Peninsula Hot Springs just got even more entertaining.
Peninsula Hot Springs, on the Mornington Peninsula just outside of Melbourne, has been a favourite destination for wellness gurus and hot spring enthusiasts since it opened in 1997. And now there’s yet another reason to go: the Peninsula Hot Springs Bathe in Cinema.
Sign up for a soothing dip surrounded by natural bushland. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Dive into pools of naturally heated, mineral-rich waters surrounded by natural bushland – and be entertained by a lineup of beloved rom-coms and tear-jerkers.
Held every remaining Thursday in May, let your body relax in one of the pools while some of your favourite films grace the screen. Perfect for a date night, friend catch-ups or a solo sensory experience that makes for the perfect mid-week mood booster.
Be entertained by 00s rom-coms.
In May, hot springs goers can look forward to:
Thursday 15 May – Miss Congeniality
Thursday 22 May – The Blind Side
Thursday 29 May – Little Miss Sunshine
Every detail in the Eco Lodges is designed for your ultimate relaxation.
Want to extend your stay? Take advantage of Peninsula Hot Springs’ on-site accommodation. Discover suites with everything needed for a restorative getaway (from a large master bedroom with views over wetlands, a kitchen, comfy sofas and a private geothermal hot pool outside), or opt for a glamping tent option.
Watch our video below for an inside look at the suites.
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Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
A true hidden gem, the picturesque Moorabool Valley makes for a relaxing and rewarding long weekend escape.
With its undulating hills and vineyards, the Moorabool Valley is both a beautiful sight and a generous mix of things to do and discover. Expect boutique wineries, farm-to-table eateries, charming accommodation and stunning natural scenery.
The best part? Despite its many drawcards, the region is peaceful and uncrowded, allowing you to truly switch off. It’s also only 90 minutes from Melbourne and just west of Geelong, making it an easy and accessible getaway when you’ve only got a few days to spare.
If you’re after a ready-made long weekend itinerary, the Moorabool Valley and Geelong make an ideal pairing.
Day 1
Morning
Create your own signature scent. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Start your day in central Geelong, in one of the city’s most cosmopolitan locales. The inner suburb of Newtown is leafy and vibrant, with a host of cafes, boutiques, galleries and specialty stores.
Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances is a must-visit if you’re a fragrance enthusiast. The artisan perfumer hosts hands-on workshops on weekends, when you can create your own signature scent from a selection of botanical and exotic essences. Beyond being a unique experience, the perfume is a personalised memento of your escape.
Afternoon
Head to Austin’s Wines for a relaxed, seasonal lunch.
Now it’s time to head to the Moorabool Valley for a weekend of tasting, wandering and unwinding.
Stop into Austin’s Wines for a light and seasonal lunch. The family-run winery offers a casual menu filled with locally sourced foods for snacking and pairing with their cool-climate wines – think grazing and cheese boards, flatbreads and small plates. Make sure to pick up a bottle of Austin’s signature pinot noir to take home.
While boutique accommodation abounds, Blame Mabel is a favourite – and for good reason. Check in after lunch for sweeping views over the surrounding hills, a collection of thoughtfully designed accommodation and a distinctly rustic charm. It offers a genuine country stay that allows you to really slow down. If you’re not sampling at the onsite cellar door, you’ll be spending your downtime exploring the property and your evenings warming up around a crackling open fire.
Night
Settle in for a memorable dinner. (Image: Batesford Hotel)
Dinner at the historic Batesford Hotel is a must. This welcoming venue offers country character and refined elegance in equal measure, and the food is a standout.
Order a round of share plates or pizzas with creative toppings, or go for hearty mains like slow-cooked lamb rump with ancient grains and ricotta gnocchi that melts in your mouth. If you’re travelling with little ones, the kids’ menu is surprisingly considered, with options to suit even the pickiest eaters.
Day 2
Morning
Dig into a homestyle feast. (Image: Meredith Farm Store)
It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll wake up at Blame Mabel feeling rested and recharged – and very ready for a proper breakfast.
The Meredith Farm Store is a go-to for a homestyle feast. The morning menu is simple but seriously delicious, with classics like smashed avo, Turkish eggs and breakfast muffins given a Meredith twist. Many of the dishes incorporate the farm’s famed dairy products (including the iconic goat cheese) and seasonal produce.
Pick up some sweet and savoury treats and a few drinks from the shop to fuel the rest of your day – you’re about to explore on foot.
Afternoon
Hit the trails and explore rugged beauty.
Your afternoon is best spent in the rugged Brisbane Ranges National Park, a sprawling bushland reserve with Victoria’s most significant habitat for wildflowers. Choose from a network of walks and hikes that range from relatively flat trails to more challenging terrain.
You can expect plenty of gorgeous scenery whichever path you opt for, with eucalypt forests, rocky outcrops and panoramic lookouts throughout the park. There are also several scenic picnic spots where you can savour your Meredith Farm bounty.
Night
Cosy up by the fireplace with a charcuterie board. (Image: Sarah Miles)
A busy day of exploring calls for a relaxed evening in, and Blame Mabel delivers. Whether you’re staying in the restored farmhouse, the cosy self-contained cabin or the communal lodge, you’ll have access to ample cooking facilities and plenty of cosy corners to unwind in after dark.
Finish the evening with a round of board games, cosying up with a good book from the well-stocked bookshelf or a soak in the outdoor tub under a sky thick with stars.
Day 3
Morning
On your third and final day, you’ll want to soak up the quiet beauty of your surrounds. After being woken by the soft glow of morning sunlight, enjoy a lazy breakfast of freshly collected and cooked eggs or build-your-own muesli and creamy yoghurt, paired with seasonal produce from the garden.
Once you’ve packed, ease back towards Geelong for a relaxed afternoon.
Afternoon
Take home freshly baked treats. (Image: Paddock Bakery)
Pop by the Geelong Vintage Market to wander rows upon rows of collectable retro treasures, from furniture and home decor to books and vinyl.
To wrap up your long weekend adventure, wander through the surrounding Federal Mills precinct, which houses a mix of businesses, retailers and eateries. The precinct itself is a historic and character-filled space with large-scale hand-painted murals, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Grab some freshly baked pastries from Paddock Bakery for the drive home.
