A luxe new hot springs and spa destination is opening in Phillip Island
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20.06.2022

A luxe new hot springs and spa destination is opening in Phillip Island

Hot springs are coming to Phillip Island in March 2023 - complete with bathing pools, salt treatments, cave pools and a swim-up wellness bar serving vitamin cocktails.

There’s nothing quite as luxe and relaxing as soaking in blissful hot water amongst some of the most stunning views. For centuries, these mineral-rich waters (AKA hot springs) have either gathered naturally into pools or have been channelled into man-made spas, both options providing therapeutic and medicinal benefits—and some good old-fashioned relaxation.

While we’re blessed with a number of hot and mineral spring havens in Victoria, we’re about to another one with the Phillip Island Hot Springs project in Phillip Island.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.

The hot springs will be set in Newhaven, next to The Cape Kitchen waterfront restaurant. This project was originally meant to open in February 2022, but has since been pushed back to opening some time in 2023.

Original plans for the project involved over 45 bathing pools of varying sizes from small ankle-deep podiatry wading areas through to relaxation pools able to sit 10 people, day spas, treatment rooms and facilities, all within a stunning landscaped setting on the 130-acre property.

Now the Phillip Island Hot Springs has just received a huge funding boost with the updated plans of the project finally unveiled.

The Hot Springs will receive $4.7 million boost from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund will help expand the original Phillip Island Hot Springs development, with seven new pools added to the main bathing area, nestled amongst the natural landscape.

The Victorian government also announced an additional $500, 000 investment to support the project under the Enabling Tourism Fund.. Funding will go towards the planning stage for the development of the Cape Woolamai Lodge and hot springs. An additional three thermal pools will be constructed next to the Cape Kitchen restaurant, and feature sweeping views over Bass Strait. Meanwhile, the restaurant will be transformed into a dining lounge, seating up to 100 guests.

The expansion is expected to create 35 jobs during construction and 68 full-time and indirect jobs when it’s completed in 2023, earmarked for a March opening date.

“Bass Coast is a stunning destination that needs new experiences, new offerings, and this wellness project does just that — all year round, immersed in nature, all about health and wellbeing and great boost for our local economy that supports local jobs too,” said Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale.

With the intention to provide a substantial boost to the local economy, this project is premised on a vision to promote relaxation, health and wellness within a spectacular coastal environment. Inspiration for the project by Phillip Island Hot Springs owners Mark and Jodie Vogt has come from their travels all over the world, bringing the best bits of Germany, Turkey, Iceland and Japan to Phillip Island.

Overall, the project includes an apothecary, large bathing pools, salt treatment, a cave pool, misted walkways, scented pools, a whirl pool, a cafe, and a pool for kids (with added dinosaur digs and sandpit areas). According to the Herald Sun, the main lagoon will include bubble beds and a swim-up wellness bar serving vitamin cocktails.

Eventually the site – which will be fully accessible – will also include a lodge for overnight accomodation and sea-water bathing pools.

The hot springs is expected to attract 73, 000 new visitors to Phillip Island in its first year, and contribute over $4.7 million to the local economy.

You can read the Vic gov’s announcement here