Hot springs to heat up tourism at Phillip Island

23/06/2022

The Victorian Government is backing Phillip Island to attract even more tourists, with $5.2 million in funding towards the development of a hot springs centre and lodge.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula announced the Victorian Government is supporting the Newhaven attraction through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund and the Enabling Tourism Fund.

An additional three thermal pools boasting sweeping views over Bass Strait will be constructed next to the Cape Kitchen waterfront restaurant, which will be transformed into a dining lounge seating up to 100 guests.

The expansion is expected to create 35 jobs during construction and 68 full-time and indirect jobs when it’s completed in 2023.

A $500,000 investment from the Enabling Tourism Fund will further support the project, with funding going towards the crucial planning stage of the development of the Cape Woolamai Lodge and hot springs.

The feasibility of constructing a new state-of-the-art 120 room Lodge and the development of the Saltwater Hot Springs Spa and Wellness Centre, will be assessed.

Tourism is big business in Phillip Island. In 2019, Phillip Island welcomed 2.7 million visitors who stayed 3.1 million nights and contributed $579 million into the local economy.

The hot springs expansion will provide a significant boost to the region, attracting an estimated 73,000 new visitors to the Island in the first year. They are expected to contribute more than $4.7 million to the Island’s economy.

The Regional Tourism Investment Fund and Enabling Tourism Fund are a key part of the Visitor Recovery and Reform Plan, helping the tourism sector to grow well into the future.