Picture this: the whole family is soaking in warm, mineral-rich rock pools, steam is rising around everyone, and nobody is asking for their screen time. That’s Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool, and it’s one of the most relaxing family experiences if you’re visiting the Great Ocean Road.
We visited as a family and came away completely sold. Here’s everything you need to know before you go — the practical stuff, the pool-by-pool breakdown, and our review on what it’s like visiting Deep Blue Hot Springs with kids.
Where Is Deep Blue Hot Springs?
Deep Blue is in Warrnambool — Victoria’s largest coastal city outside of Melbourne — about 3 hours west along the Great Ocean Road. It sits right on the waterfront on Worm Bay Road, and you can smell the salt air before you even get out of the car.
It’s far enough to feel like a proper getaway, close enough to do as a weekend trip from Melbourne. A lot of families tack it on at the end of a Great Ocean Road road trip, and we reckon it’s worth planning your whole trip around a stop at the mineral baths.
The hot springs are part of Deep Blue Hotel, but you can access the pools without being a hotel guest.
Can Kids Go to Deep Blue Hot Springs?
Yes — kids aged 5 and up are welcome at the daytime sessions. Under 5s can’t enter the hot springs, so if you’ve got a toddler or baby in tow, you’ll need to plan ahead (more on that below).
The evening twilight sessions are 16+ only, so those are your grown-ups-only treat for after the kids are in bed.
Sessions and Prices: What to Book for Families
All sessions run for 2 hours. Here’s the breakdown:
Early Rise (Age 5+) 7:00am start — from $33 per adult, $20 per child (ages 5–15)
This is the best value session and a magical time to visit. The springs are quiet, the air is cool, and the warm water feels incredible in the early morning. If your kids are early risers (aren’t they always?), this is the one to book.
Daytime Sessions (Age 5+) 9:30am–11:30am, 12pm–2pm, or 2:30pm–4:30pm — from $46 per adult, $32 per child (ages 5–15)
Three sessions to choose from, so there’s good flexibility for families. The 9:30am session is the least crowded of the daytime options. The 2:30pm session is great if you want to make a full day of Warrnambool first.
Twilight Sessions (Age 16+) 5:00pm–7:00pm or 7:30pm–9:30pm — from $57 per adult
Adults only. Think of this as your reward after the kids are settled. If you’re staying overnight at Deep Blue Hotel, this is absolutely worth booking.
Pro tip: Book early — sessions sell out fast, especially during school holidays and on weekends. Don’t expect there will be availability for you and your crew to just walk in, it’s not like your local council public pool.
What Are the Pools Like? A Parent’s Guide to the Sanctuary
The Hot Springs Sanctuary has 14 distinct experiences across open-air rock pools, sensory caves and waterfalls. Temperatures range from 12°C (cold plunge!) up to 41°C. Here’s a breakdown of some of the pools and what we think is most suitable for kids.
The Sensory Caves
These are the showstoppers. Set into the earth with soft, therapeutic coloured lighting, the sensory caves glow pink and yellow and feel like something out of a fairy tale. There’s even a little hidden waterfall!
They’re also gentler in temperature (36°C–40°C), making them a good starting point for little ones who aren’t sure about very hot water.
The Passage
39°C–40°C. Shaped like a winding passage through rock walls, kids feel like they’re on an adventure. It’s one of the deeper pools so keep an eye on smaller children, but it’s spectacular.
Shallow Rock Pools
39°C–41°C. The hottest pools in the sanctuary, these two side-by-side shallow rock pools are perfect for kids who want to sit and soak without feeling overwhelmed by deep water. High temperatures mean shorter stints — 10 minutes in, then a cooler pool to recover.
The Rainforest Cave
37°C–38°C. Inspired by the nearby Otways, this cave has lush ferns and a powerful waterfall shower. It’s like a natural waterpark feature, but warm.
The Foot Spa
38°C–39°C. Soothing jets under your feet, with jasmine blooming nearby in spring. A nice, low-key spot to sit together.
The Aroma Pool
37°C–38°C. A quieter, more gentle pool with a soft earthy scent. Great for winding down at the end of your session.
The Cold Plunge Pool
12°C–14°C. Not for the faint-hearted — or for younger kids. But if you’ve got a brave tween who wants to try it, go for it!
What to Bring: The Family Packing List
Your Hot Springs Packing List
- Bathers for everyone (there’s a boutique onsite if you forget)
- Thongs or slides — the paths between pools can become slippery, and footwear is recommended. Don’t wear any shoes that are hard to get on and off.
- A bag for wet things. There’s a bathers drying machine in the changing room but it only wrings out bathers to moderately dry.
- Water bottles for refilling (non-glass only inside the sanctuary)
- A dry change of clothes for after
- Shampoo and conditioner – the showers only have face and body wash.
- Big towel
- Fluffy robe
Towels, robes and lockers are all available to hire. We highly recommend bringing a fluffy robe or at least hiring one of their thin cotton robes ($15 in 2026) as you’ll want something warm as you move between pools.
Food and Drinks at Deep Blue
No food is allowed inside the sanctuary, but the on-site Tides Café, Bar and Restaurant is right there for before or after your session. The menu uses local produce and changes with the seasons. There’s a buffet breakfast, light lunches, and a full dinner menu.
Our tip: Book the 2:30pm session and have an early dinner at Tides straight after. Kids eat, parents get a glass of wine, everyone wins.
Is Deep Blue Accessible?
The locker room and sanctuary entrance are wheelchair accessible. Pool access involves steps with handrails, so it does depend on individual mobility. Call ahead on 03 5559 2050 if you want to check what works for your family’s needs.
Should You Stay Overnight?
100% yes – whether that’s at Deep Blue Hotel or elsewhere in Warrnambool.
Deep Blue Hotel sits right on the property, with ocean view rooms and access to an indoor heated swimming pool (separate from the hot springs). Hotel guests get 10% off hot springs entry, which adds up nicely for a family of four.
Staying overnight means you can book an early rise session the next morning, and the kids get to experience the springs twice. It also means you can book the twilight session once the kids are down for the night — and the springs feel completely different after dark.
Search available rooms at Deep Blue Hotel here
Tips for Visiting Deep Blue Hot Springs with Kids
Book ahead. Sessions are capped and they sell out, particularly in school holidays. Don’t leave it to the day.
Start in the sensory caves. They’re slightly cooler and instantly magical. A great way to ease younger kids in.
Watch the clock. Two hours goes fast when the kids are loving it. Do a lap of all the pools in the first hour, then go back to favourites in the second. You will be reminded by the pool attendant when you have 15 minutes left.
Bring water bottles. It’s important to keep hydrated throughout the experience (there are onsite taps and plastic cups).
Bring snacks for the car. No food is allowed inside, and hungry kids after a hot soak are nobody’s friend.
What Else Is There to Do in Warrnambool with Kids?
Deep Blue pairs brilliantly with a full day in Warrnambool.
Logan’s Beach is just minutes away for whale watching (seasonal — June to September). Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is a short drive for kangaroos, emus and koalas. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is great for older kids.
Check out our full guide to things to do in Warrnambool with kids for the complete rundown.
FAQs: Deep Blue Hot Springs with Kids
What age can kids visit Deep Blue Hot Springs?
Children aged 5 and up can attend the daytime and early rise sessions. Evening twilight sessions are for guests aged 16 and over only.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — and we’d really encourage it. Sessions sell out, especially during school holidays and on weekends. Book online before you go.
How much does it cost for a family?
Daytime sessions start from $46 per adult and $32 per child (ages 5–15). An early rise session starts from $33 per adult and $20 per child — great value for a family of four.
Are towels and robes included?
No, but you can hire them onsite for a small extra charge. You’re also welcome to bring your own.
What if it rains?
The sanctuary stays open in all weather except thunder and lightning. Many visitors say a warm soak in the rain is actually one of the best experiences — the contrast is amazing.
Can I bring food into the springs?
No food is allowed inside the sanctuary, but water in non-glass containers is fine. Tides Café, Bar & Restaurant is onsite for before or after your session.
Do you have to stay at the hotel to use the hot springs?
No — the springs are open to everyone, not just hotel guests. That said, staying overnight is well worth it for the discount and convenience.
Is there parking?
Yes, there’s parking on site at Deep Blue.
Our Verdict
Deep Blue Hot Springs is one of those places that the kids will remember for a long time and where adults will actually get to relax. It’s the kind of experience that makes a Warrnambool trip feel special rather than just a tick on the Great Ocean Road checklist.
Book your Deep Blue Hot Springs session here — and if you’re making a weekend of it, check availability at Deep Blue Hotel here.
Planning a visit?
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This article contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our visit was hosted by Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism. All opinions are our own.
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