placement with Affinity. We provide the widest range of roles as the largest travel nursing provider, so get in contact with us to see if your next experience will be out near these stunning locations. Remember: providing care to others is important, but so is providing care for yourself. A visit to a hot spring is just one of many ways you can attend to your mental and physical wellbeing while away from home.
So, keep that work life balance in check! Next time you find yourself out in the rural parts of the country this winter, or in the winters to come, treat your body and mind between contracts and seek out your little steamy oasis.
Oh, and be sure to send us some pics! Don’t forget to tag us on socials with #affinitynurses for a chance to be featured.
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