Friday 15 June 2012

Morington Peninsula Hot Spring

Last weekend was the Queens birthday long weekend, sadly enough this was the last public holiday we will be having for a few months until November. So, of course I wanted to take advantage of this and what a better to do this than to go on a relaxing day trip. M and I decided to head down to the Mornington Peninsula as it is not a far drive from the CBD.

Morington Pennisula
One downside to winter, is the restriction of being able to do some activities which we could have in the warmer months such as strawberry picking at Sunny Ridge or taking a stroll at one of the Mornington beaches. However, one place which is perfect to visit in winter is the Morning Pennisula hot springs.

Hotsprings
Having visited the hot springs before, I knew that it is a very popular destination and the place can get quite crowded. So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to find a long queue when we arrived. We were told that the springs was at its full capacity (apparently this is at 300 people) and were not allowed in without an advanced booking. We were advised that we could wait for people to leave but there was no guaranteed entry. Feeling disappointed and really wanting to be in the hot pools on a blistering cold winter's day, we decided to try our luck waiting.

Luckily, our wait was only around 20 minutes. My tip would be always book advance online (it is simple and quick to do), especially on weekends and public holidays.

Hand made soap
I did not take many photos of inside the hot springs given it was a public area and the inconvenience of bringing my phone. So, here are some photos which I sourced from their website.

Public bath area

Bath at night
The hotsprings its self is split into a public and private bath area. The public area is the more popular and affordable option. Admission price to the public bath depends on the time of day and week you visit. Friday to Monday is considered peak ($35) and non peak is Tuesday to Thursday ($30). If you are an early bird or want to try the twilight session (after 7pm), there is also discounted entry prices (usually around $10 - $15 cheaper). I would advise visiting during those non peak hours if you wanted to avoid the people traffic.

View from the Hill top bath
All the pools in the public baths are all outdoors varying in temperatures, ranging from a comfortable 36  degrees all the way to 42 degrees (if you can bear the heat). The springs are all natural with each pool filled with thermal mineral waters, which is supposedly good for you. The pools are cleverly designed in that it ascends up a hill with the hottest pool (42 degrees)- hill top pool on top and trust me, the view from there is unbelievable.. We spent the longest time up in this pool, admiring the amazing view before the heat become a little too unbearable.

Reflexology path
Turkish sauna
Besides from bathing, the Peninsula hot springs also have on offer different spa and pampering packages, which can always make a gift idea! There is also a cafe/ kiosk on site if you wanted to replenish your appetite after a long hard day of relaxation ;)

M and I both felt extremely relaxed and rejuvenated after spending the afternoon at the springs, just what we need for a pick me up before heading back to reality. Do pay the springs a visit next time you are around the area!

Miss Scribble

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