| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free camp at Chinamans Creek |
| Location | Metung, East Gippsland, Victoria |
| Pet Friendly | Yes – dogs allowed on boardwalk; Metung Hotel pet friendly outside |
| Facilities | Toilet at Chinamans Creek; boardwalk; walking tracks; day use areas nearby |
| Vehicle Access | Small parking area at Chinamans Creek |
| In Camps App | Yes – including nearby State Forest camping options |
I knew there was a free camp, but as soon as I heard of a new artesian attraction in Metung, Victoria, it was on my “hot” list (haha).
Located in East Gippsland region, it is pronounced “ME-tongue” not “m-tongue” – and you can certainly enjoy some ME time. Here’s where we explored:
Lake Time
Gippsland Lakes is Australia’s largest navigable network of inland waterways so there is plenty of boating, fishing, marine life and birdlife. Picnic along the lakes at some of the day use areas we list in the App – Lake King Jetty or Shaving Point Reserve – read up on local history here, too.
Swans
I have to add, I have NEVER seen as many swans before, spotted on the drive here, following the beautiful Tambo River south of Bruthen on the Tambo Upper Road. We had more swan spotting at every lake and Bancroft Bay!
Boardwalk
Starting at the free camp, Chinamans Creek you can hike all the way down the peninsula, mostly on the boardwalk. A great place to walk the dog.
Free Camp
Chinamans Creek has a toilet and basic, small parking area. However it is just opposite the boardwalk, includes a walking track to Cantrill’s Lookout and historic information on the old hot pools site. It was interesting how it came about, and why it was closed down! So it is wonderful to know that people can once again, plunge again into warm artesian waters.
Metung Hot Springs
My son and I had a “2 for 1” winter deal, and made the most of it! But I would bring a towelling robe to keep you warm, as unlike other spas I have visited, the hot pools are spread out. Also pack a towel, and thongs to get you between the pools.
First we explored the “Bathing Ridge” where you’ll find the majority of soaking options and the glamping – even a reflexology walk. Check out the relaxation dome and zones, a floating sauna, cold plunges, hammocks, cafe and picnic areas. You really can hang out all day. Don’t miss the lookout!
The Lagoon Pool is beautifully positioned, however, I rate the other warmer baths, Wombat Hollow Pool and Hill View Pool.
My absolute favourite had to be the Hilltop Escarpment barrels. Staff say you can spot dolphins! I could feel my heartbeat slowing looking out at the lake. And then the soothing bubbles go into overdrive every few minutes. What a treat!
There’s also a stargazing pool and foot baths up here. The whole set up is beautifully done, with ornamental pools, trails and more glamping planned plus a whole lot more. We chatted to lots of glampers and travellers camping nearby. I highly recommend it – but I can’t say there is a hot spa I don’t!
Metung Hotel
We caught up with work and had a fish lunch at Metung Hotel. All three looked delish, but we all agreed my barramundi the best! The parmi also looked impressive. It is pet friendly outside, and you can soak up the views from every part of the pub.
Village
Had we visited after 4pm – The Local would have been our destination for pizza as we’d heard good things. But loved that there was plenty of options for dining or coffee AND the bakery was excellent. We rate the pink lamington! What’s more, the Village Green looks out over the water!
The area has so many caravan parks to choose from – as well as some State Forest camping as well, in Swan Reach, Johnsonville, Nicholson, Bruthen, Bairnsdale or Lakes Entrance. Check out our guides or Camps Australia Wide App to plan your next trip!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the free camp at Metung?
The free camp is located at Chinamans Creek, which has a toilet and small parking area. It’s positioned opposite the boardwalk and includes a walking track to Cantrill’s Lookout with historic information about the old hot pools site.
Is Metung Hot Springs worth visiting?
Absolutely! The hot springs feature multiple soaking options including the Bathing Ridge, Lagoon Pool, Wombat Hollow Pool, Hill View Pool, and the highly recommended Hilltop Escarpment barrels with lake views. There’s also a floating sauna, cold plunges, reflexology walk, cafe and picnic areas where you can spend all day.
What should I bring to Metung Hot Springs?
Bring a towelling robe to keep warm between pools as the hot pools are spread out, plus a towel and thongs. The facility is unlike other spas with its spread-out layout, so the robe will help you stay comfortable moving between soaking areas.
Can I bring my dog to Metung?
Yes, the boardwalk starting at Chinamans Creek is a great place to walk your dog. The Metung Hotel is also pet friendly in their outside areas.
What other activities are there around Metung?
Gippsland Lakes is Australia’s largest navigable network of inland waterways, offering boating, fishing, marine life and birdlife watching. You can picnic at day use areas like Lake King Jetty or Shaving Point Reserve, walk the boardwalk along the peninsula, and explore the historic sites.
Are there accommodation options near Metung?
Check the Camps App for current details on caravan parks and State Forest camping in Swan Reach, Johnsonville, Nicholson, Bruthen, Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance.
Where can I eat in Metung?
Metung Hotel serves excellent fish lunch including barramundi and parmi with water views. The Local offers pizza after 4pm, and there’s a bakery in the village (the pink lamington is highly rated). The Village Green overlooks the water with plenty of dining and coffee options.
What is the best pool at Metung Hot Springs?
The Hilltop Escarpment barrels are a favourite, offering lake views where you might spot dolphins, with soothing bubbles that go into overdrive every few minutes. The warmer baths at Wombat Hollow Pool and Hill View Pool are also highly rated over the Lagoon Pool.
