spa information

Facility
Peninsula Hot Springs is the first natural hot springs & day spa centre in Victoria. Natural hot mineral waters flow into the thermal pools and private baths providing the idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. There are public baths which do not require any bookings and a private ‘Spa Dreaming Centre’ where it is possible to book a variety of treatments and private mineral baths. The Bathe Café, located within the centre, provides wonderful Mediterrasian cuisine to complement visits to the spa and for casual visitors. This new facility is set on a 17 hectare property in the middle of the rolling sandy hills of “The Cups” on the southern Mornington Peninsula, just an hour and a half from the Melbourne CBD.
 

Where does our water come from?
The hot mineral spring water that you bathe in comes from an underground aquifer 637 metres below ground level. The 50°C water rises under its own pressure through the bore to within 10 metres of the surface from where it is pumped to the pools.

Pool temperatures vary from 37°C to 43°C
 

What is in our water?
The water contains a range of naturally occurring minerals including sulphur, calcium, magnesium, potassium and many others.
The distinctive smell comes from the sulphur content.
A detailed analysis of the geothermal water was conducted by the Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences in New Zealand
(Download  our PDF document of the water analysis) (500K pdf)
The analyses were sent to the Mineral Water Association in Moscow and the Hot Spring Research Institute in Tokyo both of which confirmed they are ideal for healthy bathing and relaxation.
 

Pool hygiene
Coming from deep underground, the water is clean and perfectly suitable for bathing. The indoor baths are thoroughly cleaned and filled with fresh geothermal water before each use. The outdoor pools are operated on a continual flow through system that renews the entire pool supply at least every four hours. Each pool is fed directly from the aquifer, and operates independently from the others. Overnight all pools are emptied, cleaned, sterilized and refilled. In addition to all this, a small amount of antibacterial solution is used to ensure complete safety at all times.

What happens to the water when it leaves the pools?
We currently use around 130,000 litres of geothermal water per day. After use the water is pumped to the South East Water treatment plant and eventually out to sea. In the future we hope to invest in a re-injection bore, which will allow us to return the water, after filtration, to the subterranean aquifer. Note: The natural course of the deep thermal water is from the Selwyn Fault which runs along the Peninsula and out to the ocean in Bass Strait. The hot springs diverts a small amount of the total flow and after use in bathing returns it to the same place it was already heading.

Upper fresh water aquifer
Apart from our hot water supply from deep underground, we have a separate supply of fresh, cold spring water. This aquifer is just 10 metres under the ground, and we use the spring water for irrigation.

Landform
The hot springs site is situated in a unique geological area known as 'The Cups' which has distinctive round sand dunes with their characteristic conical mounds and bowl shaped hollows.

Vegetation
Prior to European settlement 'The Cups' was vegetated by park-like Moonah woodlands with open areas and a grassy floor with a few bushy shrubs. The woodland was dominated by drooping She-oak, with scattered trees of Moonah and Wirilda. Coast Banksia and Tea-tree were present in the depressions, which probably stayed moist most of the year.
When purchased in 1997, the land was predominantly covered with exotic pasture grasses and some regenerated Coast Tea-tree. Substantial regeneration has since occurred with the removal of livestock and weeds. Additionally over 20,000 indigenous plants have been planted.

Local aboriginal sites
'The Cups' was originally inhabited by the Bun Wurrung Balug clan, who harvested the abundant flora and fauna for a period of 6000 years. However, no artefacts have been identified on our sites.
 

General information

What should I wear?
The hot springs is a facility that is focused on providing a relaxed, casual and cheerful environment. While there is no dress code we do recommend comfortable clothing. Visitors enjoying spa treatments are provided with a robe and towel. As our slippers are not biodegradable, for environmental purposes we strongly recommend you bring a pair of thongs or slippers for the change rooms and around the springs.
Lockers are free of charge, and will be provided if available.
We do, however, reserve lockers for private clients.
Note that at peak times lockers are always in short supply.

What do I wear while bathing?
We request all bathers in the public pools to wear appropriate swimwear.
In the private pools and baths swimwear is optional.

What do I wear during my treatment?
Under garments are optional. Disposable briefs will be provided at your request. Maintaining your sense of dignity and wellbeing is of the utmost importance to us.
All of our therapists are trained to drape professionally to ensure your comfort and privacy at all times.

Valuables
Please leave jewellery and other items of value at home.
The sulphur in the water will tarnish jewellery so please do not wear jewellery during bathing.
 

Payments and conditions for bookings
Bookings are essential for all private bathing and spa treatments.
Peak times (weekends, public holidays and school holidays) are busy times at the hot springs, so please book well in advance at least 4-8 weeks.
Full payment or gift certificate number is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment.

• Cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to your booking will be fully refunded.
• Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to your booking will be charged 50% of the total payment.
• "No-Show" appointments will be charged the full payment.

Arriving late
Late arrival will unfortunately limit the time allocated for your treatment. As a courtesy to all clients we ask that you arrive with sufficient time to change and be ready for your treatment. Limited time will reduce the effectiveness and your enjoyment of the treatment.