Five Hot Springs near Sydney to soak up on your next road trip

Which is a good thing as most are quite a drive from Sydney. So pack the car with friends and family and enjoy the road trip knowing you’ll be able to soak your weary bones in warming waters at the end of your trip.

There are no fancy pools, spa services or massages at the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool. This is nature harnessed in the best possible way and free to anyone who wants to walk a short 700 metres to access this outdoor, spring-fed natural thermal pool in the Kosciuszko National Park. The pool itself is 20 metres long, 2.5 deep, and gently flows into a children's wading pool. The water is 27 degrees year round so pack a picnic and make a day of it (change rooms and toilets are nearby).

While Lightning Ridge is not exactly close to Sydney (it’s a nine hour drive with a rest stop), the Bore Baths are known as some of the best hot springs in NSW. The water comes from the Great Artesian Basin – it might not have seen the light of day for two million years - and natural pressure sends it to the surface with a temperature of around 41 degrees. The baths are free, and open 24/7, 365 days a year so dipping at night, revealing a star-studded panorama, is not to be missed.

Another big drive, this time to Moree but worth it to explore the region and take a dip at the Artesian Aquatic Centre. As the name suggests, this is no hole in the ground (although it started like that, way back in 1895) but a fully-fledged pool complex with two artesian hot pools, a kids' splash park, gym, day spa and wellness centre. Seductively warm water with a healthy mineral element make the experience beneficial as well as a whole lot of fun.

If you’re heading to Lightning Ridge stop on the way at Burren Junction Bore Baths. The campground there has the advantage of being cheap accommodation – the five dollar camping fee won’t bust the budget – but the main attraction is the naturally heated pool. The fully-lined hot spring is fed by the artesian basin so starting temperature is 41 degrees and it’s free to use by all comers.

In Japan, onsen (hot springs bathing) has been made an art form and the Japanese Bath House is a good example – although a lot closer to Sydney. Just outside Lithgow and overlooking Lake Lyell, this onsen has multiple indoor and outdoor pools fed by springs 300 metres underground and even six cone-shaped baths in the cave house. Japanese tearooms, a massage room, rest room, a Japanese zen garden and accommodation complete this peaceful and salubrious picture.

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