Phillip Island hot springs: Saltwater Springs to open in 2022

Construction is underway for an “amazing” hot springs development which is set to bring a huge boost to the economy at one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations.

3D imagery of Phillip Island hot springs development due to open in 2020. Picture: Supplied

A $60 million hot springs development is set to boost the economy at one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations.

Phillip Island’s Saltwater Springs is due to open in 2022 after a planning permit was issued in 2015 with Bass Coast Shire Council.

The first stage of the 1215 Phillip Island Rd development — which shares the same site as The Cape Kitchen restaurant — will have 10 large pools with a number of different features including a swim-up bar, whirl pool, bubble beds, foot spa, reflexology walk, cave pool and mist cave.

It will also include a main building, retail section, cafe to seat 87 people and carpark with 225 spaces for cars and buses.

Warner Management Services project manager Alfie Warner told The Bass Coast News the first stage of construction is underway at the Newhaven site.

Works completed to date include demolition of existing structures, construction of service roads, construction of a maintenance shed, slab for main building, bulk earthwork for carpark and pools and construction of a pod for people to relax in.

Updated 3D imagery of the Phillip Island hot springs development. Picture: Supplied

Concept layout for the Newhaven site. Picture: Supplied

One of the completed pods at the hot springs. Picture: Supplied

Future stages of the 27.5 acre development will include yoga pavilions, spa treatments and more pools.

Mr Warner said the first stage will cost $30 million with the total project estimated to cost around $60 million.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor Brett Tessari said the development will be “amazing” for the community and economy.

“It’s another one of those attractions that will bring people to our area and keep people down our way,” he said.

“It’s another positive example of Phillip Island and Bass Coast moving forward in the tourism world coming out of COVID-19.”

Saltwater Springs will create employment opportunities for 140 people which Mr Warner said will assist with “employment deficiencies in the region”.

“Hot springs and bathing facilities stand apart from other comparable tourism activities because they are visited as a year-round destination,” he said.

“By comparison to other tourism activities, the variations in visitation to hot springs facilities fluctuates by only approximately 20 per cent over the course of the year.”

Mr Warner said facilities, built by Impact Building Group, will be wheelchair friendly.

Lifting equipment will be provided for smaller pools and some will have beach-style entrances.

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