Metung Hot Springs Guide: Gippsland Lakes Geothermal Bathing in Victoria

Why Visit Metung Hot Springs?

Metung Hot Springs is worth visiting if you want a peaceful wellness experience in a natural lakeside setting. The appeal is the combination of warm geothermal water, outdoor pools, native landscaping, lake views and the slower rhythm of East Gippsland.

Unlike a standard day spa, Metung Hot Springs is built around bathing as the main experience. You can move between pools, pause in relaxation areas, try cold contrast bathing, book a spa treatment or stay overnight in glamping accommodation if you want a more complete retreat.

Metung Hot Springs is best for:

• Couples looking for a relaxing Gippsland getaway
• Travellers who enjoy hot springs, spas and wellness experiences
• Friends planning a calm weekend away from Melbourne
• Visitors exploring Lakes Entrance, Metung, Paynesville or Bairnsdale
• People wanting a gentle winter escape in Victoria
• Glamping travellers who like comfort with a nature-based setting
• Anyone looking for a slower alternative to beach or city sightseeing

Where Is Metung Hot Springs?

Metung Hot Springs is in Metung, a small lakeside village in East Gippsland, Victoria. The area is known for boating, fishing, lake views, coastal drives, seafood, birdlife and relaxed holiday stays.

From Melbourne, the official visitor information lists the drive as just under four hours from the CBD. Public transport is possible but less direct, usually involving V/Line travel to Bairnsdale, a coach connection and a taxi or local transfer to the hot springs.

What to Expect at Metung Hot Springs

Expect a calm outdoor bathing environment rather than a loud resort pool. The site is spread across natural terrain, with pools, pathways, decks, bathing areas and lake-facing outlooks. The experience is designed around relaxation, so it is best enjoyed slowly.

Metung Hot Springs generally operates with timed bookings. You should arrive early enough to park, check in, change and settle before your session. Bathing guests are usually expected to leave pools before closing so there is time to shower, dress and depart comfortably.

What you may find

• Geothermal bathing pools
• Bathing barrels with scenic outlooks
• Lagoon-style bathing areas
• Cold plunge or contrast bathing options
• Geothermal showers
• Relaxation areas and viewing spaces
• Day spa treatments
• Glamping accommodation
• Reception, amenities and food or drink options depending on current operations

What not to expect

• Do not expect a free public swimming pool.
• Do not expect to arrive without booking during busy periods.
• Do not expect every pool or service to be available at every time of day.
• Do not treat it like a noisy water park.
• Do not assume spa treatments or glamping are included in a basic bathing ticket.

Best Things to Do at Metung Hot Springs

1. Soak in the geothermal pools

The main reason to visit is the warm geothermal bathing experience. Move slowly between pools, rest between soaks and allow your body to adjust to the heat. This is especially enjoyable in cooler weather when the contrast between fresh air and warm water feels deeply relaxing.

2. Try the bathing barrels

The bathing barrels are one of the most photogenic parts of the experience. They suit couples, friends and travellers who want a more private-feeling soak with a strong sense of place.

3. Use contrast bathing carefully

Cold plunge and geothermal bathing can be invigorating when used sensibly. Move gradually, listen to your body and avoid pushing extremes, especially if you have heart, blood pressure, pregnancy or circulation concerns.

4. Book a spa treatment

For a fuller wellness day, pair bathing with a massage or spa treatment. Book ahead because treatment times can fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

5. Stay overnight in glamping accommodation

Metung Hot Springs offers a more immersive escape if you stay overnight. Glamping can turn a bathing session into a romantic weekend or slow wellness retreat rather than a quick day visit.

6. Enjoy the Gippsland Lakes outlook

The lake setting is a major part of the experience. Take time to pause, look across the water, enjoy the native landscaping and appreciate the quieter pace of East Gippsland.

7. Combine with Metung village

After bathing, head into Metung village for a walk, meal, coffee or lakeside view. The village is small, relaxed and well suited to a slow weekend itinerary.

Bathing Experiences at Metung Hot Springs

Metung Hot Springs offers a range of bathing experiences depending on the ticket, time of day and current facilities. The main appeal is the mineral-rich geothermal water, which emerges hot at the source before being managed for safe bathing temperatures.

Before booking, check exactly what your ticket includes. Some experiences may be timed separately, and extras such as spa treatments, glamping, food, robes or private bathing may not be part of a standard bathing entry.

Glamping and Overnight Stays

Staying at Metung Hot Springs can make the visit feel more like a retreat. The glamping accommodation is designed for travellers who want comfort, privacy and easy access to the hot springs setting without needing to rush back to another town after bathing.

An overnight stay is especially appealing for couples, anniversaries, birthdays, slow weekends and winter escapes. It also gives you more time to enjoy Metung village, the Gippsland Lakes and nearby coastal attractions.

Why stay overnight?

• You can enjoy the hot springs without a long same-day drive.
• The experience feels slower and more restorative.
• You can combine bathing, spa treatments and lakeside dining.
• It suits romantic weekends and special occasions.
• You can explore Metung and East Gippsland more comfortably.

If glamping is outside your budget, consider staying in Metung, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville or Bairnsdale and visiting the hot springs as a booked day session.

Things to Do Near Metung Hot Springs

Metung Village

Metung is a quiet lakeside village with marina views, cafés, restaurants, walking paths and a relaxed boating atmosphere. It is the easiest add-on before or after your hot springs session.

Gippsland Lakes

The Gippsland Lakes are one of Victoria’s most beautiful lake systems, offering boating, fishing, kayaking, birdwatching and waterfront scenery. Metung is one of the best bases for enjoying the lakes at a slower pace.

Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance is a popular coastal town known for beaches, fishing boats, seafood, lake cruises and access to Ninety Mile Beach. It pairs well with a Metung Hot Springs getaway.

Paynesville and Raymond Island

Paynesville is another lakeside town, and nearby Raymond Island is well known for koala spotting and gentle walking routes. It makes a good nature-focused day trip.

Bairnsdale

Bairnsdale is the main regional centre and a practical stop for supplies, transport, accommodation and dining. It is also the nearest major V/Line hub for many travellers using public transport.

Nyerimilang Heritage Park

Nyerimilang Heritage Park offers heritage buildings, gardens, walking tracks and elevated views over the Gippsland Lakes. It is a worthwhile gentle outing near Lakes Entrance.

Ninety Mile Beach

Ninety Mile Beach is a long, wild stretch of coastline ideal for beach walks, surf views and open coastal scenery. Swim only where conditions are safe and patrolled.

Suggested Metung Hot Springs Itinerary Ideas

Option 1: Simple Day Visit from Lakes Entrance

• Morning: Have breakfast in Lakes Entrance or Metung.
• Late morning: Arrive at Metung Hot Springs with time to park and check in.
• Midday: Enjoy a booked bathing session.
• Afternoon: Have lunch or coffee in Metung village.
• Late afternoon: Take a short lakeside walk before returning to your accommodation.

Option 2: Romantic Overnight Escape

• Day 1 afternoon: Drive to Metung and check into glamping or nearby accommodation.
• Day 1 evening: Enjoy a hot springs session or dinner in Metung.
• Day 2 morning: Book another soak, spa treatment or slow breakfast.
• Day 2 afternoon: Explore Lakes Entrance, Nyerimilang or Paynesville before heading home.

Option 3: Melbourne to Metung Weekend

• Friday: Drive from Melbourne to East Gippsland and stay in Metung, Lakes Entrance or Bairnsdale.
• Saturday: Visit Metung Hot Springs and spend the rest of the day around the lakes.
• Sunday: Explore Raymond Island, Lakes Entrance or Ninety Mile Beach before driving back.

Option 4: Wellness and Nature Day

• Morning: Visit Nyerimilang Heritage Park or take a gentle lake walk.
• Midday: Enjoy bathing at Metung Hot Springs.
• Afternoon: Book a spa treatment or relax in Metung village.
• Evening: Have a quiet dinner overlooking the lakes.

Option 5: East Gippsland Road Trip Stop

• Start: Travel through Bairnsdale or Lakes Entrance.
• Mid-route: Stop at Metung Hot Springs for a booked session.
• Continue: Stay overnight in Metung or continue toward Paynesville, Lakes Entrance or Orbost depending on your road trip route.

Useful Booking Resources for Metung Hot Springs and East Gippsland Travel

Metung Hot Springs should usually be booked directly or through official accommodation and experience channels, especially for bathing sessions, spa treatments and glamping. Travel platforms can also help with nearby accommodation, regional tours, car hire, transfers and broader Victoria itinerary planning. The suppliers below are useful places to compare travel products. Skimlinks may automatically convert these merchant links into affiliate links if the merchant is active in your Skimlinks account.

• GetYourGuide – offers tours, activities and attraction experiences in many destinations. It is useful for comparing Victoria day trips, Melbourne experiences and broader Australia travel add-ons where available.
• Viator – offers private tours, regional day trips, sightseeing experiences, transfers and customised travel options. It may be useful for Victoria road-trip planning or arranging broader Gippsland sightseeing.
• Klook – offers attraction tickets, local activities, transport products and travel passes in selected destinations. It is worth checking for Melbourne, Victoria and Australia travel products before or after a Gippsland trip.
• KKday – offers local tours, attraction tickets, transfers and regional experiences in many destinations. It may help travellers compare Australian activities and transport add-ons depending on current availability.
• Tiqets – offers mobile-friendly tickets for attractions, museums and landmarks. It is more useful for city-based sightseeing before or after East Gippsland than for the hot springs itself.
• Musement – offers city tours, attraction tickets, cultural activities and local experiences. It can help travellers compare Melbourne and broader Australia travel options before heading to Gippsland.
• G Adventures – offers small-group and multi-day adventure tours. It is best suited to travellers planning a broader Australia itinerary rather than a standalone Metung Hot Springs visit.
• Go City – offers bundled city attraction passes in selected destinations. It is not a main Metung Hot Springs booking option, but it can help readers planning multi-city stopovers before or after Australia.
• CityPASS – offers bundled attraction passes mainly for selected North American cities. It is not designed for Gippsland, but may suit readers planning a wider international trip.

Booking tip: Before booking Metung Hot Springs, check whether the price includes general bathing, premium bathing areas, bathing barrels, spa treatment, robe or towel hire, food, glamping, private bathing, cancellation rules, child access, accessibility support and exact session time. For weekends, school holidays and public holidays, book well in advance.

Metung Hot Springs Travel Tips

Book in advance

Advance bookings are recommended, and they are especially important for weekends, public holidays, school holidays, spa treatments and glamping stays.

Arrive early

Allow extra time to find the property, park, check in, change and start your session calmly. Arriving rushed works against the whole purpose of the experience.

Bring swimwear

You will need suitable swimwear for bathing. Also bring a change of clothes, hair tie, water bottle and any personal toiletries you prefer.

Check towel and robe inclusions

Do not assume towels, robes or lockers are included in every ticket. Check inclusions before booking or bring what you need.

Stay hydrated

Hot bathing can dehydrate you. Drink water before and after soaking, and take breaks between pools.

Use hot and cold bathing sensibly

Contrast bathing can feel refreshing, but it is not suitable for everyone. If you have heart, blood pressure, pregnancy, circulation or medical concerns, seek medical advice before using hot springs or cold plunge facilities.

Visit in cooler weather for atmosphere

Metung Hot Springs is enjoyable year-round, but autumn, winter and spring can feel especially relaxing because the warm water contrasts beautifully with cooler air.

Plan the drive carefully

If driving from Melbourne, treat it as a proper road trip rather than a quick outing. Consider staying overnight in Metung, Lakes Entrance or Bairnsdale.

Check accessibility before booking

Parts of the site may involve slopes, paths, steps or uneven terrain. Contact the operator directly if you have mobility needs or accessibility questions.

Respect the quiet atmosphere

Metung Hot Springs is a wellness setting. Keep noise low, respect other guests and avoid treating the pools like party spaces.

Is Metung Hot Springs Worth Visiting?

Yes, Metung Hot Springs is worth visiting if you enjoy geothermal bathing, wellness escapes and peaceful lakeside scenery. It is especially worthwhile for travellers already exploring East Gippsland or looking for a relaxing weekend away from Melbourne.

It may not suit travellers wanting a fast, cheap roadside attraction or a noisy family water park. The experience is better for people who want to slow down, soak, rest, enjoy the view and build a gentle itinerary around the Gippsland Lakes.

The best way to enjoy Metung Hot Springs is to book ahead, arrive without rushing, allow time before and after your session, and pair the visit with Metung village, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville or a longer East Gippsland road trip.

FAQs About Metung Hot Springs

Where is Metung Hot Springs?

Metung Hot Springs is at 73 Storth Ryes Avenue, Metung VIC 3904, in East Gippsland, Victoria.

What are the opening hours of Metung Hot Springs?

The official site lists Metung Hot Springs as open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Always check current hours before travelling, as special events or seasonal changes may affect operations.

Do you need to book Metung Hot Springs in advance?

Yes, advance booking is recommended. It is especially important for weekends, public holidays, spa treatments, glamping and busy travel periods.

How far is Metung Hot Springs from Melbourne?

The official visitor information lists the drive from Melbourne CBD as about 3 hours 51 minutes and 312.4 kilometres, depending on traffic and route.

Can you get to Metung Hot Springs by public transport?

Public transport is possible but not direct. The official guidance suggests V/Line to Bairnsdale, then a coach to Swan Reach, followed by taxi or local transfer to Metung Hot Springs.

What should I bring to Metung Hot Springs?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, water bottle, sandals or easy shoes, sun protection if visiting during the day, and towel or robe if these are not included in your ticket.

Is Metung Hot Springs good for couples?

Yes. It is one of the best couples’ wellness escapes in East Gippsland, especially if you add bathing barrels, spa treatments, glamping or a quiet lakeside dinner.

Can you stay overnight at Metung Hot Springs?

Yes, Metung Hot Springs offers glamping-style accommodation, subject to availability. You can also stay nearby in Metung, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville or Bairnsdale.

Is Metung Hot Springs suitable for older travellers?

It can be suitable for older travellers, but the site may include paths, slopes or steps depending on the area. Anyone with mobility or health concerns should contact the operator before booking.

What can you do after visiting Metung Hot Springs?

After visiting, explore Metung village, the Gippsland Lakes, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville, Raymond Island, Nyerimilang Heritage Park or Ninety Mile Beach.