5 NSW Hot Springs for a Thermal Swim This Winter

Cold water swims in winter? No thank you! There are a bunch of spots around NSW where you can swim, even in the middle of the Outback, without shaking uncontrollably. Check out these NSW hot springs for a unique place to take a dip. 

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

NSW Hot Springs

1. Yarrangobilly Thermal Pool

Location: Kosciuszko National Park
Time from Sydney: 5.5 hours
Cost: Entry fee to KNP

Yarrangobilly is the most well-known natural hot spring in NSW, and let me tell you, this place is breathtaking, and not just because the air’s thinner in the mountains. 

Descending the road to the valley where the Yarrangobilly thermal pool is tucked away, right by the Yarrangobilly River, feels like stepping into a magical fairyland. There’s a larger pool and a smaller paddle pool for younger kids to enjoy, plus a picnic area, change rooms, and toilets close by. In fact, these facilities were recently upgraded, and a ramp was added to the pool for increased accessibility. 

Read more: NSW’s Yarrangobilly Thermal Pool is More Accessible Than Ever

Take a walk along the river while you’re here, and you can explore the Yarrangobilly Caves a short drive away.

If you miss the permanently 27℃ spring-fed pool in summer, you might be lucky enough to catch it on a snowy day come winter.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

The Great Artesian Basin

All the other natural hot springs on this list are fed by the Great Artesian Basin that runs through northern NSW, into QLD, and even touches parts of SA and NT. 

The Great Artesian Basin is the main water source for much of inland Australia and is a critical resource. The water temperature across the basin ranges from 30 – 100℃, making it perfect for taking a dip when the air temperature has dropped.

Hint! Nighttime hot spring swims!

The water from the basin ranges from several thousand years old up to 2 million years old, phwooaaar! You’re pretty much swimming in history! 

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

2. Lightning Ridge Bore Bath

Location: Lightning Ridge
Time from Sydney: 8.5 hours
Cost: Free!

The most well-known of these hot springs is the Lightning Ridge bore bath. One of the northernmost towns in NSW, Lightning Ridge, is famous for opal mining and is worth a trip, whether you swim or not! But why would you pass up the chance to soak your aching bones in the rejuvenating waters of this NSW hot spring? 

Open for most of the day and into the night (except 10am-12pm on weekdays) and totally free, the Lightning Ridge bore bath has a permanent temperature of 40℃-50℃, so a nighttime swim while taking in the starry sky above is a must!

Photo thanks to Destination NSW

3. Pilliga Bore Bath

Location: Pilliga
Time from Sydney: 6 hours 50 mins
Cost: Free! Camping is $5 a night

Pilliga bore bath is also fed by the Great Artesian Basin, and although it’s not as large as the Lightning Ridge pool, it sits right next to a campground, so you can pitch up for the night! 

There are also BBQs for you to cook up a storm, and the water is 37℃ throughout the year.

The tiny town of Pilliga is just an hour from the stunning Pilliga Forest, a truly unique landscape and woodland forest with bright red dirt underfoot, that’ll have you feeling like you’re deep in the Outback. 

Combine a visit to Pilliga Forest with a night camping by the Pilliga hot spring, and you’re in for one helluva country road trip.

4. Burren Junction Bore Bath

Location: Burren Junction
Time from Sydney: 7 hours
Cost: Free! Camping is $6 a night

The bore bath at Burren Junction is just a short drive from Pilliga and the larger town of Narrabri. 

With constant water temps of 41.5℃, an adjacent campground and BBQ facilities, this cute little bath is totally worth a stop off if you’re in the area!

5. Walgett Bore Bath

Location: Walgett
Time from Sydney: 7 hours 40 mins
Cost: Free! 

If you’re heading way out west, a stop at Walgett for a midday bath is a must! Located right in town, the Walgett hot springs water temp sits between 38℃ and 40℃ year-round. 

Luckily, this hot spring is right next to the town pool, so you can hop between the cooler water of the pool before soothing your aching muscles in the thermal waters.

There are a few other bore baths close to the NSW and QLD border, including Boomi, Mungindi, and Goodooga! Why not make a road trip of it and go NSW hot springs hopping?

NSW Hot Springs FAQs

Are there any hot springs in NSW?

Yes! There are multiple hot springs in NSW in both the Snowy Mountains and the Outback.

Does Australia have natural hot springs?

Yep, Australia has heaps of natural hot springs! From NSW’s Snowy Mountains to the Northern Territory’s Top End, there are thermal pools and hot springs sprinkled around the country.

How deep is the thermal pool at Yarrangobilly Caves?

The Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool is 2.5 metres deep across the entire pool, with no distinct shallow or deep end.

How hot is the thermal pool at Yarrangobilly Caves?

The Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool stays at a constant 27℃ all year round.

Find More Places to Swim in NSW

• 10 Illawarra Ocean Pools to Swim in This Summer
• Top 10 Wild Swimming Holes in NSW
• Everything You Need to Know About Open Water Swimming in Sydney
• The Best Wild Swimming Spots Near Sydney