Hot Springs in NSW: Discover 5 Natural Wonders

Although beaches and waterfalls fall to the wayside during winter, there's still a way you can have some serious aqua fun: by visiting some hot springs. NSW is full of gloriously warm hot springs (or thermal pools if we want to get technical!), and they're all open for you to enjoy a hot steam or swim. 

Warm, beautiful, relaxing, and totally Instagram-worthy, these hot springs in NSW are worth adding to the family holiday agenda or a romantic weekend away for two.

How are NSW's Hot Springs Heated?

Before we dive into the locations, you might be curious as to how hot springs actually get hot... There's actually a fascinating natural story behind many of NSW's hot thermal pools.

Several of the state's best-known hot springs — including those in Moree, Lightning Ridge, Burren Junction and Walgett — are fed by the vast Great Artesian Basin, one of the world's largest underground water systems stretching beneath inland eastern Australia. As groundwater travels deep below the surface, it's naturally warmed by the Earth before rising through artesian bores, sometimes emerging at soothing temperatures of around 40-50°C. While not every thermal pool in NSW is connected to the Basin, many inland thermal baths owe their comforting warmth to this remarkable underground source, adding a touch of natural wonder to your family hot springs adventure!

Hot Springs in NSW: Discover 5 Natural Wonders

1. Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool

 

Located within Kosciuszko National Park, the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool is a natural spring-fed pool that gently flows like a waterfall into a children's wading pool.

Fed by a spring around one kilometre below the surface, Yarrangobilly Springs are mildly mineralised and stay a constant 27°C all year round. The Yarrangobilly Thermal Pool is accessible from the car park via a short 700-metre walk. It's steep, so keep it in mind if you are taking young children.

The hot spring measures about 20 metres long and 2.5 metres deep, and you can also explore bushwalks and enjoy a picnic in the nearby area.

Location: 50 Yarrangobilly Caves Road, Yarrangobilly
Distance from Sydney CBD: 5 hrs 21 minutes (491 km)

Opening hours: Pools are open year-round. The Visitors Centre is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and closed on Christmas Day
Entry costs: $4 per vehicle per day
Facilities: Picnic area, change rooms and toilets
Unique user experiences: Unlike most thermal pools, this one sits deep in a quiet snow gum valley, and you can witness steam flowing off the pool during winter.

2. Japanese Bath House, Blue Mountains

For the closest hot springs in NSW, get ready to get your soak on at this stunning Blue Mountains "Sparadise".

The outdoor hot spring at the Japanese Garden and Bathhouse (as well as its indoor spa) is fed by a natural underground hot spring and infused with an herbal blend for truly therapeutic steam without diminishing the experience's naturalness.

There are massages, treatments, a teahouse and even accommodation available at this stunning hot spring in NSW, so you can take in beautiful green mountains, breathe in the crisp air and warm your body in the natural waters.

Please note: Bookings are strongly recommended. Bathing bookings made on the day of your visit, whether online or at reception upon arrival, are subject to availability. Without a prior booking, admission may be denied if the venue is fully booked.

Location: 259 Sir Thomas Mitchell Drive, South Bowenfels
Distance from Sydney CBD: 2 hrs (142 km)

Opening hours: Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only — bookings required
Entry costs: Public Bath Session from $85-$110 per adult; Private Bath Hire from $140; Massage and spa treatments are extra and vary by service
Facilities: Indoor and outdoor mineral hot baths, cold plunge pools, steam room/sauna, toilets, change rooms, tea/refreshment areas
Unique user experiences: One of the only true Japanese bathhouse experiences in Australia. The water is naturally heated and mineral-infused. Soaking in hot pools surrounded by crisp Blue Mountains air.

3. Lightning Ridge Bore Baths

The water you'll swim in at the Bore Baths comes from the Great Artesian Basin and is about two million years old!

Sitting between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius, Lightning Ridge Bore Baths is known as one of - if not the top! - hot spring in NSW, and gives you that truly warm, steam-rising-from-the-pools-surface experience. Race you there!

Location: Pandora St, Lightning Ridge
Distance from Sydney CBD: 8 hrs 26 minutes (728 km)

Opening hours: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Entry costs: FREE entry — donations welcome
Facilities: Change rooms, showers, toilets, shaded seating areas, easy walk-in steps and railings, open-air setting (not a spa or resort)
Unique user experiences: True artesian bore water — Lightning Ridge is fed from the Great Artesian Basin, one of the largest underground water reservoirs in the world. Bathing at night — with almost no light pollution, you can relax in warm mineral water while under a starry night sky.

4. Burren Junction Bore Baths

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, head to the Burren Junction Bore Baths for a quiet, rural experience in nature's warming waters.

The Burren Junction Bore Baths are heated to a constant 41.5 degrees and are believed to relieve achy muscles. Camp at the nearby campground for $5 per night per vehicle, take a refreshing poolside shower if you dare, and enjoy the other amenities at this beautiful, family-friendly hot spring.

Please note: Burren Junction Bore Baths are usually closed for the summer months.

Location: Kamilaroi Highway, Burren Junction
Distance from Sydney CBD: 6 hrs 52 minutes (613 km)

Opening hours: Only open during winter from April to October (daily)
Entry costs: FREE entry
Facilities: Toilets, showers, BBQs, drinking water, camping area
Unique user experiences: There's camping on-site so you can set up your tent, campervan, or caravan and relax by the pool, cook on BBQs, and meet fellow travellers

5. Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Venturing further north, we arrive in Moree, known for its artesian springs.

The Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre's Artesian Wellness Bathing Centre is a haven of relaxation, boasting a range of pools with varying temperatures. Immerse yourself in the naturally-heated mineral waters, renowned for their therapeutic properties. The tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal getaway for unwinding and rejuvenation. The family-friendly aquatic facilities make it the ideal hot spring in NSW for families. 

Location: 20 Anne St, Moree
Distance from Sydney CBD: 7 hours (631 km)

Opening hours: Open daily from 6 am to 7 pm
Entry costs: General Pool Entry (non-thermal pools) $9 per adult and $7 per child; Artesian Thermal Pool from $28 per adult
Facilities: Olympic pool & leisure pools, indoor and outdoor bathing areas, private thermal baths (bookable), spa and wellness centre, sauna & steam room, massage and treatment rooms, change rooms, toilets, lockers, cafe/refreshments, accessible entry, family-friendly aquatic areas
Unique user experiences: Moree is one of Australia's most famous artesian spa towns. The pools are fed by mineral-rich artesian water from deep underground, long believed to help with muscle relaxation, joint and arthritis relief, and circulation and recovery.

Tips For Visiting NSW Thermal Pools

Hot springs are special places — both naturally and culturally — so a little care and etiquette go a long way in keeping them beautiful for everyone.

• Always follow local signage and stay on designated paths to help protect fragile environments and culturally sensitive areas.
• Many springs are naturally occurring; avoid using soaps, shampoos, or other chemicals in the water.
• Keep noise levels low to preserve the calm, relaxing atmosphere, and be mindful that some sites hold deep cultural significance for Aboriginal communities.
• Check water temperatures, supervise children closely, stay hydrated and take breaks, especially in hotter pools.

FAQS

Need help planning your hot springs getaway? Here are FAQs about visiting hot springs in NSW.

1. What is the cultural significance of artesian springs?

Many artesian springs across inland New South Wales hold deep cultural significance for Aboriginal peoples, who have lived with and cared for these landscapes for tens of thousands of years. Natural springs were vital sources of fresh water in often harsh inland environments and became important gathering places for travel, trade, storytelling and ceremony. In regions around Moree, Lightning Ridge and Walgett, Aboriginal communities traditionally used warm artesian waters for bathing, healing and social connection, recognising the springs as places of life and renewal. Today, these sites remain culturally important, and visiting respectfully — acknowledging Country and its Traditional Custodians — adds a deeper layer of meaning to any hot springs experience.

2. Are the springs suitable for children?

Absolutely! Many hot springs in NSW are family-friendly, particularly larger thermal pools and artesian bath complexes with managed temperatures and facilities. However, some pools can be quite hot (often 38-50°C), so children should always be supervised, limit soak time, stay hydrated and take cooling breaks. 

3. Are pets allowed?

Pet policies vary by location. Many managed facilities and public baths do not allow pets due to hygiene and safety regulations, while some outdoor or bushland springs may permit dogs on leashes in surrounding areas (but not in the water). Always check local rules before visiting and be mindful of wildlife and other visitors.

4. Are bookings required?

Yes. Larger complexes and those with spa facilities may require bookings on weekends, during school holidays, or during peak travel seasons. Smaller public artesian baths, however, often operate on a walk-in basis. If you're visiting during busy periods, booking ahead is recommended to avoid wait times.

5. Are the pools chlorinated or natural?

Many town-run artesian bathhouses use lightly treated or filtered mineral water to maintain hygiene, while some remote springs are more natural and untreated. Natural pools may differ from standard swimming pools, so check the conditions and follow any on-site health advice.

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