Experience I SPA & WELLNESS
SPRING TO LIFE Treat yourself by indulging in hot spring bathing and spa treatments on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula WORDS LUCY SIEBERT
43
PHOTOGRAPHY MORNINGTON PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS
A
salty breeze is gently blowing off the bay; the morning sun glints off the waves. I’m on my way to indulge in a relaxing Sunday at the Peninsula Hot Springs, which is tucked in the hills just behind Rye on Victoria’s popular Mornington Peninsula. But instead of the hour-plus drive southbound on the freeway from Melbourne, I’ve opted to take the scenic route there: a ferry trip from Queenscliff, on the Bellarine Peninsula, to Sorrento, on the Mornington Peninsula. As we cruise along, two boys break the morning
quiet with excited yells – they’ve spotted two dolphins surfing alongside us. Soon, the dolphins are joined by the rest of their pod, who twist and turn, showing off for their delighted audience of early morning sailors. The chance to see these stunning creatures romping in the waves confirms my decision to swap the freeway for the ferry. In less than 45 minutes we’ve docked at Sorrento and I’m driving off, making it a convenient and fun way to travel from Geelong to the Mornington Peninsula. It’s the ideal start to what turns out to be a
FROM TOP: Family time in the barrel pool, a private bathing pavilion.
It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature
blissful day of pampering. On arrival at the Peninsula Hot Springs’ Spa Dreaming Centre, I’m greeted by friendly staff and handed a fluffy gown and towel. Next stop is bathing in the Spa Dreaming Centre, which