The Spa Regions of Australia

Sydney, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Whitsunday Islands, Tropical North Queensland, Melbourne, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, the Victorian High Country, the Great Ocean Road, Broome, and Margaret River.

 

While there are spas and spa resorts scattered across Australia, there are some regions with lots of spas on offer.

New South Wales

As the state capital of New South Wales, sexy sophisticated Sydney has plenty of spas on offer. These include some high-end day spas in some of the nation’s best hotels, including the Alysium Spa and Health Club at Shangri-la Sydney; The Day Spa Sydney, at the wonderful Observatory Hotel; The Spa at the Four Seasons; and On the Park Rejuvenation at the Sheraton on the Park. Sydney has plenty of other great day spas spread across the city, ranging from cheap and effective Thai massage outlets to classy city day spas offering a range of massages and other treatments.

Within easy driving distance of Sydney are the spa regions of the Blue Mountains, and the Hunter Valley. The Blue Mountains combine spa treatments and fabulous hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation with spectacular views, rainforest, bush walks, and cool mountain air. Spas of note here include Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge; Lilianfels Resort and Spa; Echoes Day Spa, at Echoes Boutique Hotel, and the incredible Timeless Spa, at the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort.  Meanwhile, the Hunter Valley combines spa treatments with wine. The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s premier wine-producing districts. Spas here include Chateau Elan, at the Vintage Hunter Valley; and Lowanna Day Spa at Eaglereach Resort.

Another popular day spa and spa resort region in New South Wales is bohemian Byron Bay. Popular with surfers, sun lovers and spa seekers, Byron Bay is home to such gems as Gaia Resort and Spa, and The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa.        

Victoria

Melbourne, the capital of the southern state of Victoria, is a real spa paradise. There are more spas in this city per head of population than just about anywhere else.  These range from small, quality outlets such as Pure Energy Spa, to major hotel day spas like Crown Spa, at Crown Towers Hotel.

Possibly the most well known day spa and spa resort region in Australia at the present time is situated around an hour or so to the north west of Melbourne. This is the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs spa region, which is famous for its mineral springs. There are many fine day spas here, not least the Daylesford Day Spa, the Salus Spa at the Lake House, and the fabulous Mineral Spa at Peppers Springs Retreat.

Other major spa regions in Victoria include The Great Ocean Road - which is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world – and the Victorian High County, where local produce, skiing and spa go hand in hand. Another notable Victorian spa region is the Mornington Peninsula. Here you can bathe in warm natural springs at the sanctuary of steam, the Peninsula Hot Springs and Day Spa.

Queensland

Beaches, sun and sea are the major drawcards in Queensland – oh, and spas of course. Not only are there great day spas in Brisbane, but there are dozens and dozens of amazing spas up and down the coast, and in the tropical rainforest hinterland.  There are even whole tropical islands dedicated to spas and their associated spa resorts.

Prime spa regions include the popular Gold Coast, known for its beaches and nightlife. Inland from here is the hilly hinterland, home to special spas like O'Reilly's Retreat and Lost World Spa, which is surrounded by rainforest - the ultimate haven for relaxation.

More major spa regions encompass Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, and take in Cairns and Port Douglas, which are among the main gateways to the Great Barrier Reef and the inland tropical rainforests. More pampering places dot the coastline and run into the Wet Tropics of far north tropical Queensland. Experience island spas on Heron Island, Lizard Island, Green Island, Hamilton Island, Hayman Island and Daydream Island.

Western Australia

Perth has some very good day spas, including the spa at the Richardson Hotel and Spa. Other major spa regions include Broome - known for its pearl-fishermen, laid-back lifestyle, and its amazing ocean wildlife - and the genteel surrounds of the Margaret River, which is another of Australia’s major wine tourism areas.

Other Regions

There are plenty of day spas in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, and a few scattered in the hills and winery areas. The Capital of Australia, Canberra, has a few spas too, some of them catering to visiting dignitaries as well as spa-loving locals. Hobart and Launceston in Tasmania have their fair share of day spas, while out in the dramatic countryside there are stand-out spas around Cradle Mountain. In the Northern Territory, Darwin has a couple of spas, and you can always get a massage when visiting Uluru (or Ayres Rock) too. And finally, out to sea off the coast of New South Wales, on the incredible World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, you will find the beautiful spa at Arajilla Resort.

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