Overview
It was first teased close to two years ago and has had us dreaming of hot springs-based Gippsland getaways ever since. And now, after flooding put a hold on last month's planned launch, Metung Hot Springs is finally officially open for business.
The first phase of the $100 million precinct from the minds behind Peninsula Hot Springs opened its doors on Friday, November 18 — so lock in a road-trip and let the pampering begin.
As we've all been eagerly dreaming about, the 25-acre site is primed to be a haven of wellness and indulgence, surrounded by coastal bushland and located within strolling distance of the quaint lakeside village of Metung.
While it's not quite all systems go just yet, the precinct's initial offerings are enough to warrant a well-deserved road-trip. You can soak away your worries in the various hot springs pools, treat your feet to a reflexology walk, bathe beneath geothermal showers and get the blood pumping with dips in the icy plunge pools. And up at the Hilltop Escarpment, overlooking Lake King, there's a collection of private cliff-top barrels where you can float while revelling in some very dreamy views.
Those looking to indulge in some extra 'me' time can immerse themselves in the offerings of the onsite day spa, centred on authentic Larn'wa Aboriginal Lore wellness rituals incorporating ethically-sourced native botanical spa products.
You'll find a range of treatments and packages to complement your bathing adventures, from facials and full-body relaxation massages, to aromatherapy rituals and things done with hot stones.
Since its location four hours out of Melbourne is a touch too far for day trips, onsite accommodation will be a big part of the Metung Hot Springs offering — currently, that includes safari-style glamping tents, located both by the lagoon and along the hillside. Each is decked out with its own four-poster bed complete with luxe soft furnishings, plus a private balcony and geothermal bathing barrels.
As announced earlier, the bathing precinct is also joining forces with — and renovating — the nearby former Kings Cove Golf Course, soon to relaunch as the Metung Country Club. It'll have its own resort-style accommodation and facilities, and a revamped clubhouse and restaurant, with 'stay, bathe and golf' packages on offer across the two sites.
The whole project is being brought to life with the help of $1.5 million in funding courtesy of the Victorian Government's Gippsland Tourism Recovery Package, as well as an additional $1.5 million from the federal and state governments' Local Economic Recovery Program.
Want more? Victoria's proposed bathing and hot springs trail is set to start taking shape over the coming summer months, while the Mornington Peninsula's much-anticipated Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is already taking guests.
Find Metung Hot Springs at 73 Storth Ryes Avenue, Metung, Victoria. Online bookings are now open for bathing, spa services and accommodation.
Images: Sharyn Cairns