Hot Springs in NSW: The Best Thermal Pools & Bore Baths to Visit

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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!), for families to enjoy a hot steam or swim. 

The best hot springs in NSW include Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool, Japanese Bath House in the Blue Mountains, Lightning Ridge Bore Baths, Burren Junction Bore Baths and Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre. Some are free public bore baths, while others are bookable wellness-style thermal pools.

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.

Please note: Opening hours, prices and access can change seasonally, especially for public bore baths and council-run hot springs. Always check the official venue or council website before travelling.

Which NSW Hot Springs are Best For Kids?

Best for little kids: Yarrangobilly, which has a children's wading pool, though the walk is steep.
Best for a family road trip: Moree, which has aquatic facilities, pools, and amenities.
Best for older kids and teens: Japanese Bath House, which is more of a wellness experience and requires bookings.
Best free option: Lightning Ridge or Burren Junction
Best for camping families: Burren Junction or Pilliga

Best Hot Springs Closest to Sydney

Closest to Sydney: Japanese Bath House, Blue Mountains
Best natural thermal pool for a weekend from Sydney: Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool
Best longer road trip: Moree, Lightning Ridge or Burren Junction
 

1. Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool

 

Located within Kosciuszko National Park, the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool is a natural spring-fed pool that gently flows into a children's wading pool, making this one of the best hot springs for kids.

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.

6. Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths

Tucked away in the tiny outback town of Pilliga, these legendary bore baths are the kind of place you end up talking about long after the trip is over. With steaming, mineral-rich water, big open skies, and absolutely zero rush, it's just you, the kids and a seriously warm soak in the middle of nowhere.

The water at Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths sits at a toasty around 37°C, flowing straight from the Great Artesian Basin into a large open-air pool. It's warm enough to feel like a giant bath, but still comfortable for a proper splash, so kids can paddle while you sink into full relaxation mode.

What makes Pilliga especially great for families is how easy it is. It's free to visit, open most of the time, and right next to a basic campground, so you can roll in, set up, and let the kids burn off energy between dips. There's something pretty special about hopping into a warm pool as the sun sets, or even better, under a sky full of stars.

Facilities are simple (this is outback NSW, after all), but that's part of the charm. It's less about fancy change rooms and more about unplugging, slowing down and letting the kids experience something a little different.

Location: 85 Coonabarabran Rd, Pilliga NSW 2388
Distance from Sydney CBD: Around 6 hours 30 minutes (520 km)

Opening hours: Open daily, generally from dawn to dusk (hours may vary slightly, so it’s best to check locally before visiting)
Entry costs: Free
Facilities: Large open-air artesian bore bath, basic amenities, change rooms and toilets nearby, picnic areas, adjacent campground with powered and unpowered sites, caravan-friendly, plenty of open space for kids to roam
Unique user experiences: One of NSW's most iconic outback soaks, the Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths are fed by naturally heated mineral water from the Great Artesian Basin, sitting at a balmy ~37°C. Kids can splash while you unwind in seriously warm water, all surrounded by bushland and big country skies. Come at sunset or after dark for a next-level experience — soaking under a sky full of stars is hard to beat.

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. Are there natural hot springs in NSW?

Yes, but they're relatively rare. Most "hot springs" in NSW are actually artesian bore baths or thermal pools fed by naturally heated groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin. The closest thing to a true natural hot spring is the thermal pool at Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool, which is naturally heated and set amid beautiful bushland.

2. How are NSW's hot springs heated?

Did you know 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!

3. Are NSW hot springs suitable for kids?

Many are, but it depends on the location. Family-friendly options like Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre and Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool have facilities or spaces that work well for kids. Others, like Japanese Bath House, are more of a quiet, wellness-style experience and may have age restrictions or be better suited to older kids and teens. Always check individual venue rules before visiting.

4. Are hot springs safe for toddlers and babies?

Some hot springs can be suitable for toddlers and babies, but it really depends on the location and water temperature.

Many artesian pools sit at around 36-37°C, which can be quite warm for little bodies. For babies and toddlers, it's best to keep dips short, stay well hydrated, and take regular breaks out of the water to cool down. Always supervise closely, as these pools can be deep and don't always have designated shallow play areas.

Family-friendly spots like Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre and Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool are generally better options, as they offer more facilities and space for kids. More remote bore baths, such as Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths, are more basic and may be better suited to older children.

If you're visiting with a baby, it's always a good idea to check the venue's guidelines beforehand and follow general advice on warm-water exposure for young children.

5. Are hot springs in NSW free?

Some are completely free, especially public bathhouses in regional areas. Places like Burren Junction, Bore Baths, and Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths are free to use.

Others, such as the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre or the Japanese Bath House, charge entry fees or session fees.

6. Do you need to book to visit hot springs?

It depends on the location. Free public bore baths generally don't require bookings — you can just turn up. However, more structured experiences, such as Japanese Bath Houses or private thermal pools at larger centres, often require bookings, especially on weekends or during school holidays.

7. What is the difference between a hot spring, thermal pool and bore bath?

Hot spring: Naturally heated water that rises to the surface on its own (rare in NSW)

Thermal pool: A managed pool filled with naturally warm mineral water

Bore bath: Water pumped from deep underground (often from the Great Artesian Basin) and heated naturally before being channelled into pools

In NSW, most "hot springs" you visit are actually bore baths or thermal pools, rather than true natural springs.

8. Which NSW hot springs are open in winter?

Winter is actually the best time to visit. Most NSW hot springs and bore baths are open year-round, and the cooler weather makes the warm water even more appealing.

Popular winter options include Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre and Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths.

Just keep in mind that some outdoor bore baths may have reduced hours or seasonal closures, so it’s always worth checking ahead before you go.

9. 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.

10. 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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