The Great Victorian Bathing Trail*
A blueprint for a Victorian hot springs and bathing tourism strategy
Written and compiled by Matt Sykes Victorian Tourism Industry Council Lynette Bergin Fellowship recipient 2018 (Experience Manager at Peninsula Hot Springs) regenerate *Working title: Note dual-naming opportunity through collaboration with Koori Elders projects Contents
Executive Summary...... 4 Acknowledgements Part 1: Situational Anaslysis...... 8 Victoria’s ecosystems Peninsula Hot Springs Guangdong Hot Marine, aquatic and terrestrial Especially Charles Davidson Springs Association Part 2: Benchmarks...... 32 Koori people of Victoria Tourism Australia Transformational Elders past, present and emerging Especially John O’Sullivan Travel Council
Part 3: Advisors...... 70 Family & friends Victorian hot springs Food Studio, Norway community Especially Cecilie Dawes Lynette Bergin & her family Metung Hot Springs, Nunduk Spa Part 4: 2030 Vision...... 80 Design & Editing team Victorian Tourism Retreat, Gippsland Regional Aquatic Cat Martin, Tanya Whelan, Industry Council Centre, Saltwater Springs, Peninsula Ally McManus Hot Springs, 12 Apostles Hot Springs Part 5: Conclusion...... 98 Especially Felicia Mariani and Deep Blue Hot Springs
Part 6: References...... 102
Part 7: Appendix...... 105
2 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 3 Executive Summary Definitions Definitions
1. The Market: wellness 2. The Opportunity: Victoria 3. The Current Offering: tourism is a fast-rising has unrealised hot springs Peninsula Hot Springs & tourism trend tourism potential Deep Blue Hot Springs In 2017, the global wellness tourism With subsurface geothermal Victoria currently has two estblished was valued at $US630billion and water resources along its southern hot springs destinations with a growing at 6.5%. Australia is well coastline and a cool, temperate combined annual visitation of more placed to develop a unique wellness climate Victoria could gain a than 533,000 bathers. There are brand based on its healthy aquatic, competitive advantage as Australia's also a wave of five developments at marine and terrestial environments. hot springs tourism capital. construction or planning stage, from Metung Hot Springs in the east to 12 Apostles Hot Springs in the west.
4. Global Benchmarks: 5. A Climate Emergency: 6. 2030 Vision: A Great Iceland & the Nordic region shifting from the goal of Victorian Bathing Trail The research includes benchmarks sustainability to triple- To create an iconic, world-class from hot springs and bathing tourism bottom-line regeneration tourism trail linking hot springs and destinations in Iceland, Norway, bathing tourism destinations along Businesses and governments are Denmark, Sweden, Finland, England, Victoria's southern coastline, from facing increasing pressure from China and Japan. Bathing is a core Portland to Merrimbula, around consumers and staff to show tangible pillar in each of these market's Nerm/Port Phillip Bay and even up actions to improve their environmental brands. into the Yarra River. and community impacts. Leaders at the frontier are now looking to achieve positive climate impacts. Peninsula Hot Springs, VictoriaAustralia 7. 2020 Recommedations: 8. Industry toolkit: a headstart An Australian Wellness for enterpreneurs, Tourism Strategy developers, designers and Nature-Based Tourism Sustainable Tourism Tourism Australia could provide a bathing geeks Nature-based tourism is leisure travel ('Less Harm') framework for state tourism bodies In the Apppendix there is an extensive undertaken largely or solely for the Tourism that takes full account of its through the development of a national list of bathing and wellness experience purpose of enjoying natural attractions current and future economic, social Wellness Tourism Strategy. Visit resources based on industry best- and engaging in a variety of nature- and environmental impacts, addressing Victoria could then develop a Hot practice. The idea is that if you were based activities – from scuba diving the needs of visitors, the industry, the Springs & Bathing Tourism Strategy looking to start your hot springs or and bushwalking to simply going to the environment and host communities. as part of a broader nature-based, sauna project, this document would be beach. (Source: Tourism Australia) (Source: UN World Tourism Organisation) wellness tourism plan. a great headstart. Representation of hot springs with steam rising from a circular Wellness Tourism Regenerative Tourism tub. This is now the common Wellness tourism is travel associated symbol used internationally ('Triple-Bottom- to represent hot springs with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal wellbeing. Line Surplus') To download a copy visit: Primary and secondary (secondary – Regenerative tourism is travel that globalwellnessinstitute.org/ 89% of trips, 86% of expenditures). Bathing numbers initiatives/hot-springs-initiative actively regenerates the health of (Source: Global Wellness Institute) degraded ecosystems, increases During my research I experienced community wellbeing and promotes Transformational regional financial growth through a • 40 saunas & steam rooms • 6 ice pools • 2 mud baths Tourism nature-based economic model. • 26 hot springs • 4 harbour baths • 1 river & 1 waterfall Transformational Travel (or TT) is any travel experience that empowers • 9 beaches/seas • 3 lakes • 1 salt bath & 1 sand bath people to make meaningful, lasting changes in their lives. (Source: • 8 forest baths • 2 sound baths Transformational Travel Council)
4 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 5 Background
Background
About The Author: Research Methodology 2018 Lynette Peninsula Hot Springs 2008: 'Designing The 2017: Searching North, Matt Sykes Beginning in August 2018 and Bergin Fellowship Voted the global winner in the Luxury Sustainable Landscape' South, East & West Since childhood I’ve loved bathing. finishing in August 2019, my research In 2018 I was fortunate to receive the Mineral Spring Spa category at the In 2008, for my final studio of By 2017 I had found hundreds of Growing up in the rolling hills of methodology involved three phases: Victorian Tourism Industry Council’s World Luxury Spa Awards for 2019, landscape architecture at Melbourne ways that Indigenous knowledge can Peninsula Hot Springs is arguably West Gippsland I have bathed in 1. Situational analysis of Lynette Bergin Fellowship. The University we were asked to investigate inspire life. Land management through Australia’s leading wellness tourism cattle troughs, tannin-rich creeks developments, existing and award honours a spirited lady who a ‘sustainable technology’. Instead of controlled burning still sticks out as destination. Founded in 2005 and neighbour’s hot tubs. What I love emerging was renowned for supporting young choosing bioremediation, permaculture the most profound, a lesson that Bruce most is the way bathing connects Victorian tourism professionals by brothers Charles and Richard or water-sensitive urban design Pascoe articulates brilliantly in his book you to beautiful aquatic and marine 2. Desk-based analysis of Nordic in their career development. My Davidson, the facility has grown from like my peers, I chose songlines. My Dark Emu. ecosystems. It reminds you of the wellness tourism industry, original research proposal was titled a Bath House and Spa to include a interpretation is that in Aboriginal Along the way I spent four years timeless hydrology cycle that defines especially Icelandic hot springs ‘Transformational Travel – Nordic custom-designed Wellness Centre, culture songlines represent the paths of in Tasmania, the heart of Australia’s Fire & Ice (sauna) Area and bathing our Blue Planet. I also walked a lot, 3. In-field research travel through benchmarks for future Victorian spiritual ancestors. These epic creation ecotourism industry. After completing Amphitheatre. With an annual visitation along creek lines, through gardens, Australia, Japan, China, England tourism’ but took on a life of its own. stories are literally embedded in the Certificates 3 & 4 in Adventure Tour now exceeding 500,000 people, forests and farmland. Connecting to and the Nordic region Consequently, the research puts land and sea, being kept alive by the Guiding I was quickly out working on the natural world through each of these forth a vision for a new signature this project is a testimony of the seasonal ritual of walking and travelling the Great Walks of Australia: Bay of Data has been gathered in the simple rituals, bathing and walking, tourism experience coined the ‘Great transformational impacts that tourism along them. The logic was simple, in Fires Lodge Walk, Freycinet Experience form of excel spreadsheets, interview influenced my decision to study a Victorian Bathing Trail’. The concept can create for biodiversity, community order to achieve sustainability then Walk and the Wineglass Bay Sail Walk. transcripts, photo documentation, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at links hot springs and bathing tourism wellbeing and economic development we need to first become ‘aware’ of our I eventually went on run operations for sketches, diagrams, brochures, Melbourne University. After five years destinations along the whole of in regional areas. environment. How do you do that? One the national pilgrimage icon, Cradle annotated maps and even film. I of practice I began a Postgraduate Victoria’s southern coastline with As my employer and primary way as it turns out is through tourism. Mountain Huts Walk which weaves approached the research with the Diploma in Entrepreneurship at other nature-based experiences like supporter of the research, a goal is to So, on the recommendation of RMIT through Tasmania’s UNESCO-listed intention to create a bold vision as well Cambridge University because the our iconic walks, rail and food trails. demonstrate how the Peninsula Hot Professor Emeritus Jim Sinatra I joined World Heritage Area. I was also as practical tools which can guide the influence of business on culture Springs development model could be the Lurujarri Dreaming Trail, a subject involved with the early development strategic development of our industry. became increasingly apparent and replicated across the state. that runs annually where students of the ground-breaking, Aboriginal- The results should be viewed in this could be used to create positive, lasting can immerse themselves in Aboriginal owned ‘wukalina Walk’. context. social and environmental change. culture while walking for nine days Having become intertwined in I’ve been honing my tool kit for past north of Broome. The songline Australia's nation-wide network of five years while working with two of experience was transformational and it walking trails, in May 2017 I decided Australia’s leading tourism operators; opened my eyes to a whole new way of to embark on an unofficial celebration the Tasmanian Walking Company and seeing the land and sea. It was along (aka research trip) to the Nordic region. Peninsula Hot Springs. I’m excited by those vast, open beaches that I met After meeting industry leaders and the conversations and decisions this Charles Davidson and his family. The experiencing benchmark products research will inspire. rest, as they say, is history. I returned to Australia, stopping off in Japan to walk the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo, another significant source of inspiration .
6 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 7 Part 1 | Situational Analysis
Market Landscape Part 1: Situational Analysis
Behind (#1) Poverty and (#2) Hunger, In the 2019 World Happiness Report, Mental illness is now a leading cause Good Health and Wellbeing is the most five out of the top ten countries are in of death, so much so that a Royal important United Nations Sustainable the Nordic region. Could bathing be a Commission is being undertaken into Development Goal. key pillar in their wellbeing lifestyle? Victoria’s Mental Health System. In the 2019 World Suicide Rankings (Source: United Nations, 2019) (Source: Helliwell, J. Layard, R. Sachs, J., the Nordics sit high, as does Australia. 2018) (Finland #24, Sweden #27, Iceland GLOBAL WELLNESS ECONOMY: #32, Australia #38, Denmark #41, Norway #44) $4.2 trillion in 2017 (Source: World Population Review, 2019) Thermal/Mineral Springs Industry in 2017 Traditional & Complementary Medicine $360b Wellness Thermal/ Thermal/ Real Estate Personal Care, $134b WellnessMineral Springs 34.0% Mineral Springs NO SPA SERVICES Beauty & WITH SPA SERVICES Tourism Anti-Aging$56.2b Preventive & $639b$19.1b 66.0% $37.1b Workplace $1,083b Personalized Wellness 25,241 8,816
$48b establishments establishments Medicine and Thermal Public Health /Mineral 36 Tourism Investment in Regional Australia Springs WELLNESS Sunrise yoga on the beach, Byron Bay, New South Wales $575b Wellness tourism is becoming a form $56bHot springs are an excellent winter Wellness tourism can be an excellent Note: The thermal/mineral springs revenue estimates include all revenues earned by these establishments, from bathing/swimming of DIY health care.oerings, In the spa/wellness 2018 Global services and other treatments,product withother recreationalthe ability activities, to even food out & beverage, lodging,driver and otherfor regional services. See areas. The Tourism Wellness TourismAppendix Economy A for additional Report definitions, and descriptionsshoulder of and categories. off-season lows. In Australia wellness report covering the global wellness tourism industry the 2018Spa Global Wellness Tourism statistics from 2012-2017 lists: 7.1% Healthy Eating, registeredFitness a 6.5%Sourc growthe: Global rateWellness & for Institute, 2017. Global WellnessEconomyEconomy Economy Report, Monitor, which January is 2017 endorsed growth in visitation per annum; 700,000 Nutrition & Accommodation ($130.5b), Food & by the$119b Global Wellness Institute’s Hot visitors in 2017 engaged in wellness BeverageMind-Body ($111.5b), Retail ($98.3b) Springs Initiative, the global Thermal/ tourism; 39% of all wellness tourists are Weight Loss and Activities & Tours ($99.7b) deliver Mineral Springs industry is valued at domestic day-trippers, relatively even returns. $58.2 billion, growing at 4.9%. 66% of $595b (Source: Tourism Australia & Colliers $702b destinations include spas. (Source: Global Wellness Institute, 2018) Research, 2019) (Source: Global Wellness Institute, 2018)
Note: Numbers do not add due to overlap in segments. Dark colored bubbles are the sectors for which GWI conducts in-depth, country-level primary research. Light colored bubbles are 8 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail sectors for which GWI aggregates global estimates only, drawing from secondary sources. The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 9 Source: Global Wellness Institute, Global Wellness Economy Monitor, October 2018 Part 1 | Australian Bathing Culture
Hot springs exist in Australian Bathing Culture every Australian state Poppy’s Pool Talaroo Lorella Hot Springs Hot Springs Innot Australia is world-renowned for its aquatic and marine ecosystems, Hot Springs
Mataranka Hot Springs while our beaches are regarded as some of the world’s best. Kooma Hot Springs
Zebedee Springs (El Questro) Cunnamulla Hot Springs
Shark Bay Moree Hot Artesian Pool
Bicton Thermal Pools, Perth Dalhousie Lightening Ridge Hot Springs Springs
Deep Blue Smiths Beach, Phillip Island; Hot Springs Pillinga a summer pilgrimage destination Hot Springs Peninsula Hastings Caves & Metung for Victorians and international Hot Springs Thermal Springs Hot Springs travellers alike. Organising a trip to the beach is a classic Australian ritual. Hot Springs of Australia
For more than 60,000 years Aboriginal people have been and remain custodians When you sit down and listen to of our beautiful, biodiverse water Lower Southern Arrernte people talk Country. Now, our beach and bathing culture sits as a key pillar in Australia’s about their spiritual connection to national brand. (Just look at Tourism Peninsula Hot Irrwanyere (Dalhousie Springs), you Australia’s Instagram feed for evidence.) Springs, the icon of Through the mid-1800s, public baths Australia’s modern realise that Australia’s hot springs provided vital infrastructure for Victorians bathing culture. More to clean themselves but also to socialise. than 100 people culture is rich and ancient. participated in Hot This practice was common through the Springs Yoga for Nordic region as in other industrialising World Wellness nations. Privately-owned sea baths Weekend 2018 Located in Witjira National Park, just south of the geographic were dotted around Port Phillip Bay, centre of Australia, Irrwanyere is the world’s largest flow rate, from Sorrento to St Kilda and Geelong. terrestrial hot springs. This extensive mound springs system These complemented urban baths like produces enough water to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool those that developed in Melbourne’s Yarra Pools, an in less than 60 seconds. It has flowed for millions of years and innovative proposal depends on the vitality of the Great Artesian Basin. inner suburbs. What is interesting to to establish a public note is that in the Nordic region, public swimming facility Highlights in Australian geothermal tourism also include saunas and harbour baths are seeing on the north bank Peninsula Hot Springs (Vic) being awarded the global winner in a resurgence as people actively seek of Melbourne's the Luxury Mineral Spring Spa category at the 2019 World Luxury Irrwanyere / Dalhousie Yarra River. The Springs produces social connection. Could we following Spa Awards. Wellness destinations like Mataranka Springs project is situated enough water to fill (NT) and Zebedee Springs (WA) are well-known to Top End a similar trend? Could Victoria and at the site of a an Olympic-sized Australia give its bathing culture a facelift former waterfall travellers, especially young families taking the ‘lap’ of Australia. swimming pool is less as part of a joint public health and which separated Despite these credentials Australia’s hot springs industry is still in than 60 seconds. tourism strategy? Proposals for a Yarra fresh water and salt its infancy, with relatively little market awareness. water from Nerm / River Bath suggest the potential is there. Port Phillip Bay. ARCHITECTS WOWOWA & POOLS YARRA PHOTOGRAPHY, HOUSE JANIS SPRINGS, HOT PENINSULA ONLINE, VICTORIA VISIT INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE
10 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 11 Part 1 | Hot Springs of Victoria
Victorian hot springs hot springs types Hot Springs of Victoria industry development plan
Boasting subsurface geothermal water right along its southern coastline, Thermal Water Park Victoria is uniquely positioned to define itself as the nation’s hot springs state.
Thermal Rehabilitation
Relaxation Hot Spring l Morwel Metung iry tland Fa h rt Por Seacombe Po
rrnambool development key Campbell Phillip Island Wa Bellarine Peninsula rt
Peterboroug Operational Po Planned Development
Mornington Peninsula Potential Development
Conveniently located within reach of Melbourne’s multicultural communities, Existing Victorian Victorian Geothermal many of which carry hot springs geothermal industry Assessment Report traditions from their homelands, Victoria’s regional areas are poised documents recommendations to greatly benefit from proposed • Victoria’s geothermal and (Melbourne Energy Institute, 2015) Existing Emerging developments. The cool temperate natural mineral water tourism • Geothermal energy climate and associated winter ‘off- Hot Springs Hot Springs investment opportunities, can provide zero-emissions season’ periods can be flipped to our Visit Victoria, 2005 baseload power advantage. This research will outline two existing • Victoria’s geothermal and • Every commercial geothermal hot springs developments, as well as natural mineral water tourism power market in the world has advocating for the strategic support of investment opportunities, had dominant government five emerging developments. However, Visit Victoria, 2007 involvement in its early stages economic opportunities are not • Victorian Geothermal • Current geothermal legislation limited to tourism. Geothermal energy, Assessment Report, Melbourne in Victoria actively prevents agriculture and housing development Energy Institute, 2016 new entrants to the geothermal Peninsula Hot Springs, 12 Apostles Hot Springs, Saltwater Springs, Metung Hot Springs, also hold significant power in Victoria’s power sector Mornington Peninsula Great Ocean Road Phillip Island Gippsland Lakes transition to become a world-leading, • Victorian Hot Springs Industry renewable, nature-based economy. Development Plan, Charles • Known warm aquifers beneath Davidson, 2016 the Latrobe Valley could • Hot Springs Australia – provide cheap, reliable heat Classification types, for new industries to emerge in Charles Davidson 2018 that region
• Hot Springs Australia – Victoria • Ground source heat pumps Chapter vision alignment, 2018 provide 30% to 60% savings on running costs over roof- • Australian Hot Springs Industry Deep Blue Hot Springs, Gippsland Regional Nunduk Spa Retreat, mounted systems Charter, May 2018 Warrnambool Aquatic Centre, Traralgon Lake Wellington
12 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 13 Part 1 | Hot Springs of Victoria
Historical Victorian Baths
Acknowledgement: Prior to European settlement, Koori people recognised Port Phillip Bay as ‘Nerm’. In the 19th century, swimming from the open beach was prohibited Note that somewhere between 5000-7000 years ago this area consisted of a vast open plain due to lower sea levels and what is now the Yarra River met the ocean just off the northern coastline of Tasmania. during daylight hours, so bathers were compelled to keep within the baths.
Sorrento Sea Baths, Sandringham Sea Baths, Brighton Sea Baths, St Kilda Sea Baths, Williamstown Sea Baths, Geelong Sea Baths, late 1800s - early 1900s 1886 - 1919 1881 - present 1860 – present. 1888 - unknown 1840s – present (Source: The Baths, 2019) (Source: Joy, S., unknown) (Source: Humans of Hampton, 2019) In the 19th century, swimming from (Sources: State Library of Victoria, 2019) (Source: Victorian Heritage the open beach was prohibited during Department, 2019) daylight hours, so bathers were compelled to keep within the baths.
(Source: St Kilda Sea Baths, 2017)
Contemporary Victorian Baths
Peninsula Aquatic Liquid Room Middle Brighton Baths, Melbourne Sports Williamstown Life Geelong Sea Baths, and Recreation Centre, (float therapy), Brighton and Aquatic Centre, Saving Club (floating Corio Bay Frankston Sandringham Albert Park pool), Williamstown (Source: WLSC Instagram)
14 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 15 Part 1 | Peninsula Hot Springs
Most popular tour package: Horseriding Facility Map & Bathe, Gunnamatta Trail Rides.
Defining regenerative principle: Hand-weeding, natural recruitment and planting of more than 100,000 indigenous plant species has transformed degraded farmland into an ecological sanctuary. PHS VICTORIA Guests celebrating World is also exploring Benefit Melbourne Bathing Day on June 22, Corporation, Carbon while Lionel Lauch performs a Neutrality and Zero didgeridoo sunrise ceremony. Landfill accreditations.
Peninsula Hot Springs Stakeholders
Charles Recommendations for emerging hot springs Economic impact: (EY, 2018) Top 5 favourite BEFORE Work together and collaborate – We should refer business • Increase in direct expenditure: Davidson hot springs $53.5m (FY17), $969.2m (Net to each other all the time and ask 'how can we contribute to the peninsulahotsprings.com Co-founder, communities in which we are fortunate to engage with?' Present Value, FY 17 – FY 36) Creative Director Kusatsu Onsen, Japan Region: • Direct and indirect jobs supported: and Group Chairman Blue Lagoon, Iceland Shared community responsibility – The currency of wellness Fingal, Mornington Peninsula 481 jobs (FY17), 764 jobs (FY- is connection; with people, ourselves and nature. We’ve found “I would like to see hot Esalen, USA Aboriginal community: FY36, average annual) benefits for mental health and people dealing with arthritis. What springs trails right across the Boon Wurrung and Bunurong Mission Hills Haikou could that mean for Victoria’s health system as a whole? • Total specific and extended country, people coming to stay visitors to the region: Resort, China Founded: 2005 Australia to visit hot springs Keep the fire burning through our shared ability to make a 236, 427 (FY17) Owners: as a signature experience.” Maruia Hot Springs, difference. It is very rare in life where you have an opportunity to Charles Davidson and Bharat Mitra Community impact: (Sykes, May 8 2019) New Zealand effectively help create culture, a new Australian bathing culture Distance from Melbourne: 100km • More than 500,000 members that brings the best elements from all corners of the earth together. of Melbourne’s multicultural Annual visitation: community promoting wellbeing 500,000+ guests (FY18/19) (FY18/19) Core product price: Greg Burgess Jarrod Ruch • Nearly 100 tour package partners Bath House bathing pass, focused within Mornington Architect, Gregory Burgess Architects Land & Environment Manager, Peninsula Hot Springs MON-FRI $45, SAT/SUN $55 Peninsula region “The first step was travelling to Japan with Charles and Richard “There’s been a process of constant observation of what’s Growth statistics: Average Bath AFTER • Partnerships with purpose: in August 1998. I remember the anxiety, thinking 'Are Australians naturally regenerating, supporting that through hand weeding and House bather growth over last 5 Mental Health Australia, Mentis going to take to this?' … Humility and restraint, inner calm and nurturing seed stock that is already in the soil.” Key ideas include: years (11%). Aiming for uplift of Assist (Mornington Peninsula), peace are very important to reinforce peoples’ capacity to organic land management (chemical-free), rabbit control, 5-16% in 2019/20 Musculoskeletal Australia, Willum rejuvenate through architecture.” biodiversity auditing and a three-pronged attack via Grounds, Staff employed: 320 people Warrain Aboriginal Association (Sykes, March 19 2019) Aesthetics and Food production teams. (Sykes, May 7 2019) Ecological impact: Martin Pujol Matt Colston • 100,000+ indigenous plants Senior Geothermal Hydrogeologist, Rockwater Pty Ltd Associate Partner, Sports Events and Venues Advisory, EY BEFORE – 1997 established over 20- year period “Victoria has really good resources for energy production “The push for government is the dispersal of visitors to promote Brothers Charles and Richard • Endangered Ecological through heat exchange. District heating is very common in regional growth. We need unique experiences to act as a Davidson purchased 40 acres of Vegetation Community ‘Coast horse paddocks with a dream. Paris and other countries. In Western Australia, reinjected magnet and appropriate infrastructure to get people there Alkaline Scrub’ described and water results in operators maintaining 100% credit with no net … Having a suite of hot springs across the state is important protected AFTER – 2018 volumetric loss and pressure is maintained. i.e. a water license and they encourage people not just to travel to a region for More than 100 people participate • 80 acres of landscaped grounds can be 0 litres per year … The risks are water pollution through one destination … If you want these developments they won’t in a yoga class for World Wellness managed without use of chemicals Weekend while being immersed in peoples’ natural oils, incontinence, sun creams and vegetation.” happen without support. Private investors can get better returns
a new hot springs amphitheatre. PHOTOGRAPHY HOUSE JANIS SPRINGS, HOT PENINSULA RIDES, TRAIL GUNNAMATTA INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE (Sykes, May 7 2019) elsewhere.” (Sykes, May 13 2019)
16 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 17 heading | heading Part 1 | Deep Blue Hot Springs
TOP LEFT: Tour package opportunity - Worn Gundidj (Tower Hill) Aboriginal Walk and Bathe BOTTOM LEFT: Cave Pool within Deep Blue’s new outdoor bathing landscape, July 2019 RIGHT: Aerial view - entrance at left, Cave Pool at right (March 2019)
Concept proposal for VICTORIA Deep Blue Hot Springs Melbourne sanctuary of hot spring pool’s and enhanced bathing experiences.
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs Stakeholders
Gene Seabrook Challenges: Contractor profile: Economic impact: • Converting short-team (1-night stay) Director Hot springs development creates • $843,130 annual revenue (2018, visitors to longer-term (2-3 night) “As the first hot springs hotel in Victoria, opportunities for skilled professionals Day Spa and Bath House) • Converting day-trippers to 12 Apostles thedeepblue.com.au we aim to re-establish Warrnambool as • Greater than $5 million (inclusive to overnight stays. a key bathing destination. By creating the Region: of hotel accommodation and • Changing consumer mindset of Marshall Judd Hot Springs Sanctuary we hope to help Warrnambool, Great Ocean Road restaurant revenue) Warrnambool being a summer encourage the phsyical and emotional Director, Rock n Water Landscapes • Projected combined revenue destination Aboriginal community: wellbeing of our community as well as (Judd, April 10 2019) greater than $10 million Peek Whurrung people, • Distance from Melbourne provide a high-quality tourism experience Scope of works relating to Maar Nation Community impact: • Maintaining the integrity of the hot for visitors to Victoria and the Great Ocean Deep Blue Stage 1: springs industry and defining common Founded: 2009 • Annual visitation: Bath House & Road region” (Sykes, March 18 2019) • Stage 1 ground-level design concept Day Spa (33,000 visitors pa - standards Owners: Gene and Bec Seabrook, approx. 60% locals, 40% tourists) of outdoor hot springs pools & Michael Townshend Project Timeline • Tour package partners: Under Opportunities: enhanced bathing experiences 2007 Hotel construction commenced Distance from Melbourne: 258km development • Budj Bim National Park announced as • Work with the client to provide a 2009 Opened to public MARCH 2019 – Aerial view of Deep Blue’s • Community organisation World Heritage Area Annual visitation: specific mood and experience to suit new development, showing relationship 2012 Purchased by current owners • Collaboration opportunities with Bath House bathing MON-FRI partners: State, regional and the overall relaxation/wellness theme. with Warrnambool Bay foreshore 2013 Began exploring expansion local Peek Whurrung community and $15, SAT/SUN $20 (Hotel: Average local tourism partnerships opportunities Elders like Uncle Locky, for example, room rate $154) (Projected bathing Ecological impact: How many full-time equivalent staff 2014 Decided on rock and cave with culturally-safe design or spa sanctuary entry: average $55) • 60% indigenous plantings are involved? concept. Engaged Marshall treatments incorporating Traditional • Other credentials? Eg: building Core product price: Judd, an artificial rock specialist. Indigenous Knowledge We have a full-time team of four; three Bath House bathing, energy rating etc tradesman and one in admin Co-funded James White to • New scientific findings at Point Richie MON-FRI $15, SAT/SUN $20 conduct global hot springs suggesting evidence of Aboriginal Growth statistics: industry research occupation exceeding 100,000 years What kinds of accumulated knowledge Consistent strong growth, with 2015 Secured $650K through the • The Logan’s Beach Whale Nursery for and skills are you gaining through 69% lift between 2013 and 2014. state government’s Tourism Southern Right Whales is active from projects like DBHS and PHS? Bathing alone contributed a Demand Driver Infrastructure May to September (perfect alignment We are learning that it is an extremely revenue of $448K in 2018. funding program to prime bathing season!) popular experience and there is a Staff employed: 2016 Engaged architect definite market for these therapies. Regenerative Bath House & Day Spa (8 principle - 2017 Planning, permits and financing “We want to bring We see it as the tip of the ice berg for inc. casuals), Hotel (45 inc. Collaboration 2018 Started construction in April ocean-view hot springs the industry and can only see it getting with local casuals), Bathing Sanctuary 2019 Launch scheduled for Spring, bigger. For us personally, being a family (projected additional 20) producers, to the bathing world.” Under construction, including view of star- including craft planning commenced for Stage 2 business, we hope to continue in this
gazing pool (mid-distance on right hand side) beer makers BLUE DEEP INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE (inc. rooftop pools) & 3. – Gene Seabrook profession for another generation.
18 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 19 heading | heading Part 1 | Metung Hot Springs
“This is one of the most naturally spectacular sites I have seen.” – Charles Davidson
Proposed development site, originally earmarked in the 1986 Storth Reyes Residential Resort plan
Stakeholders
Adrian and Rachel Bromage The Gunai Kurnai community is currently offset by young peoples’ needs for exploring development ideas for the work opportunities for intergenerational VICTORIA Co-founders, Managers at Concept proposal for Forestec site including: virtual reality collaboration. (Sykes, February 18 2019) Melbourne Metung Hot Springs, The Riversleigh boutique including future accommodation in Bairnsdale storytelling facilities, a cultural gathering waterfront marina space/amphitheatre, a bush food/café Tim McAuliffe “We come with decades of experience in facility and mountain biking trails. (Sykes, Acting Regional Director the hospitality industry and people have February 19 2019) for Gippsland, Regional been screaming out for things to do. Hot Development Victoria springs present an opportunity to grow Darren Chester the local tourism industry using something “In the late '70s and early '80s I went Federal Member for Gippsland, that fits our natural, picturesque down to Chinaman’s Creek as a kid. [The The Nationals Party Metung Hot Springs landscape. It fits what the region is known site of the original Metung Hot Springs] for. Metung was actually the first hot “The recent drought is having a severe There were 10-12 people in each of the springs in Victoria, dating back to the impact and I believe it’s important to grow three pools and it was open 24 hours 7 days a week, free to the public … If Tour package opportunity – 1930s … Something of this scale is only our tourism industry as a way to ensure Buchan Caves & Bathe. With possible with the support and backing of the economic viability of the region. I you look at Gippsland with its natural more than 70,000 people visiting the Peninsula Hot Springs team.” (Sykes, have provided my full support to the environment … aside from Phillip Island this National Trust-listed site, facebook.com/metunghotsprings February 18 2019) establishment of the hot springs project Nature Park, nothing else exists. [In Buchan currently sits as the most … [and] I am ensuring the proponents relation to the proposed development], Region: significant regional attraction. are aware of all funding opportunities detailed environmental planning will be Lake King, Gippsland Charles Davidson critical but I don’t see any obvious show- Co-founder, Founder and available through the Federal Government Aboriginal community: and will continue to raise awareness stoppers.” (Sykes, February 18 2019) Gunai Kurnai Chairman Peninsula Hot Springs, Mornington Peninsula of this project with my Parliamentary Founded: (Concept stage) colleagues.” (Chester, March 4 2019) Richard Elkington “Metung in particular, but also the Developers: Committee Chair for Gippsland, whole of the Gippsland Lakes, is one Peninsula Hot Springs Group with Natalie O’Connell Regional Development Australia of the hidden jewels in the Victorian Adrian and Rachel Bromage Mayor of East Gippsland and Australian tourism landscape. The With his experience in Gippsland’s energy Distance from Melbourne: 311km undulating hills and natural topography “A proposal of this type would be an ideal sector, Richard encourages exploration about the potential for geothermal Annual visitation: 117,000 in Year 3 of the site and spectacular views lend fit for Metung Village, and boost business themselves perfectly to the serenity of hot confidence in investment for the wider business within the region, including in Core product price: $38 springs bathing. I have visited thousands East Gippsland region. The opportunity tourism. In discussion, he also highlighted Growth statistics: Not supplied of hot springs sites across the globe on for collaboration between the Metung the politics associated with sub-ground Staff employed: research missions to 51 countries during Hot Springs and businesses all over East resources and community concerns 77 growing up to 179 in 10 years the past 21 years and in my mind, this is Gippsland is significant.” (Sykes, February around environmental impacts. (Sykes, one of the most naturally spectacular sites 18 2019) February 18 2019) I have seen.” (Sykes, August 8 2019) Joe Rettino Jon Hutchins Roger Fenwick Partnership Broker, CEO of Mt Hotham Resort CEO of Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Gippsland Resilience Strategy, Management Board TOP LEFT: Before – 2018 Drone photo of proposed Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) Federation Training Jon noted that hot springs and alpine regions have always been connected, ‘green field’ site, west of Key messages from meeting (19.2.2019) The potential for hot springs to combat citing Australians travel to Japan for Metung township. - Before exploring any partnership the winter seasonality of East Gippsland snowboarding and skiing. He emphasised Regeneration opportunity – opportunities it is important to have tourism, the opportunity to connect BOTTOM LEFT: Hilltop that the Metung Hot Springs development – Co-founders Charles collaboration with Gunai Kurnai an understanding of the Aboriginal different areas and experiences within must be world-class in order to lure Davidson, Adrian community, especially in the community, its history and ambitions. Then the region, increasing length of stay, rehabilitation of the site's tourists beyond the “2-hour bubble” Bromage and Rachel after listening to the community’s priorities economic development through tour Bromage discuss ideas for freshwater wetland. Cultural surrounding Melbourne. (18.2.2019) and commercial goals, there is scope to packaging (for example, with Buchan geothermal pools which heritage surveying will be an allow bathers to look out important foundation activity. look for mutual connections. The first step Caves), challenging the existing image of
over the Gippsland Lakes. NATIONALTRUST.ORG.AU GROUP, SPRINGS HOT PENINSULA INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE could be a cultural survey of the site. Metung as a peaceful retirement village,
20 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 21 heading | heading
LEFT: Tour package opportunity – Bataluk Cultural Trail & Bathe.
RIGHT: Regeneration opportunity – Integrated VICTORIA development incorporating Melbourne 6-Star Green Star building Concept proposal for design, solar energy and Nunduk Spa Retreat ecosystem rehabilitation.
Nunduk Spa Retreat Stakeholders
Harry Troedel Dominique Hes Economic impact: Director at Seacombe West Regenerative design specialist, Project Team • $140m (region) “Tourism isn’t going to stop, we have Thrive Research Hub, • $160m (state-wide) University of Melbourne seacombewest.com.au to go beyond sustainability and work • $120 million investment Perry Lethlean, towards a positive impact. We can “The project will be a multifaceted Region: • $28m GSP increase (Deloitte Landscape Architect, show people positive techniques in development currently planned to be Lake Wellington, Gippsland Access Economics) Taylor Cullity Lethlean regenerative development and building 6-star Green Star, including using Aboriginal community: design, things that people can take geothermal heat for spas and associated Jose Alfano, Gunai Kurnai Community impact: back home with them.” agricultural activities as well generating Architect, Alfano Studio Founded: • 5% Indigenous employment “Nunduk (pronounced ‘noon dook’) is its own power and water and taking (Concept stage, scheduled 2021) target a Gunai word meaning ‘bark of a tree’. It care of its waste. This project aims to Paul Paton, Developers: Seacombe West • Indigenous culinary / medicinal fits the protective, restorative, dare I say address the three pillars of sustainable Aboriginal cultural advisor, experiences regenerative nature of the project.” development to provide positive Distance from Melbourne: 252km Dinadj Consulting • Education through a place- (Sykes, March 5 2019) environmental, social and economic Annual visitation: 20,000 based cultural perspective outcomes. additional visitor nights a year • Cultural and Natural Heritage The site is significantly degraded from Nick Glasson, (projected) Plan developed in collaboration salt water entering the Gippsland Lakes Civil engineer, Cardino Growth statistics: $140m with Gunaikurnai Land and Development system and the degradation is continuing economic impact (region) Waters Aboriginal Corporation Overview rapidly. The development plans to use David Provis, Staff employed: (GLaWAC) late 2018 a touch lightly approach preserving Oceanographer, Cardino significant and valuable habitat and 105 Staff directly employed, 200-acre site restore some degraded areas to create Dominique Hes, 200 indirect jobs Ecological impact: land with improved ecological value. 36 guest rooms Regenerative design specialist, • Regenerative design approach Lifted above the salt layer this land will University of Melbourne & • Ecosystem restoration 45 private villas support a broader diversity and vitality in Thrive Research Hub • Zero carbon emissions the natural environment.” • Off-grid, geothermal energy 60C expected water (Seacombe West, May 20 2018) Aaron Organ, • 100% self-sufficient water supply temperature Ecology & Heritage Partners
Nestled between National & This project aims... David Ritter, TOP & Coastal Parks Atelier 10 Sustainability BOTTOM LEFT: to provide positive Architecture, by East Gippsland Council environmental, social Studio Alfano, to Graeme Beardsmore, approval, July 2019 blend seamlessly and economic outcomes. Hot Dry Rocks, Geothermal into regenerated
coastal marshland. WEST SEACOMBE & TEN ATELIER BATALUKCULTURALTRAIL.COM.AU, WEST, SEACOMBE INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE – Dominique Hes
22 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 23 heading | heading Part 1 | Gippsland Retional Aquatic Centre
Tour package opportunity – Latrobe Creative Precinct & Bathe
VICTORIA Melbourne Concept proposal for Regeneration opportunity – Gippsland Regional Renewable geothermal energy Project Aquatic Centre. supply via heat exchange system masterplan
Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre Stakeholders
Luke McGrath Jackson Architecture + Economic impact: Senior Project Manager Katsieris Origami, Development • $57 million government funding Luke’s family is originally from Droitwich Architects in Association Overview contribution facebook.com/traralgonindoorpool Spa in England, so geothermal energy Architects for Latrobe • Estimated $370K saved in Region: Traralgon, Gippsland runs in his blood. He has researched Creative Precinct operating costs annually through Competition pool: 8 Lane x examples of best practices for aquatic Aboriginal community: geothermal energy use “Our vision for the Latrobe Creative 51.5 metre with moveable Gunai Kurnai centres across Australia and is working Industries Precinct is two-fold: Firstly boom to make 2 x 25 metre through the logistical and engineering Founded: (Construction stage, to draw upon the Latrobe Valley’s rich pools or variable options Community impact: challenges associated with sourcing scheduled to open January 2021) timber history and, in partnership with • State-of-the-art community geothermal water. Latrobe City Council’s local industry across all scales, create 500 spectator seats Developers: Latrobe City Council leisure facility catering to broad geothermal project will deliver long-term an exemplar precinct of iconic timber Large indoor water play zone Distance from Melbourne: 164km user groups economic, environmental and wellbeing construction that demonstrates a new Annual visitation: • Adjacent to proposed ‘Latrobe benefits to the Latrobe Valley community. era of engineered timber capability, Toddlers pool Approx. 400,000 from year 3 Creative Precinct’ development, There is the potential for hot springs imagination, industry, production and includes 756 seat theatre bathing in subsequent stages. The water Large warm water therapy Core product price: construction in the Latrobe Valley and sits around 600 metres below surface pool with spa Assumed adult swim entry <$10 Traralgon. Secondly, our vision is to level, at 65C. However, there’s not a huge also approach the design of the site Growth statistics: Ecological impact: Learn to swim / leisure pool depth of expertise in Victoria (i.e. people in a way that unifies built and un-built The ABS forecasts Latrobe City • Geothermal energy system to with actual experience of constructing components, integrates new and existing Sauna & steam rooms population growth through to 2031 heat the pools and facility geothermal bores), so they ended up buildings and seamlessly embeds the site to be around 0.7% per annum. But • Reduce carbon footprint within engaging Rockwater from Western with the wider urban fabric of Traralgon.” Gymnasium and group fitness the delivery of projects such as Latrobe City by 700 tonnes Australia. (Sykes, February 19 2019) (Source: Jackson Architecture, 2015) rooms GRAC and the LCP will improve liveability and community health 2 x large water slides and wellbeing; and therefore stimulate economic investment and Wellness centre population growth. Benchmark facilities “Latrobe City Council's 25 m outdoor pool Staff employed: Approx. 45 E.F.T project will deliver Splash Craigiebourne MSAC – Melbourne Sports Geothermal heating and Aquatic Centre long-term economic, GESAC – Glen Eira Sports Café & retail space environmental and and Aquatic Centre Aquapulse Wyndham 250 space car park, TOP LEFT: Site of existing wellbeing benefits to the PARC – Peninsula Aquatic Casey Race and Casey Ark landscaping, public lighting outdoor swimming pool. and Recreation Centre Latrobe Valley community.” Sale Aquatic Centre and security BOTTOM LEFT: Development
site, existing overflow carpark. – Luke McGrath LATROBE.VIC.GOV.AU JACKSONARCHITECTURE.COM.AU, COUNCIL, CITY LATROBE & ARCHITECTS THORP PEDDLE INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE
24 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 25 heading | heading Part 1 | Saltwater Springs
Regeneration opportunity – Land enhancement through wetland development and revegetation.
Stakeholders VICTORIA Concept proposal Melbourne for Saltwater Hot Springs with views Jodie Vogt Steve Parker young people through job creation. to Bass Strait Founder Director, Millowl Dreaming Destination Phillip Island is currently working on a ‘Global Sustainable Testimony to their perseverance, Millowl Dreaming offers cultural Tourism Certification’ and is “keen to Jodie and her partner Mark started the education, smoking ceremonies see the hot springs project commence”. project 10 years ago including a tough and Wayapa meditation around the (Sykes, March 5 2019) 18-month planning period. Now, the Bass Coast. Steve has a history of Saltwater Hot Springs pilot bore has been completed and collaboration with Cape Kitchen. Catherine Basterfield Stage 1 is scheduled to open mid-2021. He was also instrumental in establishing After being actively encouraged to look the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles CEO of Phillip Island Nature Parks for potential development sites on the and an Indigenous surfing program When asked about her future vision west coast, Jodie and her partner Mark supported by Vic Health and the state for the Island, Catherine replied “I settled on the current location of Cape government, which extended from see it as a much wilder place, much Kitchen in Newhaven. “Wellness should Portland to Mallacoota. more vegetated, appreciated as an saltwatersprings.com.au be something that people can access “This was a place where our warriors ecotourism destination known for Region: Phillip Island, Gippsland easily, so we decided to meet people were on a journey, a place of visiting its environmental values.” She sees Aboriginal community: where they already are.” and a place of healing to an extent. the opportunity to tailor more niche Boon Wurrung and Bunurong Their goal is to offer broader benefits We ask people who visit to respect our products and eco-style accommodation Founded: (Concept stage, to the community (by generating off- Country and children because Bunjil aiming at higher yielding travellers. scheduled mid-2021) season demand) as well as aligning with [our creator spirit] is always watching.” (Sykes, March 5 2019) “The baths here are an amazing Developers: Jodie and Mark Vogt their farsighted environmental values. “Our immediate focus will be outside opportunity to make people think more Peter Francis & Distance from Melbourne: 131km bathing facilities, providing larger space sustainable and connected … I’m trying Cr Pam Rothfield Annual visitation: for big groups as well as more intimate to build pathways. My surfing program Economic Development Manager 150K to 220K YR1 spaces for small groups, and then quite started with a $1200 budget and ended & Councillor, Bass Coast Shire Core product price: Based on a separate area for families (mindful of with a $1 million budget.” Steve sees opening 2021 (and subject to noise). We’ve already put 30,000 trees Saltwater Springs as a complement to (Sykes, March 5 2019) review) Peak Adult $65 Ch $45 in and will be planting another 10,000 the surf marine reserves surrounding Key themes: Phillip Island. (Sykes, March 4 2019) Growth statistics: Will be reliant on next month (June 2019).” • Balancing growth, urbanisation/ introduction of additional capacity “I always thought we could be an housing/tourism island ark, in the same way Kangaroo Kim Storey and experiences - assuming 20% • Environment is our asset, even Tour package Island has been positioned - different, General Manager at Destination Staff employed: Currently opportunity – Penguin for the Grand Prix, it’s the beauty of soft and gentle, not intimadating … not Phillip Island (TCK 12 - 15) mix of FT, PT and Parade & Bathe the landscape' everyone’s up for the wilderness, we Kim explained that the Island’s roads Casual - Opening No. 60 - 90 need them to feel safe and secure. and assets reach their capacity in • Phillip Island has a summer persona, That way we can encourage them peak season. The population swells not yet a winter persona gently, hold their hand, go deeper and from 12,000 to 50,000 people and • Spa, wellness, lifestyle fits with bolder, allow them to develop that this creates friction with the local place identity – the missing “Wellness should be understanding to care. We believe that BEFORE community. The major supply gap is in ingredient? TOP LEFT: Development something that people is the only way to do it.” high-end accommodation while the key site, former grazing land “Victoria has the opportunity to challenges are increasing length of stay • Saltwater Springs developers have can access easily, so we position itself as the hot springs and evening out seasonality. She sees a good reputation, “just need to get AFTER decided to meet people destination of Australia, developments Saltwater Springs as an opportunity for on with it!” LEFT: Concept design, need to come through in a wave. For us, the fox-free island to go beyond Phillip by Tract Consultants, where they already are” showing strong integration this is a legacy project.” Island Nature Parks and the Grand Prix.
with indigenous landscape. – Jodie Vogt TRACTMEDIA.COM.AU SALTWATERSPRINGS.COM.AU, INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE (Sykes, May 20 2019) There is also the chance to attract more
26 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 27 heading | heading Part 1 | 12 Apostles Hot Springs
TOP LEFT: Tour package opportunity – Great Ocean Walk & Bathe, including 12 Apostles Lodge Walk partnership
BOTTOM LEFT: Regeneration opportunity – Goal to create a zero-waste café inspired by the work of Joost Bakker
RIGHT: Proposed accommodation
VICTORIA Melbourne Concept proposal for 12 Apostles Hot Springs
12 Apostles Hot Springs Stakeholders
Guy Obeid Transaction Manager, CMFC Project overview Project Team Regarding the challenges of #1 Product – Public Cafe 12apostleshotsprings.com.au developing hot springs I would say Rocdon Development, that there is considerable comparative (average spend at $15), Developer Region: Great Ocean Road data for accommodation offerings. including farmers market Aboriginal community: So where, for accommodation, our Slattery Australia, Kirrae Wurrung consultants have been able to rely on #2 Product – Public Bathing ($50 off-peak, $55 peak), Quantity Surveyor Founded: a large pool of regional data to arrive at average room rates and occupancy including arts amphitheatre (Concept stage, scheduled Savi Communications, January 2022) rates, the pool of data for a hot springs operation is more limited. This has #3 Project – Wellness Resort Branding Agency Developers: made it more challenging for us to, for (with scheduled activities Rocdon Development example, predict capture rates from that people can opt into) CMFC, Distance from Melbourne: 227km the 5.6 million people that visit the Transaction Manager region and the 2.6 million that attend Benchmarks - Shambala Core product price: the visitor centre. If operators in the Oceanside Retreat & Mesa $50 bathing pass (off-peak) Biofilta Water Solutions, industry to work together to pool this Stila Resort, Indonesia type of data, it could certainly help the Project & Water Management industry's development. Regarding a bathing trail, I think Kalus Kenny Intelex, the concept of a bathing trail is very Legal Advisors exciting, especially in the context of a Concept proposal for the stairs to young bathing industry in Victoria. The Neil Architecture, ability to create such a proposition and the changerooms Architect team it with complimentary attractions and dining experiences is an exciting Dransfield Hotels opportunity. BEFORE and Resorts, “The concept of a (Sykes, March 26 2019) TOP LEFT: Agent and Resort Drone photo bathing trail is very of proposed Development Advisor development site exciting, especially in Royce, AFTER the context of a young Communications LEFT: Concept bathing industry.” design by Neil
Architecture – Guy Obeid ECOCITIZENAUSTRALIA.COM.AU DAVIDSON, CHARLES 12APOSTLESHOTSPRINGS.COM.AU, INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE
28 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 29 Part 1 | Geothermal Victoria
Example of Geothermal Victoria geothermal power station pipelines Extract from the 2016 Victorian Geothermal Assessment Report, Melbourne Energy Institute, University of Melbourne
Geothermal power plant at Wairakei, New Zealand
Geothermal heat supply, Korean Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (Daejeon, Korea)
Map showing geothermal water resources, concentration along Geothermally heated southern coastline. greenhouse, Turkey
'The use of geothermal energy is locations. Warm aquifers are known rates, and a lack of public awareness of established energy supply network increasing around the world in order to underlie many parts of the state the possibilities. represents a barrier to the development to achieve C02 emissions reduction, including the Bellarine and Mornington The Victorian climate everywhere of geothermal power generation in reduce energy costs, and improve Peninsulas, the Werribee Plains, and lends itself to the deployment of energy Victoria … However, unlike other parts energy security and energy efficiency. the Latrobe Valley. There is strong efficient ground source heat pumps. of Australia, geothermal energy also While these same drivers apply in technical potential for harvesting the GSHPs provide efficient heating in represents an opportunity to ‘repurpose’ Victoria, Victoria’s unique geological heat in these aquifers, with little impact winter and cooling in summer, with existing energy infrastructure and and economic conditions require on the quantity and quality of the additional environmental and public expertise in Victoria. For example, a unique consideration of how water itself, for direct use in a range of health benefits, compared to roof skilled power industry personnel, drilling geothermal energy might cost- industrial applications. Identification mounted HVAC systems. The challenge contractors, transmission lines and large Cover of Victorian effectively address these drivers. of economic geothermal resources to developing a sustainable GSHP energy consumers are all co-located Geothermal Geothermal energy already is currently limited by inadequate industry in Victoria lies largely in in the Latrobe Valley, which is also one Assessment Report represents an economic resource for knowledge of aquifer temperature and overcoming initial high capital costs of the most prospective locations for 2016, Melbourne direct heat in a number of Victorian distribution, sustainable extraction through economies of scale … The geothermal energy in the state.'
Energy Institute 2016) INSTITUTE, ENERGY MELBOURNE SOURCE:
30 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 31 Part 2 | Benchmarks
Chapter summary Part 2: Benchmarks
“Not all of us can do great things but we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Theresa
32 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 33 Part 2 | Scope of research
Scope of research
2018 December Tasmania (Wukalina Walk, Bay of Fires)
2019 January Japan (Kyushu, Kyoto and Osaka)
Feb – May Victoria (Existing & emerging hot springs)
March/April Central Australia (Irrwanyere/Dalhousie Springs)
May/June Iceland, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, England, China
Wukalina Walk, Beppu, Japan Tasmania “World’s best hot “World-class spring city” luxury walk”
Irrwanyere / Blue Lagoon, Tampere, Finland Oslo, Norway Copenhagen, Skane, Sweden Thermae Bath Spa, Guangdong, China Dalhousie Springs, Iceland Denmark UK “World sauna capital” “Floating sauna city” “Summer beach escape” “World’s fastest growing South Australia “Land of Fire & Ice” “Harbour Bath City” “Iconic Roman baths” hot springs industry” “World’s largest terrestrial hot springs”
34 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 35 Part 2 | Beppu, Japan
Beppu City Map, note the abundance of onsen symbols
Immersed in geothermally warmed sand at Beppu Sand Onsen
Beppu, Japan Stakeholders
Beppu’s spa bus Social Media (YouTube) drops off and picks up from dozens of the city’s onsen ‘Striving to be the world’s best hot springs city’, that’s the tagline developed by local Mayor Yasuhiro Nagano. A very clever marketeer, Naganosan came up with the concept for a Youtube clip which presents a Spa Amusement Park. Picture rollercoasters filled with bubbles and visitors walking around in towels dancing. Super fun right?! The pitch was that if the clip received 1 million views on Youtube then he would actually transform a local theme park into an adventure onsen for a day. Now sitting at 5,708,561 views the concept was a huge success. (Search for “1 Million Views Make it a Reality! Beppu City Spamusement Park Project”) Another promotional video was developed for the city’s role in hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Think men and women running the streets of people dressed in towels as if making an offensive charge. With a Kyoko Inzumi Yoshikawa Munekazu Jared modest 163,418 views the clip still demonstrates the power of social Beppu City Tourist Information Centre Beppu Spa 124th Eternal Master International business media to engage mass international audiences and the motivations of coordinator & Author of ‘Be Beppu’, and local Japanese teacher student from America tourism organisations, like Beppu or Iceland, to develop clever and funny A guide to the city’s onsen and culture for (Sykes, January 15 2019) (Sykes, January 15 2019) campaigns. (YouTube – “No Side, Beppu City”) foreign tourists (Sykes, January 15 2019) Munekazusan has completed the 88 Jared has a passion for onsen and has “Beppu onsen has very deep culture, Beppu onsen pilgrimage 12 times and been collaborating with Beppu City on much more that I expected. While I reached the the Beppu onsen ‘Hall of a number of projects to attract foreign collected stamps, I visited more than Fame’. (Talk about customer lifetime visitors to the iconic region. One example Beppu’s spa passport, value!) He is a living testimony to the is a promotional video where Jared is collect stamps at 100 onsens and came to know the local richness of Japan’s rich bathing culture interviewed. With strong Japanese- 88 affiliated onsen people, culture, history and the local around the city peoples’ love of onsens. They clean the and the high regard that Beppu holds speaking skills he readily engages with onsen every day and come to onsen to within the onsen community. We met local onsen-goers and has become very talk about the day. Before onsen they pray at an onsen which was celebrating an knowledgeable about the intricacies of about their health and family’s happiness annual festival by filling its pools with Beppu’s onsen culture. to the Ojizosan [God] and also after onsen Yuzu (Japanese citrus). It was also they say thank you to Ojizosan. Before serving a special Adzuki (sweet bean) I published the book ‘Be Beppu’, I have soup in its café. Munekazusan's passion Spamusement never known about the culture and Beppu is exemplified by the fact that his bathing Park Project peoples’ love of onsen. The onsendo achievement sits alongside his jobe title stamp collecting trip in Beppu was a very on his business card.
IMAGE CREDITS INCLUDE BIPLAZA.JP INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE precious experience for me.”
36 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 37 Part 2 | Kurokawa, Japan
To protect its river, eco-friendly soap is provided at all of Kurokawa ryokan Beautifully illustrated and onsen (Guests are kindly asked map of Kurokawa not to use their own while visiting) Onsen Village
Kurokawa, Japan Stakeholders D. E.
Mayu Gotoh Social Media (Instagram) B. Secretary at Kurokawa Onsen & Ryokan Association, Waka-Okami at Sanga Ryokan Having studied hospitality at Kumamoto Officially branded as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Japan” (think University and also worked in Canada, the equivalent of the Great Walks of Australia), it is also one of the most Gotohsan represents the future of Kurokawa’s Instagram-friendly destinations that you will find in the country. Japanese tourism industry. She sets an impeccable people describe such a place using the phrase “Insta-bae” (pronounded standard for her staff, balancing traditional and in-su-ta-ba-e), see it as a modern version of “picture perfect”. modern ways. Gotohsan played an instrumental What is interesting about Kurokawa is their tourism association’s F. G. role in setting up the village’s social media decision to actively pursue Instagram as part of their marketing strategy. program. (Sykes, January 17 2019) Traditionally conservative and still wary of outside ideas, Japanese tour operators have been slow to catch onto social media promotion. D. Dress in kimono and take photos to share on 18 months since starting @kurokawaonsen their profile sits with 3060 Instagram, tradition meets technology followers. Beautifully nostalgic imagery sits in contrast with the pop E. Become an Onsen-hopper, pay roughly $AU15 approach employed at Beppu. to access three onsen within the village and collect C. stamps along the way, each specially designed F. Amagase river onsen, hot pool (approx. 42C) G. Amagase river, cold plunge (approx. 6-8C)
A.
Kurokawa Onsen & Sanga Ryokan Social Media Manager
Ryokan Association • Founded in 1977 by Gotohsan’s • Created a distinct brand • 6 representatives grandfather ‘atmosphere’ for Kurokawa
• Marketing strategy – make it • Capacity for 60 overnight • Responsible for Facebook, “feel like one big ryokan” guests Instagram and Specials Events
• “Not a resort, but more like real • 20 staff • Also produces 24 newsletters annually A. Beppu’s lantern installation, made with life” with link to local farming • Future plans to integrate farm “waste” from overgrown bamboo plantations culture and designed as a night-time activity for and cooking experiences • Previously worked in similar guests. It is very Insta-bae! role at Aso Zoo • Average length of stay • 40% International guests B. Sanga Ryokan, a family-run business with increasing from 1 to 2 nights 20 staff C. Tachi-Yu (Standing Onsen), watching • 20% International guests sunset from Japan’s deepest onsen (160cm)
38 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 39 A. Part 2 | Guangdong, China
Guangdong, China
B. 1 Contrast therapy Kneipp therapy, also known as contrast therapy, is a common practice within the global hot springs community. However, the custom-designed “Yin & Morning yoga Yang” pool at Bishuiwan Hot Springs Resort stood overlooking the Conghua out as one of the best bathing experiences from my Liuxi River and mountains whole research travel. I was instructed by Wellness surrounding Bishuiwan C. Manager Miss Wei to alternate 20 seconds at 45C with Hot Springs Resort. The 10 seconds at 8C, for a total of 5 minutes. Promoting ‘Mother’ river supplies 60-70% of Guangzhou circulation, resetting the body’s homeostasis and City’s water supply. cultivating mindfulness are some of the key benefits. Bishuwan Hot Springs Resort D.
Owned and managed by a Government investment Mrs Wei, Wellness Manager Traditional Chinese company but led by General Manager Mrs Zhang, 2 “I believe that we should live in a place that Bishuwan Hot Springs Resort has been running for Medicine (TCM) makes you healthy, rather than live close to 18 years. In this time hot springs transitioned from hospital – that is the TCM [Traditional Chinese I was fascinated by the way TCM influenced hot health treatment to a tourism trend. Medicine] way of thinking.” springs bathing in China. Large pools with a myriad of Rated number 1 for service in the whole of China She oversees programs teaching guests jet systems are designed to target acupuncture points (above the best hotels) Bishuwan Hot Springs and meridians in the body. Bathers were diligently is the 1st resort in China to have one department how to eat, sleep and exercise. For example, E. navigating their way around these facilities and private dedicated to wellness. It enjoys pure air year- a young air traffic controller arrived a few days guided experiences were also available. In this picture, round due to close proximity to Liuxihe National ago with an injured back. Through treatment, Miss Wei instructs me to walk slowly backwards as the Forest Park and Shimen National Forest Park. including hot springs bathing, he is now playing massaging jet traces up my spine, returning forwards With two water supplies, 75⁰C and 50⁰C, they basketball. Mrs Wei may prescribe a clay and repeating over several minutes. maintain a relationship with the Government ceramics class if someone needs to get in touch Aircraft Department where employees (injured with Mother Land, through the earth element. pilots and traffic controllers) enjoy time here as Or a forest bathing experience might involve part of a wellbeing program. They are also partners collecting drops of water from plant leaves to in a Government-led forest bathing initiative. make a cup of tea. (Sykes, June 9-10 2019) F.
3 Forest Bathing Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest-bathing) • Guests have a consultation • Hot and cold is very good, • Bathing between 11am-1pm is fast-becoming a global trend. Benefits of taking in the with a health professional there are 50 times more cold good for mental health ‘atmosphere’ of a forest range from improving sleep to prior to arrival, from which sensors in body than hot issues, focuses on heart alleviating stress and anxiety. This is aided by breathing a wellness program is meridian • Hot springs best for bone in ‘phytoncides’ or oils which are naturally released by developed G. trees. The Chinese government is working closely with and skin healing • “3 years of tea is tea, 7 years • Guests return seasonally of tea is medicine” Bishuiwan Hot Springs and other operators to develop a • Foot bubbles for 5 minutes for 4-6 days through forest bathing strategy, based on the work of Professor • In summer, the body’s water a follow-up service • 24 hours/day, 12 meridians Qing Li of Nippon Medical School. Guests can be guided can be hot on the surface but = 2 hours each per day around landscaped gardens or trails through nearby • 24 spinal vertebrae cold in the stomach, leading forest and then introduced to various meditation and = 24 seasons • Bathing between to a cold mindfulness practices to enhance benefits. 5-7pm is liver and • Qi Gong good for kidney meridian time bone healing H.
“I see two trends: One is an increase in wellness A. Welcome dinner with Mrs Zhang (General Manager, pictured right), Mrs Wei (Wellness Manager) and Mrs Lin (Translator) Note coloured cracked rice artwork. B. Facility Map sign. C. Bath with a view, Presidential Suite. D. scripts and two is an increase in hot springs holidays.” Night-time bathing with themed lighting E. Wristband to seamlessly access hotel room, lockers and pay for food/ beverage/treatments while bathing. F. Buffet offering local specialities and on-the-spot cooking . G. Ceramics – Meeting with Mrs Zhang, General Manager Bishuwan Hot Springs Resort (Sykes, June 9-10 2019) workshop, part of the wholistic wellness program. H. Presenting the World Bathing Day initiative in Board Room
40 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 41 A. A. heading | heading
Private hot spring courtyard with frangipani tree, attached to hotel room
B. B.
C. C.
Indoor terraced baths and acupuncture jets
D. D. Ocean Spring Resort Gudou Hot Springs Town
“Chinese people need service Ocean Spring Resort started construction on Lihua Wang, Wellness Manager land that was previously used as sugarcane The Wellness Manager at Gudou Hot Springs Business profile more than Japanese people farmland in 2003 and opened 3 years later to Town started on Reception eight years ago E. E. • Opened 2001, 18 years ago (same as the public in 2006. before working four years as a sales rep at because we don’t have a Bishuiwan Hot Springs) The first phase covered 10,000 m2 and traditional bathing culture. another company. included 108 pools with global influences. The As Wellness Manager she now works on • Peak period July – October We want to express modern second phase covers 51,000 m2 and includes transformational programs, beginning with body • 6 districts, each with its own hotel and traditional bathing wellness apartments for retirees. Interesting checks and following a program of exercise, diet to note that the ‘one child’ policy means two and bathing (measuring results at the end). • USP: 2 different hot springs waters (saline cultures, including inspiration people end up taking care of four parents. Her boss is a teacher but is said to look is good for bones, fresh is good for skin) On a busy day attendance at the resort is younger than his students because of his hot from other countries (Japan, • 2000 rooms / 4000 people total up to 4,000 guests during the day (with 3,000 springs bathing. He takes local water back to F. F. accommodation capacity Turkey, Europe etc) so that we lockers) and 5,000 guests overnight. Hong Kong for drinking, cooking rice and soup. don’t need to go elsewhere.” (Sykes, June 11 2019) Guangdong hot springs industry is at capacity, • Prices ranges from $400/night for an there are few new developments. Gudou’s hotel apartment, $500/night for a villa in low – Vice General Manager rooms are all sold even though construction is season (presume $US) not complete .(Sykes, June 11 2019)
Western medical centre profile Experience details G. G. • 3000m2 • Offers 1-week programs on • Bathing in hot springs helps • Interpretive signage • Use of local plants in spa • Wood incense (with high themes like blood, sugar and promote recovery strategy is a requirement by treatments, for example pine Yang energy) can be smelt • Network of Italian and Swiss anti-ageing government leaf powder burning everywhere doctors • Complements Traditional • 3 departments: detoxification Chinese Medicine clinic: first • Hot spring eggs are a good • Local teas, relaxing music • Traditional dishes include • Connected to the best (cells, breath, blood, step is check to qi and blood, source of income, “everyone and environment help people first born eggs with mandarin hospital in China intestines), osteopathic and then given recommendations. does it” escape from the city skin chicken orthomolecular (Opens 1pm daily) H. H.
A. Mr Ge Hongyan (Vice GM left), Mrs Lin (Translator, middle right), Wellness Manager (right) Note promotion A. Meeting Gudou Hot Springs’ mascots, representing the two types of hot springs water (one saline – blue, one for Caribbean-themed wellness and culture festival. B. Facility Map. C. Thermal body scanner in western-style fresh – green). B. Facility Map sign. C. Scale model of development, including dam that supplies the town and medical centre. D. Thermal body scan example, can be taken before and after hot springs treatment. E. Private region’s water and hydroelectricity. D. Interpretive signage describing sequence of bathing route. E. Main public indoor hot spring within hotel room. F. Relaxation lounge with personal TV and movie screen. G. Extensive bath house, note two circular pools on right (again highlight saline and fresh hot springs water experiences). sleeping lounge to complement hot springs bathing. H. Banquet style lunch with elaborate sushi display. F. Water theme park on main lake, open May to October. G. Traditional Chinese Medicine botanical “teas” to be added to hot spring pools (Gudou is renowned for its mandarin skin tea). H. Hotel room, beautiful interiors inspired by Tang dynasty (7th to 10th Century).
42 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 43 Part 2 | Why the Nordic region? Why the Nordic region?
Nordic wellness A part of everyday life
Map of the Nordic region (my travels included Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland) Note the relationship of each country and surrounding seas.
Nordic bathing culture Diverse and dependent on healthy waterways A happy bunch Building on earlier foundations A history of Nordic & A history of Nordic cultural In the 2019 World Happiness Rankings During 2017 I visited the Nordic region Australian collaboration leaders shaping Victoria Nordic countries take five out of the on a self-funded research trip focusing 2016 Noma Restaurant ran a 10-week Danish urban planner Jan Gehl and City top ten spots, Australia just sneaks in. on the region’s nature-based tourism pop-up in Sydney (collaboration with of Melbourne ‘Director of City Design’ (Helliwell, J. Layard, R. Sachs, J., 2018) industry. I presented results at the 2017 Tourism Australia) Rob Adams have been increasing Global Eco Conference in Adelaide. Melbourne’s liveability for decades. IMAGE CREDITS INCLUDE JASON LOUCAS PHOTOGRAPHY AND AND PHOTOGRAPHY LOUCAS JASON INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE TRIPSAVVY.COM THEAGE.COM.AU, AUSTRALIA, TOURISM
44 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 45 Part 2 | Iceland
Promote Iceland’s Iceland, a land ‘Guiding Light in Marketing’ of fire and ice (Visit Iceland, 2019) ICELAND: • It’s not for everyone • It’s not for those who go where everyone else goes
• It’s not for the conservative and Map of key expected traveller geothermal swimming pools within Reykjavik • It’s for those who travel the world to experience something different, to come back with stories to tell and secrets to share Reykjavik, a geothermal city • The stories of Iceland don’t stop as winter comes • Every season, and in every region, Iceland offers secrets to the adventurous and Icelandic hot springs key enlightened traveller destinations, evenly • So welcome! To all those who split north and south travel with the spirit of adventure, exploring and creativity • It may not be the first place you “It means everything! Every time I’ve to meet someone you know, so the think of travelling to this season, lived abroad, it’s the hot springs that children can play while the adults but it’ll be the first place you tell I’ve missed. Most people go daily take a break. The elderly (for whom your friends about or at least a few times a week. It’s bathing in public pools is free after a place of reunion with family and they retire) use it for their health.” • Come and be inspired by Iceland friends. You know you’re always going Oddny Arnarsdottir, Promote Iceland The sacred triangle: Sundhollin (1937-), The sacred triangle: Original Reykjavik The sacred triangle: Reykjavik Cathedral geothermal public bath Hospital (1937-)
Bathing-related tourism brochures, hot springs are at the heart of their brand identity
Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, a hot spot Laugardalslaug, a community hub and Vesturbaejarlaug geothermal swimming for locals and tourists alike Reykjavik’s main geothermal swimming pool pool, a neighbourhood hub
“In Iceland, people don’t go to the pub they go to the hot pot. It doesn’t matter whether it’s raining or snowing.”
IMAGE CREDITS INCLUDE GOOGLE MAPS, ALEX RICHTER, THINK GEOENERGY THINK RICHTER, ALEX MAPS, GOOGLE INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE – Oddny Arnarsdottir, Promote Iceland
46 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 47 heading | heading Part 2 | Blue Lagoon
BELOW LEFT: Blue Lagoon Spa Retreat architectural plan. Note the corridor where the boxes act like surprises as guests journey along the corridor and experience something different, from the rain room to the rough sauna. TOP LEFT: Blue Lagoon skin care range, linked to the project’s origins as a psoriasis clinic RIGHT: Sushi of Iceland, dish from the Spa Retreat cafe
Blue Lagoon Spa Retreat extension
“It still amazes me, seeing it through Blue Lagoon, the world’s their eyes. It takes my breath away.” most iconic hot springs – Klara Halldorsdottir, Sales Manager
Cultural leadership through hot springs A. C. D. E. (Iceland Review, 2018) “Basalt Architects has been awarded the 2018 Iceland Design Award for what the judges have characterised as the firm’s “contribution to bathing culture in Iceland.” The firm is behind the recent Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, which was co-designed with the Italia design group, the Mývatn Earth Baths, the GeoSea Baths in Húsavík, among many other bathing-related projects ... The judges celebrated the firm’s Sigridur Sigthorsdottir “unique ability to intertwine architecture F. G. and landscape” and continued by Lead project architect, Basalt Architects saying that they “had become a role Our approach was to “dig into the rocks model in designing nature baths in B. so the rocks embrace you … At one Iceland.” point we had to change the drawings “I wish that we deserved these to accommodate the rock, construction beautiful words from the judging had to stop. It’s really important! It takes committee,” said Basalt architect decades for the moss to grow again, so we Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir in a radio created a 50 centimetre threshold around interview. “Bathing culture in Iceland the construction zone to protect it. We’re is, of course, an ancient phenomenon. not trying to copy nature but be in harmony Unfortunately, it’s still rather common with it.” (Sykes, May 23 2019) for people to cut corners on design when it comes to tourism construction. A. Wellness package: Yoga & Bathe. Note the stunning outlook for the Retreat accommodation’s yoga room. B. Regenerative USP: But I think it comes back to bite the Originally a geothermal energy plant (in distance) then a psoriasis clinic then public bath house and now luxury retreat. Complete geothermal energy and wellbeing integration. C. Cultural leaders: Senior project architect Sigridur Sigthorsdottir (left) and Sales Manager Klara people who do that in the end – it’s Halldorsdottir (right). D. First impressions: Blue Lagoon promotion at Keflavik International Airport, Reykjavik. E. Signature experience: short-term thinking.” Blue Lagoon Ritual, a semi-guided experience combining salt exfoliation, silica mud, algae mask and essential oils. F. Bath with a view: The
IMAGE CREDITS INCLUDE BASALT ARCHITECTS AT MIESARCH.COM, BLUELAGOON.COM MIESARCH.COM, AT ARCHITECTS BASALT INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE driving concept of the Retreat accommodation. G. Transformational experience: wine tasting in the underground cellar
48 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 49 Part 2 | Iceland
Hot springs road trip route, 4 hot springs in 1 day
LEFT: Impromptu waterfall bathing (and rubbish collecting) RIGHT: Incredible scenery on the route between Krauma Baths and Laugarvatn Fontana. Environmental purity is at the heart of Iceland’s tourism brand.
Iceland Gudlaug Baths Krauma Baths (Sykes, May 26 2019) B. • Hot springs flow rate: 10,000L per minute Hot Springs A. • 18 staff • 200,000 people visit the neighbouring hot springs bore each year Road Trip • Waste water flows into an adjacent brook • Baths are oriented to the sunset C. • Issues with visibility of the black pools and could use more toilets • Intentionally kept the menu small, helped boost local producers like a local goat farmer A. “Cheers” from Krauma Baths. B. Meeting with Jónas Friðrik, Gudlaug Baths, on the Akranes Peninsula were designed • Partners with Mountaineers of Iceland and by Basalt Architects. They are like something out of Star Wars Director. C. Note the beautiful simplicity of the relaxation and blend into the foreshore. room and the importance of creating space to just ‘be’. other tour operators on hot springs packages
Roadtrippin’, Australian and Icelandic ‘enlightened travellers’ Jadarsbakkar Laugarvatn Fontana Baths (Sykes, May 26 2019) I met Eyvi Eyfells (Project Manager at Mountaineers E. of Iceland) in 2017 during a self-funded research • 200 lockers trip exploring the Nordic region’s nature-based tourism industry. On first appearance I thought I’d D. • Offers buffet lunch and dinners found my identical twin, then we started talking • Many guests are still scared to go into the and I realised that our appearance was not the only cold lake thing we had in common. With shared passions for sustainability, Japanese culture and hot springs we • Host for geothermal rye bread experience had met our match. So, after a very short encounter – Marketta, originally from Czech Republic we planted a seed for a subsequent hot springs road (employed as a Duty Manager for 18 months) F. trip. Two years later, we brought the dream to life. • Rye bread experience can cater for up to 50 people, 1500 ISK per person ($AU18), boiling eggs is another option
Jadarsbokkum geothermal ‘hot pot’, Akranes Peninsula. D. Note the relationship of the baths with Laugarvatn Lake, facilitating hot and cold bathing experiences. Note the shape and size of the pool is perfect for encouraging E. Geothermal rye bread baking experience, 24 hours in the making. social interaction. F. Rustic sauna and ready for a plunge in the cold lake. IMAGE CREDITS INCLUDE GOOGLE MAPS, AKRANES.IS MAPS, GOOGLE INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE
50 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 51 Part 2 | Iceland
Geothermal Living in Iceland
In Iceland, geothermal energy drives multiple industries. Geothermal bathing Geothermal energy Here are some insights: You can learn a lot from a culture by the imagery you find Clean, renewable energy is supplied in its airport. Note the expression, “experience the power to Reykjavik and many other areas of of geothermal luxury” even though for locals geothermal Iceland. I experienced this first-hand bathing is part of everyday life. at the hostels where I stayed.
How Reykjavik’s geothermal district heating came to be (Sykes, May 25 2019) (According to Sigurdur Bergmann Gunnarsson, Mechanical Engineer of Veitur) 1908 Italians first to use geothermal energy in Cologne 1910 First swimming pool established (and first Geothermal cleaning Geothermal heating Geothermal engineering swimming society, influenced by Denmark) This geothermal laundry was the inspiration behind Meeting Alex Richter (President of the International Learning the intricacies of geothermal bore water 1930s the naming of Reykjavik’s main commercial road, Geothermal Association) and Sigurdur Bergmann extraction, its use in Reykjavik’s district heating while the Potential recognised for geothermal Sundlaugarvegur. Laugavegur means “wash road”. Gunnarsson (Mechanical Engineer of Veitur, Reykjavik’s surplus warms the city’s swimming pools. district heating, used to heat Sundhollin geothermal energy provider) (first real pool), first test drill supplied by US Forces protecting the area 1938 Purchased oil rig drill from the States (1000-2000m depth capacity) 1958 Shaft pumps difficult to lubricate so the rig lasted 1-2 weeks (very expensive! Resulted in threat to return to oil-based energy) Local engineer read an article published by the German space program mentioning teflon, which possessed excellent lubrication and heat tolerance.
Heat pumps running with same bearings for the last 35 years Geothermal cooking Geothermal agriculture Geothermal hot houses Saving of $US200million through using geothermal energy (war revolutionised Baking geothermal rye bread or boiling eggs are common Hot houses growing tomatoes at Solheimar Eco Village, Geothermal farming adjacent to Krauma Baths. society) practices in geothermally-active areas in Iceland. At 1 hour’s drive from Reykjavik. It was the first biodynamic Produce is sold to tourists via a small farmgate near Laugarvatn Fontana Baths this has been transformed into farm in the Nordic region, while it’s location was chosen the shared carpark. an immersive experience for tourists. because of its geothermal water.
52 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 53 Part 2 | Norway
Forage & Sauna, Norway
Farris Bad, Larvik Oslo, floating sauna city A. B. B. Meeting Lasse Eriksen, SALT Art and Music Festival Development Manager Originally set up in a remote fishing village A. and Sauna Master, is in 2014 the project was relocated to Oslo’s like a breath of fresh harbourfront to revitalise a carpark. Due air. His personal goal is to its popularity its lease has extended to to “take the seriousness 2020. The nomadic art project boasts an out of spa culture” and introduce “more fun, entertainment program of concerts, lectures, laughter and enjoyment.” 500 years ago exhibitions, debates and family events. the introduction of Christianity meant that A. Ardna (Sauna amphitheatre meets bar) C. Lasse demonstrating the aufguss women and men were separated in saunas. – the largest sauna furnace I have ever seen! sauna in which steam, storytelling, light, 500 years later Lasse and his colleagues C. B. Jump! While taking in the view of music, essential oils and hot air combine relaunched the Norwegian Sauna the city scape. to create transformational wellness C. A concrete carpark is transformed into Association. Having lost a large part of their experiences. Rituals typically involve: a thriving and creative community hub. tradition Norwegians are now the most 1st Sauna Low heat D. Facility Map, modelled on a Viking experimental sauna designers and users in 1st Transition Cool fresh air fishing village. the Nordic region. “With respect we create 2nd Sauna Moderate heat the new.” (Sykes, May 29 2019) 2nd Transition Hot shower with cold water bucket 3rd Sauna Moderate heat C. D. A. Land meets sea: the architecture embraces 3rd Transition Cold shower with the beach landscape, with stairs providing warm water bucket direct access for cold plunging 4th Sauna High heat!! B. Design detail allowing guests to rinse 4th Transition Cold ocean plunge beach sand from their feet before re-entering (rush of endorphins)
Food Studio Retreat, Drangedal The success of Oslo’s suite of 6 floating E. F. Experts at running food retreats around saunas is dependent on the City’s Oslo, Food Studio recently branched out efforts to clean up their main river. D. E. and purchased an old farmhouse. I was After storms, bathing may be temporary fortunate to collaborate with their team restricted and then reintroduced when of incredible wellness professionals water quality improves.
(including a nutritionist, food entrepreneur, E. Kok Floating Sauna, available for private massage therapist/master baker, chef and hire. What a view of Oslo’s Opera House! photographer) to deliver their first official multi-day retreat. My contribution was F. and G. Originally established as a ‘Pirate bringing forest bathing, sweat bathing and Sauna’ with no official lease, Oslo Fjord lake bathing into the experience. Sauna has become a cultural institution. It is also home to the Norwegian Ministry of D. Gathering inside the Lavvo: Transforming Foreign Affairs Ice bathing Club. Founder G. H. a traditional Sami tepee into a sweat lodge F. G. Hans Jorgen Hamre is now working on E. Sweat lodge supplies: Freshly harvested a floating garden and outdoor classroom. birch leaf ‘whisk’, ice and eucalyptus oil (a little Australian touch) H. Losaeter urban farm is a collaboration F. A Nordic/Australian ritual: After an between local gardeners, artisans, emotional retreat debrief, we used towel- Oslo City and a developer. An agreement movement, whisking (birch leaf massage) was made to temporarily activate the site and aromatherapy to take guests on a journey G. The peak moment: plunging into the 8°C and what has emerged is an incredible waters of Tokke Lake as one group community food hub which fosters a wave of innovative start-ups. IMAGE CREDITS INCLUDE FOOD STUDIO AND ALEXANDER BENJAMINSEN ALEXANDER AND STUDIO FOOD INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE
54 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 55 Part 2 | Copenhagen
Copenhagen, B. C. D. Harbor Bath Trail
Coal factories to clean harbour E. F. G. Mid1800s A. Industrial harbour dominated by coal industry A. First impressions: Photo promoting the city’s main harbour bath at the airport 1950s B. Islands Brygge Harbour Bath, designed Harbour still swimmable. by star architect Bjarke Ingels of BIG 1970s C. Kayak ‘soccer’ fields Too polluted, industry exodus. D. Children playing in their neighbourhood’s harbour bath 2002 E. Teens having fun and hanging out at Harbour redevelopment kickstarted by Harbour Bath Sluseholmen engaging star architect Bjarke Ingels F. An unlikely combination: Fiskettorvet H. I. J. (flow-on effect of simultaneously shopping centre meets harbour bath regenerating the urban bathing culture). G. Floating garden café and bar 2019 H. Kayak club launch and storage 9 ‘official’ bathing zones in the harbour. I. La Banchina café, harbour bath and hang out (at the city’s industrial edge) 2021 J. Serendipity, catching up with a mate for Water Culture House scheduled to open. a morning bathe (Fiona lives within 100 metres of the city’s main harbour bath, which is consider “hot property’!)
Kastrup Sea Bath Water Culture House, Paper Island (Sykes, June 5 2019)
History: Former industrial area Architect: Kengo Kuma and Associates Project hero: Local mayor with Cornelius Voge D. E. D. E. First steps: Public transport links (train Client: City of Copenhagen and buses), walking and cycling trails, Project Manager: Peter Libonati Brock, bioremediation Department of Culture and Leisure Design: White Arkitekter (5000m2 beach, Funding: DKK 60million for City, DKK 400m2 pier & baths, 50m2 kiosk) 300million from Nordea Foundation Lead architect: Fredrik Pettersson Context: Part of a larger mixed Design principles: Accessibility, neighbourhood development (housing, inclusivity, simplicity cultural activities, offices and shops) Trend: Government funding for facilities Big idea: Delete the boundaries between which support self-organised activities buildings and water (like bathing) instead of traditional sports Stakeholders: Local clubs & associations facilities. F. G. Capacity: 1400 people F. G. Tips: Accessibility for all, all year-round Lockers: 380 (even if to take selfies or sit in the sun); Experiences: dedicated wellness floor, Robust design (enduring after 15 years); training studio (dry and wet areas), fire Being able to ‘look back” at the shore bath 42°C, ice bath 14°C, therapeutic salt (mindful of sun and wind orientations) bathing, hot stone bed, hamam, traditional sauna, outdoor onsen, valley pool 28°C, (Sykes, June 4 2019) kayak launch, paid and FOC facilities IMAGE CREDITS INCLUDE KENGO KUMA AND ASSOCIATES, CITY OF COPENHAGEN) OF CITY ASSOCIATES, AND KUMA KENGO INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE
56 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 57 Part 2 | Sweden
Sweden
Taking a trip to the Lake bathing in tannin beach is a classic rich waters with Pontus Swedish pilgrimage Dowchan and Lotta Ranert
Brunch & Bathe, Skane Forage & Bathe
I was introduced to Lotta Ranert, a Pontus Dowchan of Natur Instinkt professional foodista and culinary specialises in foraging and survival skills. A. B. D. E. entrepreneur, through mutual friends at So, when the Pink Chili (aka Lotta Ranert) Food Studio Norway. In January 2018, after mentioned the possibility to visiting exploring Tasmania’s food culture I invited his farmhouse I jumped at the chance. her to check out the emerging food scene Originally from Poland, Pontus has trained in my home region of West Gippsland. In in the Wim Hof Method and now runs ice early 2019, Lotta also visited Peninsula bathing workshops. This combination of Hot Springs and took on the 4°C Ice wild food and lake bathing transported Plunge. When the opportunity came she me to the essence of Nordic wellness reciprocated by sharing a lifelong ritual of culture, one that is inextricably linked with bathing at her local beach. a healthy, clean environment.
A. Joining Lotta Ranert (aka Pink Chili C. D. D. Pontus showing Lotta edible weeds, F. G. consulting) in the south of Sweden for her including plantain, on our walk back from the first summer swim lake. (the juvenile leaves of one plant tasted like a ‘cherry ripe’) B. Lotta’s family’s beach box E. Kitchen with a view, a field triggering our C. Brunch on the beach most primal instinct for finding ‘prospect and D. Leave no trace, rubbish bins to ensure refuge’ convenient waste disposal F. Palmalyckan, a relocated house which is now available through Air BnB G. Food creating the time and space for storytelling and laughter
58 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 59 heading | heading Part 2 | Finland
Finland
Sauna inside a café: Dream Hostel in Tampere runs a hybrid business Loyly Sauna, model combining sauna, traditional culture café, conference spaces with a contemporary and accommodation architectural spin
Tampere, world sauna capital Helsinki, sauna city
Finland’s second largest city, Tampere, has During my whirlwind visit of Helsinki I a unique feature on its tourist map. 34 dots experienced two cultural institutions, A. B. F. G. which mark the number of public saunas. representing the new and old guard. First As a former industrial city the saunas up was the Finnish Sauna Society which has played the vital role of allowing workers a membership base of 4500 people who to bathe after their working week. Now visit an average of 10 times a year. Members they’re a key part of the tourism USP. include present and past Finnish presidents as well as other noteworthy citizens but rank A. Veikko Niskavaara (Director of Rajaportti or title mean little in Finland’s sacred common Sauna) with fellow board member and social ground. Then I dropped into Loyly, the new scientist kid on the block. Initiated by the City of B. Rajaportti Sauna entrance, note birch leaf Helsinki in 2011 the project is at the frontline whisks for purchase of a redevelopment plan for the former C. Stained glass artwork showing central C. D. H. I. ‘wood-fired’ furnace, with the women’s space industrial area of Hernesari. Kickstarted by (top left) and men’s space (top right) actor Jasper Pakkonen (think the Vikings) D. Dream Hostel is located in the heart and local MP Antero Vartia the facility of Tampere City, challenging traditional combines a restaurant, roof top bar, events, visions of remote lake-side sweat bathing saunas and of course a harbour plunge. experiences E. Traditional Finnish sauna design with F. Meeting Risto Elomaa, President of the central furnace and raised timber bench seats International Sauna Association G. Finnish Sauna Society, the unofficial heart of Finnish sweat bathing tradition H. Loyly Sauna sits on the industrial edges of Helsinki and has been used as a driver for urban E. regeneration. Walking and cycling trails, public J. transport and exercise equipment establish it as a prominent community wellness destination. I. Allas Swimming Pool, a floating bath facility in the centre of Helsinki. Along with Loyly it represents a new school of thought in urban planning, driven by the goal to connect people with their waterways. J. Turku, Finland’s oldest city is employing river baths, floating swimming pools and saunas as part of its urban regeneration strategy
60 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 61 Part 2 | England
England
Roman Baths, Bath
A. The Roman Baths received Southwest England’s 2019 Tourism Attraction of the Year and it’s easy to see why. A. A combination of carefully restored architecture, interpretive multimedia and friendly tour guides transport you to ancient stories of Minerva’s sacred waters. B. Wayfinding signage showing Thermae Bath Spa’s relationship to the city, see northeast quadrant. C. Cold plunge adjacent to both the main geothermal pool and sauna/steam room, demonstrating the continuity of contrast therapy through global bathing cultures. D. Young visitor engaging with an interactive multimedia display. By touching on the map, you gain a ‘sneak peak’ of various wellness activities (from swimming to massage to plucking) E. A well-rounded picture of wellness: Eating British fish platter while listening to classical music buskers and drinking geothermal mineral water in a Keep Cup. Celestial relaxation room, Thermae Bath Spa
B. Thermae Bath Spa, Bath
ABOVE: Celestial relaxation room: lay down on geothermally-heating lounges and drift off into the universe. I returned to this space A. B. a number of times during my visit and found the experience very therapeutic. It makes you wonder how digital technology and virtual reality can further drive innovation in the wellness industry. A. Saturday afternoon line up, a timeless market demand for geothermal mineral bathing B. Wristband check point, providing access to lockers as well as add-on experience purchases C. Cross Bath, available for exclusive use C. D. E. C. D. D. Rooftop Pool, an iconic and unforgettable bathing experience especially at sunset IMAGE CREDITS INCLUDE THERMAEBATHSPA.COM INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE
62 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 63 Part 2 | England
Eden Project, Cornwall Social prescriptions - healthcare of the future (Sykes, June 8 2019)
ABOVE: Taking a bird’s eye view of RIGHT: View overlooking Eden Project’s Imagine going to a doctor with symptoms 100 patients per week visit Eden Project Led by St Austell Healthcare, GPs across the Eden Project’s Rainforest Biome performance amphitheatre with covered of mild anxiety and instead of being put through its innovative ‘Nature’s Way’ Cornwall are prescribing 8 wellness and contemplating the remarkable stage for large scale events. Art, culture on antidepressants she hands you a social prescription program. Dan James activities ranging from a guided walk for transformation of a former coal mine and storytelling are seen as integral parts social prescription to visit Eden Project. explains that Eden actually employs a those recovering from heart attack to into a botanical garden within 20 years. of the business model. This is just the beginning of a radical full-time staff member to work in a local horticultural therapy for those battling Receiving over 1 million visitors annually, (but common sense) preventative clinic specifically presciptions for this mental health challenges. Social the project is a leading benchmark in health movement where connections to program. prescriptions present an enormous regenerative business, simultaneously community and nature are foremost. opportunity for nature-based wellness delivering biodiversity, community health tourism destinations. and financial growth.
Trailblazers Sustainability Education
A. Meeting with Jo Elworthy (Director of A. Leading by example: Eden Project’s waste Interpretation) and Dan James (Development system sets an example by showing visitors Director). Jo is responsible for curating a A. B. how they can make small (or big) changes to A. B. fantastic program of art, culture, digital their own home/office management. technology and signage which translate environmental sustainability issues into B. Tools for change: Eden’s gift shops include a language that everyday people can eco-friendly alternatives for a whole range understand. Dan drives game-changing of lifestyle products, from re-useable coffee community projects like ‘The Big Lunch’ cups, to biodegradable soaps and heirloom which was initiated by asking a question vegetable seeds. “What would happen if we stopped the country and asked neighbours to sit down C. Testing the future: Electric bus being and have lunch together?” (6 million people piloted as an alternative to traditional participated in 2018) (Sykes, June 8 2019) fossil-fuel petrol. It’s not active, which demonstrates that sustainability and B. Interpretive guides entertain and share regeneration are iterative processes which stories with guests throughout the facility. C. require constant trial and error. C. Here guests are invited to smell this giant tropical flower, only to discover that it smells like vomit. This sense of awe, wonder and humour are vital in engaging Eden Project’s broad audience with challenging issues.
C. Park Runners ready for their weekly 9am run, three laps of Eden Project totalling 5km. The carnival-like atmosphere is built through a common comradery and pride in ‘participation’ regardless of age or ability.
64 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 65 heading | heading Part 2 | Bathe the World
Concept design by lead architect Greg Burgess for the Irrwanyere Culture Centre, proposed as a legacy of the Bathe the World 2023 event. Australia Hot springs leadership
Dalhousie Springs in Witjira National Park, South Australia. Known as Irrwanyere (‘healing waters’) by the local Aboriginal custodians, this mound springs complex is the largest flow rate hot springs in the world with enough water to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool is less than 60 seconds. Through the leadership of Charles Davidson (Co-founder of Peninsula Hot Springs) Australia is developing a number of ground-breaking initiatives in the global hot springs industry. Here are three examples: Bathe the World ... One bucket of water at a time
A. B. C.
Bathe the World World Bathing Day Bathe the World 2023 D. E. F. Foundation worldbathingday.org bathetheworld.org/get-involved bathetheworld.org On June 22nd bathers around the On June 22nd 2023, one person from world are invited to take a photo of each of the 195 countries on earth will be With a vision to create a world where themselves bathing in their local hot invited to bathe together at Irrwanyere “a bucket of water for everybody, every springs, sauna, lake or beach. The / Dalhousie Springs in South Australia. day, is possible”, this not-for-profit is images are then shared on Instagram Designed to raise global awareness petitioning the UN to have June 22nd with the hashtag #worldbathingday. about the contribution bathing makes recognised as ‘World Bathing Day’. The Global Wellness Institute’s Hot in achieving the United Nation’s third Charles Davidson and Dr Marc Cohen Springs Initiative is a key supporter. In Sustainable Development Goal, ‘Good are driving the project. 2019, 22 countries were represented Health and Well-being’, the project is A. Charles Davidson presenting the Bathe the World 2023 event concept at the 2019 Northern Territory tourism conference. B. Meeting with (up from 15 in 2018, its inaugural year). being developed in collaboration with Lower Southern Arrernte and Wangkanggurru community Elders to listen to their perspective on the cultural significance of Irrwanyere and local Lower Southern Arrernte and work towards a shared goal of raising awareness about the power of its sacred healing waters. C. Project team comprising entrepreneurs, Wangkanggurru people. architect, medical professional, ranger, musician, videographer, academic, family and friends. D. Body clay painting, one activity that will form part of a wholistic hot springs wellness program which participants will be able to experience. E. Hot springs yoga, mindfulness activities will show guests how wellness events can be run using ‘leave no trace’, minimal impact principles. F. Greg Burgess and I sharing
IMAGE CREDITS INCLUDE GREG BURGESS ARCHITECTS WITH GRESLEY ABAS GRESLEY WITH ARCHITECTS BURGESS GREG INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE concept ideas for the Irrwanyere Cultural Centre on our return flight from Alice Springs.
66 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 67 Part 2 | Other Hot Springs of the World
Other Hot Springs of the World Images shared on the World Bathing Day Instagram account on June 22, 2019
Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Colorado, USA Remote hot springs in New Mexico, USA Bitter Springs, Northern Territory, Australia Grotta Giusti Resort, Italy
Wareerak Hot Springs, Thailand Maruia Hot Springs, New Zealand Hotel Hot Springs, Tattapani, India Hoshino Resort, Tomamu, Japan
Banja Koviljaca, Russia Glen Ivy Hot Springs, USA Public bath house, Taiwan Rotorua, New Zealand
68 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 69 Part 3 | Advisors
Chapter summary Part 3: Advisors
“We’re not trying to copy nature but be in harmony with it.” – Sigridur Sigthorsdottir, Blue Lagoon, Iceland IMAGE @TOMGRIMBERT IMAGE CREDIT
70 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 71 Part 3 | Geopolitical context
Geopolitical context A new era of Regeneration As the world awaits the outcome of the UN Climate “Schism in the body social, will not be resolved Change Summit in New York on September 23, a global by any scheme of return to the good old days geopolitical movement is gaining swift momentum. (archaism), or by programs guaranteed to render an ideal projected future (futurism), or even by the most realistic, hardheaded work to weld together again the deteriorating elements. Only birth can conquer death – the birth, not of the old thing again, but of something new.’ – Joseph Campbell, The hero with a thousand faces
Farm affected by the 2019 Bunyip Greta Thunberg, a young Swedish In Melbourne, thousands of Victorian Ecological regeneration Community regeneration Economic regeneration Bushfires, the kind of natural disasters environmental activist who is responsible school students gathered on the steps that are increasing with climate change. for igniting the #strike4climate movement of parliament in March 2019, eventually Traditional conservation sees humans A similar shift is taking place in the The Victorian Tourism Industry Council Interesting that this property narrowly through social media. Beginning with contributing to Melbourne City Council’s as a destructive force which must be health sector, driven by an urgent need (VTIC) has set a bold target to achieve escaped the 2009 bushfires ten years Greta protesting on the steps of Swedish recognition of the Climate Emergency kept separate from “nature” in order to to combat the mental disease epidemic. 320,000 jobs by 2025. We’re currently earlier. The quality of our emergency parliament in August 2018, the movement in July. ‘Extinction Rebellion’ protesters protect it. Tasmania’s Wilderness World While our government undertakes a Royal sitting at 214,000+ tourism jobs, response demonstrates the significant spread virally through Youtube after are playing an active role in raising Heritage Area is an example of this Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health representing 7% of the state’s total lessons and improvements which grew she made a plea to the United Nations awareness about the climate breakdown, school of thought. This is one strategic System, we are left to contemplate dreary workforce. According to the 2016 Cone out of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Climate Change Conference (COP24) the biodiversity loss and genuine risk of approach, and a vital one, but at the statistics: (Australian Bureau of Statistic, Communications Millennial Employee Commission. The events affirm the following December. The movement has ecological collapse. Pressure mounts on other end of the spectrum there is the ‘Causes of Death’, 26 Sept 2018) Engagement Study, by 2025 75% of Australian landscape’s dependency inspired young people across the globe, governments, businesses and individuals potential for business development to • More than 3,000 Australians died by Australian jobs will be occupied by on fire for its ecological regeneration including an artistic response by Icelandic to make decisive commitments to change actively restore degraded ecosystems suicide in 2017. Millennials (those born between 1981 through a regenerative economic model. and 1996). Acknowledging this rising and raiseS further questions about the musician Aurora. Titled ‘The Seed’, her engrained cultural habits. • In 2017, about 75% of people who died Peninsula Hot Springs, 100km south of generation’s values, it is interesting to resources (skilled professionals and video clip includes footage of young by suicide were males and 25% were Melbourne, is a prime example of the ask what kinds of jobs they will choose? financial investment) required to adapt to protesters holding slogans like “WE CAN’T females. increasing bushfire risks. DRINK OIL, WE CAN’T BREATHE MONEY$” potential. (Eden Project in Cornwall, UK 64% of Millennials consider a company’s is another leading benchmark) Twenty • In 2017, the suicide rate among social & environmental commitments years ago two brothers, Charles and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander when deciding where to work, while 88% Richard Davidson, purchased a 40- people was approximately twice that say our job is more fulfilling when we are acre property comprising degraded of non-Indigenous Australians. provided opportunities to make a positive horse paddocks. Through coordinated Fortunately, a new ideas are emerging impact on social and environmental weed management, revegetation and in how we reengage individuals suffering issues. To devise the best chance natural recruitment the property has from depression or anxiety, some of which of reaching its targets, could VTIC been transformed into an ecological can be linked to nature-based tourism. encourage members to actively pursue sanctuary (breeding water birds, In Cornwall, instead of prescribing accreditations like carbon neutrality and frogs and endangered species) while medication local doctors prescribe Benefit Corporation status as a way to For the past 10 years, simultaneously promoting community patients a visit to an extraordinary English entice millennials into tourism careers? global leaders’ efforts have wellbeing and rapid economic growth. garden. Called ‘Nature’s Way’, the cross- been aligning to a common This new school thinking can be adapted industry partnership between St Austell goal of ecological, social and economic sustainability. to businesses of all kinds but Victorian Health Care and Eden Project sees 100 However, there is the potential tourism is especially well positioned. patients visit the wellness destination to achieve triple-bottom- each week. Victoria’s gardens, farms line surplus with those at the and bushland may be an underutilised frontier of business leadership now aspiring for positive resource for tourism operators looking to climate impacts. develop similar services.
72 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 73 Part 3 | Ecological regeneration advisors
Advisors in ecological regeneration
Dr Dame Jane Goodall Sean Willmore N’arweet Carolyn Briggs Shima Barakat Charles Massey Kongjian Yu Founder of The Founder of Boon Wurrung Fellow in Regenerative Founder Jane Goodall Thin Green Line Elder Enterprise and agriculture expert of Chinese Institute (and Foundation and I have been Entrepreneurship and author of landscape “Mother of Planet President of the privileged to form at the Cambridge ‘Call of the Reed architecture firm Earth”) Internat. Rangers a strong bond with Judge Business Warbler' Turenscape I had the privilege Federation Aunty Carolyn School of meeting Dr Jane at a fundraising event While collaborating with Sean on over a number of years, beginning with I first met Shima in 2011, prior to A workshop run by the Westernport Having met Dr Yu in 2011 at the for the Thin Green Line Foundation in preliminary planning for the ‘Bathe the collaboration on a number of cultural enrolling in a Postgraduate Diploma in Catchment Management Authority International Federation of Landscape May. During her presentation she shared World 2023’ event, I learned the vital spaces at Peninsula Hot Springs. Entrepreneurship at the University of at Tyabb created an opportunity to Architecture conference in Zurich, I have her experiences studying chimpanzees role that rangers play in protecting Through our conversations I have learnt Cambridge. Our early conversations meet Charles. It was inspiring to learn closely followed his work on the large- in Uganda as well as insights about the the aquatic, marine and terrestrial about the deep spiritual connection that surrounded the role product labelling about his research into how we can scale restoration of China’s waterways. interdependency of people, animals ecosystems upon which much of the Victoria’s Koori community maintains with (organic, Fair Trade, ethical etc) has simultaneously improve our energy, soil, Most notably his firm was responsible for and our environment. Jane warned of world’s nature-based tourism industry land and sea County, as well as the role in educating and shaping consumer biodiversity and human health systems. dramatically improving the water quality the crippling effects of poverty and the depends. Environmental health and that traditional language and cultural behaviour. In 2019, during my travel we He has been engaged by outdoor of the Huangpu River, using traditional obstacles it creates for conservation. regeneration cannot be achieved without practices have in regenerating Traditional had the opportunity to briefly reconnect. clothing brand Patagonia to work on agricultural terracing techniques, ahead We should consider the impacts that ‘protecting nature’s protectors’. There is Ecological Knowledge. There is a great We agreed that although significant redesigning their supply chain as well as of the 2010 Shanghai Expo. During my climate change is having on marginalised significant scope to grow collaboration opportunity to bring Koori language into progress has been made in product their new food provisions range. (Sykes, research I visited Zhongshan Park in communities in developing nations and between bodies like the International the naming of a Great Victorian Bathing provenance transparency there remains a May 8 2019) Guangdong province where Turenscape the negative feedback loop that this can Rangers Federation and World Tourism Trail and the broader wellness tourism need to radically redesign supply chains. transformed a former industrial shipyard create for global biodiversity. (Sykes, Organisation. (Sykes, April 4 2019) landscape. (Sykes, April 14 2019) (Sykes, June 10 2019) into a lush urban parkland. June 13 2019)
Matthew Jackson Kiam Yoong Jelina Taylor Qantas Oddny Arnarsdottir General Manager CEO of Parks Sustainability Global Manager Future Planet Project Manager, World Eco- Victoria Manager at Zoos of Purpose initiative Visit Iceland Design Centre, Under the tagline Victoria Projects, Intrepid Qantas has been Visit Iceland’s Guangdong China ‘Healthy parks, Kiam is one Group offering carbon quirky social On December healthy people’, of Victoria’s Intrepid Group offset options media campaigns 14 2018, the first Parks Victoria has foremost leaders has recently for flyers for 10 have become World Eco-Design long promoted the relationship between in sustainable business management. announced their goal to become the years and recently released an inflight renowned within the global tourism Conference (WEDC) was staged in community wellbeing and conservation. His team has remarkably achieved world’s first climate positive tourism documentary illustrating which carbon industry, including the A-Ö of Iceland Guangzhou, China, with support of the Matthew has been pivotal in developing carbon neutrality across each of Zoos company, with early investment in blue offset projects the money supports. (also known ‘The Hardest Karaoke Song United Nations Industrial Development the economic pillar in Victoria’s public Victoria’s sites; Werribee, Melbourne and carbon sequestration through seaweed Australia’s national carrier runs a program in the World”). When Oddny and her Organisation (UNIDO). Under the theme land management, most recently Healesville. They have also achieved zero projects in Tasmania. Intrepid was also called ‘Qantas Future Planet’ which works colleagues decided to create their own of “Ecology of design, field of hope”, working to secure $48.2 million from landfill, which considering the complex the first tour operator to ban elephant with other corporate and not-for-profit version of New Zealand’s ‘Tiaki Promise’ the WEDC Centre remains packed full the Andrews Labour Government for the program of uses (from animal hospitals to rides. Jelina has been at the centre of organisations to reduce and offset their (where visitors arrive to a country and of eco-innovations from furniture made recently opened Penguin Parade visitor conference centres, animal’s with special such innovations since beginning as emissions. Examples of the 30 partners vow to be a ‘responsible tourist’) they with cardboard to electric segways. centre at Phillip Island Nature Park. In dietary needs and diverse multicultural the Responsible Business Manager at include Australia Post, DHL and ANZ decided “it would have to be fun”. The Director of Bishuiwan Hot Springs our discussion, he noted the Tasmanian guests) is sensational. Kiam was integral Intrepid 10 years ago. She worked on bank. They are also collaborating with Including lines like “when nature calls, I Resort kindly organised for me to visit government's decision to integrate the is developing the Melbourne Renewable the company’s early update of BCorp and Deakin University’s Blue Carbon Lab, won’t answer the call on nature”, To date the facility during my stay. I was struck tourism and environment portfolios and Energy Project, a landmark collaboration carbon neutrality accreditation. Other to help accelerate new offset projects 73959 tourists have taken the Icelandic and inspired by the sheer speed and the impact of the Tasmanian Premier's between governments, cultural tourism operators can learn a lot from that sequester carbon from mangroves, Pledge but Oddny believes that the real scale at which the Chinese government role as Tourism Minister. He also noted institutions, universities and corporations their example and young professionals seagrasses and salt marsh. In 2018, measure of success is that “all Icelandic has the potential to support regenerative New Zealand's international tourist tax to collectively purchase renewable energy are aware of their efforts. (Sykes, May 14 Qantas operated their first international companies are celebrating it with you.” initiatives. (Sykes, June 11 2019) initiative, with funds collected being form a newly built facility. 2019) biofuel flight from San Fransico to (Sykes, May 24 2019) reinvested into the nation's pest animal (Sykes, May 17 2019) Melbourne while in May 2019, Qantas programs and tourism infrastructure ran its first zero waste flight from Sydney projects via grants. to Adelaide. Aviation was also the first (Sykes, April 16 2019) industry to set ambitious emissions targets out as far as 2050. The Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), commencing in 2021, will require airlines to purchase offsets to meet their share of the industry’s growth emissions off a 2019 baseline. Qantas played an active role in advocating for the IMAGE CREDITS INCLUDE QANTAS INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE ambitious target of carbon neutral growth. (Sykes, May 15 2019)
74 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 75 Part 3 | Regenerative health advisors
Advisors in regenerative healthcare
Dr Marc Cohen Dan James Neil McCarthy Christine Lirong Wei Lionel Lauch Board Member Development CEO of Mosaic Director of Wellness CEO of Living of the Global Director, Insights Solheimar Eco Manager, Culture, Wellness Summit Eden Project “Victoria has Village, Iceland Bishuiwan Hot traditional healer and Bathe the Cornwall, UK the opportunity Established in the Springs Resort and Wayapa World Foundation 100 patients per to establish an 1930s by visionary “I believe that we practitioner co-founder week visit Eden evidence-based humanitarian should live in a Lionel is a “Bathing and personal hygiene is the Project through its innovative ‘Nature’s nature health script system that is Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir, Solheimar place that makes you healthy, rather Gunditjmara Kirrae Wurrung Bundjalung single most powerful measure for the Way’ social prescription program. In comparable to the scripts we get for Eco Village was originally designed than live close to a hospital – that is the man who runs cultural tourism experiences prevention and control of human disease collaboration with St Austell Healthcare, medication from our GPs. The evidence as an orphanage. It was also the TCM [Traditional Chinese Medicine] on the Mornington Peninsula. He also and the promotion of good health and Dan worked with GPs across Cornwall that exposure to nature improves human first biodynamic farm in Scandinavia. way of thinking.” Miss Wei oversees works with traditional Aboriginal medicine wellbeing. Sanitary practices including who can prescribe 8 wellness activities at health and wellbeing has been well Christine explains that the village now programs teaching guests how to eat, through sound healing (using a yidaki or washing the body, face and hair, along Eden Project ranging from a guided walk established for decades, and significant accommodates around 100 residents sleep and exercise. For example, a young didgeridoo) and medicinal plants. Lionel with handwashing and cleansing for those recovering from heart attack to progress has been made around the with different abilities who enjoy a air traffic controller arrived with an injured teaches people to breathe out the stress practices after toileting and menstruation horticultural therapy for those battling world. However, it is more complex than diverse program of wellness activities, back. Through treatment, including hot which they unconsciously store in their play a critical role in ensuring good mild anxiety. Eden actually employs a full- “just a walk in a park”. Green Scripts including geothermal agriculture, springs bathing, he was soon playing stomach and body. At Peninsula Hot health, along with maintaining basic time staff member to work in a local clinic need to be designed based on rigorous carpentry, ceramics, candle-making, basketball. Mrs Wei may prescribe a clay Springs, we regularly engage Lionel to run human dignity, confidence and comfort. specifically for this program. Dan sees scientific evidence to the same standard weaving and herbal tea making. With ceramics class if someone needs to get in yidaki healing meditations for our guests, There is no pharmaceutical drug, vaccine enormous opportunities for nature-based we expect when we have open-heart a background in nursing and law touch with Mother Land, through the earth whether within our Amphitheatre, black- or medical technology that offers as wellness tourism operators to develop surgery or a knee reconstruction. Building Christine is now looking for ways to share element. Or a forest bathing experience out Dome or Cultural Meeting Spaces. many benefits as the simple act of their own social prescriptions program but on Victoria’s emerging spa and wellness Solheimar’s philosophy with eco-minded might involve collecting drops of water (Sykes, August 15 2019) bathing … Access to bathing water is admits the challenge is in commercialising products and its broader interconnection travellers in Iceland. (Sykes, May 23 2019) from plant leaves to make a cup of tea.” one of the world’s most critical health the offering. Recognition of nature- with nature will be an important element (Sykes, June 9-10 2019) issues. Currently one in three people do therapy by private health insurers and in developing the Green Script concept in not have access to bathing water and public health ‘medicare’ systems could be Victoria.” (Sykes, July 27 2019) therefore cannot adequately wash off long-term goals. (Sykes, June 8 2019) their sweat, urine, faeces and menstrual Health benefits Health benefits Health benefits of blood.” (Cohen, 2018) of balneology of nature therapy sauna bathing (hot springs bathing) (Townshend, M. et al, 2015) • Relaxation/stress reduction ‘Balneology is the scientific study • Access and proximity to safe was the most common Dr Qing Li Sean Whitehill Dan Buettner of the therapeutic benefits of high quality parks results in motivation to use a sauna naturally occurring mineral waters. both increased physical activity • Most sauna bathers cited World’s foremost Lead Guide, Researcher Balneotherapists affirm that trace levels and improved health improvements in sleep lasting forest therapy Tasmanian and author of minerals in hot springs and the outcomes; 1-2 nights after using a sauna. expert, Professor Walking ‘Blue Zones’ stimulating benefits of highly • Access and proximity to at Nippon Company After studying Blue mineralised waters combine to • Sauna users 5-15 times high quality parks improves Medical School I met Sean in 2014 Zones (regions stimulate and promote health and monthly had comparatively mental health; In his 2018 book, while studying where people wellness.’ Based on a global review higher mental well-being ‘Forest bathing: How trees can help Adventure Tour Guiding at TasTafe in have a higher of scientific research, Peninsula Hot • In urban areas, parks foster scores. you find health and happiness’ Dr Qing Hobart. With a background in landscape than average life Springs lists the following benefits social connections which are • Most adverse reactions to Li lists benefits of forest therapy from design and construction, Sean is acutely expectancy) across of balneology: vital to community cohesion sauna bathing were mild reducing blood pressure and lowering attuned to the healing benefits that the world, Dan • Rehabilitation for work-related and contribute to social reports of dizziness and stress to boosting immunity and spending time in nature can have for has devised common principles called illnesses such as stress, back- wellbeing; dehydration. alleviating depression. Shinrin-yoku people, either walking through their home the ‘Power 9’. These include: 1. Move related injuries and tinosynovitus, • Contact with nature through (mindfully walking in the ‘atmosphere’ garden or through remote bushland. Naturally, 2. Find your purpose (ikigai), alongside rehabilitation for • Many report sauna bathing parks can enhance spiritual of a forest) became part of Japan’s The Tasmanian Walking Company run 3. Down shift your stress by adjusting operations, accidents to ‘detox’, not yet well- health (meaning in life) national health program during the 1980s an innovative wellness program which your daily routines, 4. Eat until your only • Treatment for rheumatism, understood by the research which underpins all other and was initiated by their government’s offers guides a monetary voucher after 80% full, 5. Favour a plant-based diet, 6. arthritis, gout, heart disease and community. aspects of health; department of Agriculture, Forestry completing 10 trips. Most guides will use Enjoy a ‘Wine @ 5’ with good company, infertility • Few report sauna bathing for and Fisheries. ‘The World Health this to visit a physio or massage therapist 7. Belong (preferably in a faith-based • Improves sleep • For children, accessible cardiovascular benefits, which Organisation (WHO) states that, of all but Sean chooses to visit Peninsula Hot community), 8. Put loved ones first, 9. Live • Encourages social connectivity and safe parks foster active is supported by research. the air pollutants, fine particulate matter Springs. He will spend up to 8 hours in the ‘Right Tribe’ (mindful that research • Blood circulation & cell play, which is associated has the greatest negative effect on our bathing in geothermal mineral pools, from the Framingham Studies shows that oxygenation with physical, cognitive and (Based on 482 valid responses health, contributing to higher incidence regularly plunging in cold pools as the smoking, obesity, happiness and even • Detoxifies & promotes healthy skin social benefits. documented in Hussain, J. Greaves, of asthma, lung disease, heart attacks, water decreases inflammation and loneliness are contagious). • Improves muscle & bone health R. Cohen, June 2019) cancer and strokes.’ With its biodiverse promotes muscle regeneration. (Sykes, (Beuttner, 2015) • Reduces high blood pressure forests, Victoria is well-placed to August 8 2019) (Peninsula Hot Springs, 2019) develop forest bathing trails. (Li, 2018)
76 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 77 Part 3 | Economic regeneration advisors
Advisors in regenerative economics
Yvon ecological, social and economic measures assurance, Climate Circular international locations and expected Intrepid Group Chouinard are managed in equal balance. By 2017, risk, Public policy, economy OR their results to drop. In fact, their score is enjoying Grameen had approximately nine million Climate finance green wash? rose because of the companies deeply a significant Founder of borrowers across 2,600 branches. and Strategy. His engrained commitment to Fair Trade. competitive Patagonia Finland Repayment rates sit above 99% while 97% tip is for businesses The business also recently changed its advantage within Not necessarily At the end of of the borrowers are women. (Yunus, 2017) to focus their mission statement to ‘We’re in business the tourism your first thought 2010 I came discussions around carbon neutrality to save our home planet’. Business industry. Designated as a ‘Service when considering early adopters across Yvon Chouinard’s book ‘Let around marketing, branding and helping is booming for Patagonia as younger with Minor Environmental Footprint’ Matt McDonald in circular economics, a Finnish fur my people go surfing, a story of a address climate risk issues (eg: risk generations and more mainstream Intrepid’s score sits just about the CEO of Sea company has mapped its product cycle reluctant businessman’. This sparked of fire, risk of lack of water). Uptake consumers look to support ‘Better baseline of 80 required to achieve Road Ferries in an airline magazine. The company’s an investigation into purpose-driven ‘requires disruption! I wish I could get business for a better world’. (B Lab, accreditation. The company’s next goal cycle begins with domestic aquaculture business and eventually inspired me With 140 staff businesses in a room and say disruption 2019) is to become the world’s first climate waste products being used in fur animal to study a Postgraduate Diploma across two locations is not a bad thing but instead its an positive tourism business. Mindful of fodder, 5500 jobs are created within in Entrepreneurship at Cambridge and 1 million opportunity for you to gain competitive values of Gen Y and Z, as well as the the fur factory region while factories are University. At the time, Patagonia was passengers travelling on its Sorrento advantage.’ When asked “what does increasing prominence of Millennials supplied with emission-free electricity Patagonia’s leading the way with their ‘Footprint to Queenscliff route alone, Sea Road sustainable business look like in 2030?”, score within the workforce Intrepid is clearly via solar panels. Biodiesel is produced Chronicles’ initiative which gave Ferries is a vital link in the Victorian Josh envisages ‘sustainability embedded breakdown working hard on its marketing and from fur animals’ fat while their manure their customers transparency to the tourism industry. Matt describes a new across all other functions of business business strategy. (B Lab, 2019) can be used for balcony and roof top Note the strong provenance and ethics behind products. sightseeing bus tours branch called (operation, finance etc) … not just gardens, and composted manure can community focus Patagonia’s storytelling has become a ‘Explore Australia’ which will move held by a “Sustainability” team. You go provide fertilizers for field-scale crops. The BCorp vehicle for global change. A more recent passengers between Melbourne and from fighting the fight to sustainability Energy from biogas is used to run rating system allows businesses to Intrepid book by Chouinard, titled ‘Responsible Sorrento, Melbourne and Queenscliff, becoming the core to everything you do.’ Travels’ score vehicles, old furs can be refurbished assess themselves across the areas Company’, includes a checklist of social creating a seamless loop around Port breakdown and research can further the wellbeing and environmental considerations any Phillip Bay. One of the tour packages of Governance, Workers, Community, of animals. Eventually products are Note the strong business can utilise in their management includes a visit to Peninsula Hot Springs. Carbon Environment and Customers. However, exported to Asia and Russia, and worker focus strategy, a precursor to the BCorp When asked about the long-term Neutral Logo the expectation is not that they achieve revenues deliver over 300 million euros perfection in every area. Patagonia’s movement. (Chouinard, Y. Stanley, V., 2012) potential for hot springs tours across National Carbon Intrepid delivers per year. (Finn Air, 2019) contribution to grass roots activism southern Victoria, Matt highlights that the Offset Standard great conditions for its ‘Workers’. is a key driver in their ‘Community’ ‘barrier is the length of stay, you couldn’t (NCOS), Australia Surely this is partly influenced by its Muhammad do two in one day … how do you create impact, while their strict sourcing ethics work in developing nations where Once certified, organisations have the Yunus biteable experiences for people with and the increasingly regenerative they’re able to offer quality conditions right to display the NCOS Carbon Neutral limited time to tick off all these things? nature of their supply chain ensures well exceeding local standards. This Founder of logo. Examples of where Zoos Victoria Patagonia When the accommodation comes online a high ‘Environment’ impact. Despite is an example of the regenerative Grameen Bank have used the registered trade mark outdoor [at Peninsula Hot Springs], that will be clothing high customer loyalty their impact benefits which business can provide to Muhummad include: (Zoos Victoria, 2017)) a game-changer. We’ll be able to drop company ‘Customers’ sits low in comparison. (B marginalised communities, transforming believes that humans are inherently - Zoos Victoria – Environmental guests off at 4pm then pick them up again Lab, 2019) traditional cultural and ecological entrepreneurial in spirit, so when he saw Sustainability Investment Prospectus Leading the way at 10am.” (Sykes, April 15 2019) assets into valuable resources. Through that individuals in developing nations 2014-2019 with 151.5 out of it’s high ‘Community’ score you can were blocked by conventional banks, - Zoos Victoria Annual Reports total 200 possible points Josh Martin Intrepid Travel Group also see the flow-on benefits that he decided to develop micro-financing - Zoo News 7 years ago Patagonia became one individuals and businesses linked to products which require limited personal Climate Change and Sustainability - Community Conservation Master Plan of the founding Benefit Corporation One of few tourism businesses Intrepid’s tours then pass on to their identification and no credit rating. In his Services, EY (Sykes, May 15 2019) - Website companies and remains a top currently accredited regions. (B Lab, 2019) book, ‘A world of three zeros’ he sets Key areas of business which Josh - Plaque on an exhibit at benchmark. In their last review cycle, Carbon neutral for three years and out a vision for a new economy where focuses on include: Reporting and Melbourne Zoo they decided to audit all their BCorp certified since June 2018,
Carbon Accounting Benefit Corporation Accreditation Kiam Yoong Sustainability Manager at Zoos Victoria (Sykes, May 7 2019) Peninsula Hot Springs BCorp Workshop, Melbourne Kiam Yoong has been a pioneer in carbon their Scope (eg: ‘3’ meaning reasonable ability Through cross-department collaboration Peninsula Left to right: accounting, working to neutralise emissions to influence emissions) and ‘Justification for Hot Springs has started its B Impact Assessment which Matt Sykes from each of Zoos Victoria’s three sites. On exclusion & overall implications for footprint’. This measures a company’s social and environmental impacts. (Wellness Manager) Zoos Victoria’s website they share a link to their is followed by emissions reduction measures and The accreditation system is designed for purpose-driven Jarrod Ruch (Land carbon management strategy as a requirement of goals including become the ‘World’s most resource businesses and allows them to independently assess & Environment Manager), Charles accreditation but also to share with other businesses efficient zoo by 2019’ and ‘Zero Waste to Landfill by their performance. It also allows them to institutionalise Davidson (Creative getting started. One by one the document breaks 2019’. A summary of carbon offsets is listed towards values held by founders so that these become Director), Craig down Emission Sources (like animal travel), the end. embedded in the companies DNA across generations. Mitchell (CEO)
78 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 79 Part 4 | 2030 Vision
Chapter summary
Part 4: “The currency of wellness is connection; with people, 2030 Vision ourselves and nature.” – Charles Davidson, Peninsula Hot Springs
80 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 81 Part 4 | Tourism organisations as cultural leaders
Wellbeing (ecological, community and economic) requires alignment across all levels of cultural leadership. Tourism destinations and their products can provide primary foundations. WELLBEING PLANET
WELLBEING COUNTRY (Australia – Tourism Australia)
WELLBEING STATE (Victoria – Visit Victoria) Tourism WELLBEING REGION (eg: Mornington Peninsula, Visit Mornington Peninsula)
organisations as WELLBEING TOWN cultural leaders (eg: Rye, Rye Traders Association) WELLBEING DESTINATION (eg: Peninsula Hot Springs, Peninsula Hot Springs Group)
Blue Lagoon, Iceland, WELLBEING EXPERIENCE a world-leading wellness destination (eg: Fire & Ice Bathing Experience, PHS Operations Team)
The world is facing unprecedented That would be game-changing and This new era will be defined challenges, none more so than the could set us ahead of other states the by collaboration across cultures, Climate Emergency. A proactive tourism Australian tourism landscape. generations and industries. We will learn industry could do well to align itself With purpose-driven Millennials to the most not from the few within our with emerging trends in regenerative make up 75% of Australia’s workforce by market segment, but from the many like- business which simultaneously promote 2025 we are set for a rapid growth and minds working towards an integrated, ecological, social and economic transformation, if we choose it. CSIRO’s regenerative economy. With a thorough values. The Victorian Tourism Industry 2019 Australian National Outlook maps understanding of Victoria’s hot springs Council could raise the profile of our two paths: Slow Decline if we maintain and wellness tourism landscape as well Great Baths Great Victorian Hot Springs industry by coordinating workshops on status quo OR a ‘positive Outlook Vision’ as best-practice global benchmarks I achieving carbon neutrality and Benefit which ‘could mean higher GDP per capita, will now present opportunities which I of Australia Bathing Trail Wellness Zone Corporation (BCorp) accreditations to ‘net zero’ greenhouse gas emissions see for Victoria’s tourism future. A cornerstone in Tourism the backbone of Peninsula Hot demonstrate to prospective tourism by 2050, strong economic growth and Australia’s 2030 Visit Victoria’s 2030 Springs at the heart RIGHT: Three interdependent initiatives nature-based of a Wellness professionals and travellers that we energy affordability, and more liveable which can establish Victoria as a global signature wellness collectively share sustainable values. major cities.’ (CSIRO, 2019) leader in wellness tourism by 2030. experience offering tourism strategy Peninsula
82 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 83 Part 4 | Australia 2030 Part 4 | Victoria 2030
Australia 2030 Victoria 2030
By 2030, Australia has shifted away than a politicaformality. Migrants from Victoria’s colonial heritage and legacy areas and support a thriving talent pool of from polluting coal and now sees the across the globe have found harmony in of land clearing has been flipped into young tourism professionals. Victoria has purity of its terrestrial, aquatic and the Australian environment through the defining the state’s new USP. From become one of the world’s leading nature- marine ecosystems as its foremost cultural leadership of Australia’s nature- coast to mountain, degraded paddocks based economies driven by cross-sector economic asset. It’s leading the world based tourism industry. Generations have been transformed into ecological collaboration, most notably geothermal through solar technology innovation collaborate with great respect and sanctuaries supporting regenerative farms industry (tourism, energy, agriculture and and sequestering blue carbon through strength as we fuse traditional and new and wellness tourism destinations. The housing). Great forests are now seen as extensive kelp forest projects. Feral technology seamlessly in a new closed- success of Visit Victoria’s regeneration carbon banks, community health assets animals and pest species have been loop economy. Tourism Australia’s strategy is world-renowned. Through and hubs for fire management start-ups. radically reduced through a tourist tax signature regenerative tourism icon is online platforms travellers can find Visit Victoria’s signature regenerative initiative and our biodiversity is now the wukalina Walk (pictured), a symbol nature-based wellness experiences in tourism icon is Peninsula Hot Springs, an increasing. Our community has finally of Aboriginal culture’s regeneration and every public park, garden, bay and river. acknowledgement of the ‘seed’ which matured to a point where reconciliation is ongoing influence on contemporary Epic pilgrimages like the ‘Great Victorian inspired a new wave of nature-based legitimately expressed in daily life rather society. Bathing Trail’ criss-cross our regional tourism development.
84 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 85 Part 4 | Signature Wellness Experiences
Signature Wellness NORTHERN TERRITORY Waterholes Experiences of Australia
What are the missing links in Australian Wellness Tourism? Extraordinary aquatic and marine SIGNATURE WELLNESS TOURISM environments – eg: Irrwanyere / EXPERIENCES OF EXPERIENCES Dalhousie Springs, SA AUSTRALIA WESTERN QUEENSLAND Extraordinary aquatic and marine AUSTRALIA Reefs & Australian wildlifeSIGNATURE WELLNESS TOURISM environments – eg: Irrwanyere / Rivers Beaches journeys EXPERIENCES OF EAT &EXPERIENCES DRINK Dalhousie Springs, SA AUSTRALIA Discover Aboriginal Australian wildlife Experiences journeys BREATHEEAT & DRINK Great Fishing Discover Aboriginal Adventures of AustraliaExperiences BREATHE Great Fishing EXERCISE Great Golf CoursesAdventures of of Australia Australia EXERCISE Great Golf Courses of Australia Great Walks of Australia BATHE Great Walks of Australia BATHE Luxury Lodges ofLuxury Lodges of Australia Australia SLEEPSLEEP SOUTH NEW SOUTH Ultimate Wine Ultimate Wine AUSTRALIA WALES Experiences AustraliaExperiences Australia Salt Lakes Sea Baths (Restaurant Australia) CONNECT (Restaurant Australia) CONNECTWITH NATURE Cultural Attractions of WITH NATURECONNECT WITH Cultural AttractionsAustralia of CONNECTCULTURE/ WITH Australia COMMUNITY Pristine ancient CULTURE/ forests – Ada Tall Pristine ancient forests – Trees Reserve, VIC COMMUNITY eg: Ada Tall Trees Reserve, VIC Pristine ancient forests – eg: Ada Tall Trees Reserve, VIC TASMANIA AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL Forests TERRITORY Lakes
VICTORIAVICTORIA HotHot Springs
When you review Tourism Australia’s Every state of Australia has iconic bathing current suite of signature experiences landscapes, although you might not recognise them and align them with wellness tourism Great Baths of as such. Salt room and float therapy is booming in themes, two gaps emerge. Breathing cities like Melbourne and Sydney but has anyone (mindfulness) and bathing are primary thought about promoting South Australia’s salt pillars in day-to-day wellness practice. Australia, 2030 lakes as wellness tourism destinations? What How could we actively market these about the baths we are yet to create: Have start- activities using our unique Australian ups begun conversations with Traditional Owners Extraordinary terrestrial, aquatic and marine about joint ecotourism ventures which combine aquatic and marine ecosystems? How could we create a regenerative design principles and create a environments wellness identity for each state? Walks platform for cultural storytelling? How about the – Irrwanyere / Dalhousie in Tasmania of course and retreats in proposed rooftop baths at Deep Blue Hot Springs Springs, SA Queensland, what about hot springs which will offer panoramic ocean views with whale- baths in Victoria? watching? Or the Yarra Pools concept?
86 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 87 Part 4 | Great Victorian Bathing Trail
Great Victorian ROUTES LEGEND GREAT VICTORIAN BATHING TRAIL ABORIGINAL CULTURAL TRAIL Bathing Trail VICTORIA’S GREEN NECKLACE HIKING TRAIL RAIL / BIKE TRAIL MELBOURNE’S BLUE NECKLACE A vision for Victorian HOT SPRING nature-based tourism in 2030 SEA BATH RIVER BATH BEACH Pilgrimages are a timeless expression of tourism MINERAL SPRINGS and Australia has a rich heritage of Aboriginal PINK songlines. But do Australia’s current network of LAKES FOREST BATH walking and cycling trails satisfy the appetite of SALT BATH modern wellness travellers? Having guided along iconic paths like the ICE BATH Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory, the Heysen LAKE TYRELL LAKE BATH Trail in South Australia and the Overland Track in Tasmania I can see gaps in the experience WODONDA MURRAY HIGH COUNTRY we provide domestic and international guests. MURRAY TO MOUNTAINS RAIL TRAIL RIVER BATH These world-class products go part of the way, RAIL TRAIL and although they could be, I’m not suggesting that they be specifically marketed as wellness experiences. Wellness is the integration of mindful eating, breathing, bathing, exercising and sleeping. So, a targetted wellness trail could combine organic farm cooking, guided meditations on prana-rich beaches, hot springs bathing, sunrise yoga, forest bathing and regeneratively-designed glamping camps or lodges. A luxury bushwalk in Tasmania can’t deliver that but a 900+km ‘Great Victorian GREAT VICTORIAN BENALLA MT BUFFALO RAIL TRAIL ICE BATH ICE BATH Bathing Trail’ tracing our state’s southern coastline RIVER BATH from Mallacoota to Portland could. MT HOTHAM TO FALLS CREEK By 2030 we could create a signature wellness HEPBURN GRAMPIANS TRAIL experience which is: PEAKS TRAIL BATH HOUSE - nature-based (complementing ICE BATH our cold winters with hot LAKE GARIWERD EILDON geothermal water) EAST GIPPSLAND GRAMPIANS YARRA RIVER BATHS MT BULLER RAIL TRAIL EAST GIPPSLAND - wellness-focused (elevating daily rituals, like NP ICE BATH FORESTS NP GREAT WONGAN bathing, into transformative experiences), and FORESTS NP BATALUK - defined by a common regenerative WILDLIFE GIPPSLAND CULTURAL RESERVE REGIONAL development philosophy (USP) JAPANESE TRAIL WILIAMSTOWN AQUATIC Such a trail could rival the world’s MOUNTAIN CENTRE RETREAT great pilgrimages such as the 68km Nakahechi ST KILDA trail of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed SANDRINGHAM Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, the 90km Lurujarri BRIGHTON GEELONG Heritage Trail north of Broome led by the BUDG LAKE FRANKSTON TOORADIN Goolarabooloo community or even the 700km BIM NP BEEAC RIVER BATH SALE Confluence Project Trail which sees seven RYE MAIN RIDGE TARRA contemporary artworks bring the Native American, CAPE OTWAY BULGA NP LAKESENTRANCE NUNDUK European and scientific stories of the Columbia NP METUNG River to life. RETREAT SPA
GREAT SOUTH LILLY PILLY WEST CIRCUIT PORTLAND
WALK GREAT WALK MP INVERLOCH WILSONS PORT FAIRY PORT
DEEP BLUE LORNE OCEAN BEACH PROM WALK WALK
SMITHS BEACH NORMANS
BELLARINE PENINSULA BEACH PETERSBOROUGH SALT WATER SPRINGS WATER SALT 12 APOSTLES PORT CAMPBELL PORT COWES HARBOUR EDEN PROJECT ANGELSEA EDEN PROJECT PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS PENINSULA HOT
88 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 89 Part 4 | Hot Springs Willness Zones
Global benchmarks
A. Reykjavik, Iceland Iceland's capital combines A. geothermal district heating and public swimming pools. B. City of Bath, UK, The name says it all. C. Kurukawa, Japan A Japanese onsen village dependent on tourism, surrounded by farming and forestry.
B.
Hot Springs Wellness Zones
Bathe the World Foundation’s unofficial motto is ‘Water equals life, life equals water’ and water fountains, rivers and baths are the heart of communities the world over. Hot springs are unique in their role as places of healing. For example, the traditional name of Dalhousie Springs in South Australia is Irrwanyere, meaning ‘healing waters’. Similarly, in the Victorian era, people referred to visiting spa towns as ‘taking the cure’. C. Hot springs are ancient places of pilgrimage and have become the centre of healthy, thriving communities. They started as places for common people not luxury spa-goers. Over time a pattern of development has seen villages, towns and cities rise around geothermal water resources. What presents Victoria with a unique opportunity is to strategically develop hot springs destinations in regional areas, which then form hubs for designated wellness tourism zones. For example, Peninsula Hot Springs could sit in the centre of a branded ‘Wellness Peninsula’. But why not develop a state-wide initiative which integrates geothermal tourism, health, energy, agriculture and housing where hot springs become not an add-on but the primary driver for regional development? We Blue Zone’s ‘Power 9’, based on the work of Dan Beuttner (originally have a rare opportunity to design a regenerative published in National Geographic) this diagram highlights themes which
economy with geothermal water as a central pillar. underlie the world’s longest-lived communities (Blue Zones, 2019) ENERGY GEO THINK RICHTER, ALEX INCLUDE CREDITS IMAGE
90 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 91 Part 4 | 2029 Travel Journal
Geelong Sea Bath 2029 Travel Journal An adventure along the Great Victorian Bathing Trail
In January 2018 I started a tradition, I organised a ‘rite of passage’ adventure through Tasmania for my eldest nephew, Josh. (I have nine nephews and nieces so I’m settling in for the long haul) At the time, he was 17 years old and about to enter his final year of high school, after which he would take the first step along Victoria's western plains his career path. We hiked up Cradle Mountain, swam in Cataract Gorge and of course visited MONA. In January 2029 my niece Eva will be in the same position. What could our adventure look like and afterwards will she be inspired to consider a career in tourism?
I imagine picking her up from her home geothermal steam out on the street and in Sunbury and then driving out through then soak your feet in the public foot the western plains in a solar-powered baths. I can see Eva’s mind ticking over, electric car. We pass through wind farms “who even knew this was a thing?” and stop to watch Wathawurrung people Eva and I rise early to start walking Deep Blue Hot Springs harvesting native yams using fire-stick along the extended Great Ocean Walk farming practices inspired by their start meandering through pristine ancestors. agricultural land. Eva’s quick to pick up We head out towards Gariwerd (the on ‘Leave No Trace’ principles and soon Grampians) and meet a young tour starts telling me off for getting too close guide at Brambuk Cultural Centre who to wildlife or stepping off the track. When has used Air BnB experiences to start we eventually reach the 12 Apostles and Budj Bim WHA up her own business. She has Chinese- when Eva finds out that there’s another Australian heritage but uses the phrase hot springs, she couldn’t be happier. ‘wominjeka’ to welcome us. Eva and I What was such a foreign idea only days are guided on a forest bathing walk to ago has now become her favourite Mackenzie Falls where we stop for a past time. Without thinking she starts smoke bathing experience using native alternating between the sauna and ice botanicals, and of course take a plunge plunge as part of a recovery session. All I in the waterfall. can do is laugh as she screams each time When mid-afternoon comes we head that she tackles the cold. south towards Deep Blue Hot Springs After sleeping in the eco-lodge, we Gariwerd / Grampians Twelve at Warrnambool to catch sunset from take a short bus ride on the ‘Geothermal Apostles Eden Project their rooftop pool, one of Tourism Express’ and stop off for lunch at Anglesea Yarra Pools Australia’s ‘Great Baths of Australia’. A DJ Eva’s Nanna who lives in Eden Project is live-streaming whales singing at the Anglesea’s geothermal retirement local beach nursery, we listen through village. She made the decision to move underwater speakers and look up to see after friends were raving about the vibrant dusk skies. arthritis-relief they experienced by After staying in the hotel overnight bathing daily. “Perfect for old people!”, we catch a free electric bus to Budj Bim her Nanna would joke. The destination World Heritage Area. Eva was particularly which attracts over a million visitors excited to see the VR (virtual reality) annually made a big impression on both experience which transports visitors into of us, especially the geothermal beach the ancient aquaculture systems when around the Eden Project domes. “Did it it was in full swing during Eel Season in really used to be a coal mine?” Eva would 1829. We take a short guided tour where ask. “This is way better than that stinking a young Gunditjmara guide shows how to coal!” Impressed so much we booked Sauna. I explained to Eva that if she was Melbourne was celebrating the design the saunas. After dinner there make a traditional eel trap and we even ourselves into the hostel overnight and ever feeling flat or burnt out at uni, she Yirramboi Festival and I’d been involved was nothing left to do but let Eva show test it in a demonstration wetland. immersed in another Virtual Tour, this could actually claim a visit to any of these in designing a chain of floating saunas her whole family the correct etiquette for That night we immerse ourselves in time we jumped in an aquatic tank which hot springs or the sauna’s (that form a across the Yarra River. The saunas were sweat bathing and proudly protect the Portland’s hot springs wellness zone simulates swimming with Great White 'necklace’ around Nerm/Port Phillip Bay) positioned exactly where ‘The Falls’ used Swans nesting in nearby floating gardens which has completely transformed the Sharks. Scary as anything but it created through Medicare. Social prescriptions to separate fresh and salt water, very from her boisterous brothers. Eva would coastal town. A whole flock of young a whole new level of respect for these are now an integral part of the state’s important Country for the Boon Wurrung, give me a big hug at the end and then people are running health-focused giants of the sea. mental health strategy. Bunurong and Wurundjeri people. So, start sharing photos with all of her friends start-ups, using the town’s boutique Back on the “Geothermal Express” Eva was getting tired, “overwhelmed we met Eva’s parents at Yarra Pools on social media. “Remember the hashtag hot springs hotel as their platform. You we step off at the Geelong Sea Baths by all the wellness” she would say. for dinner and one of her brother’s ‘let Eva?!” #greatvicbathingtrail can even cook your own dinner using just in time for a session in the Floating But I had one more surprise in store. the cat out of the bag’ that I’d helped This could be our future.
92 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 93 heading | heading Part 4 | Stepping it up
Addressing industry needs
Regional dispersal Job growth Nature-based wellness Stepping it up and seasonality Let’s consider that Millennials are now The key message that should inform ‘the largest generation in the workforce the development of signature wellness Based on a Roy Morgan study into and, by 2025, will make up three experiences in Victoria is that they As already discussed, wellness tourism generational travel behaviour, Australian quarters of employees in Australia.’ should be nature-based. That is, involves the integration of mindful eating, hot springs types millennials are more likely to travel than (Cone Communications, 2016) So when the experiences are set in Victoria’s breathing, bathing, exercising and hot springs types any other generation with 73.6% planning Victorian hot springs the Victorian Tourism Industry Council beautiful mountains, forests, farms, sleeping. It’s actually the combination of to travel in the 12 months following the industry development plan declares its goal to achieve a target of gardens, rivers, lakes and beaches. In activities, some active and some relaxation- Thermal Water Park hot springs types research period. They, or should I say we, 320,000 tourism jobs by 2025 (we’re my opinion they should not be in urban focused that entices the wellness traveller. Thermal Water Park are also more likely to take short trips (the currently sitting at 214,000+ jobs, areas which you might find in Sydney Yes, they like a little luxury but not too kind that could see us explore areas of representing 7% of the state’s total or the Gold Coast, and they should Thermal Water Park much. Hot springs can be packaged with hot springsThermal types Rehabilitation regional Victoria but we need something Thermal Rehabilitation workforce), you have to ask a question: not be in remote wilderness areas as almost anything but based on my research, to pull us there). Tourism destinations What kind of jobs are we are talking in Tasmania. Regenerative tourism one activity combination in particular developed using regenerative principles Thermal Water Park Thermal Rehabilitation about? Experience managers, nature developments depend on sites which has the potential to define Victoria’s hot RelaxationRelaxation Hot Spring Hot Spring such as those proposed by Victoria’s guides, wellness instructors? have been degraded through logging, springs tour packages – Bushwalking emerging hot springs operators align The Great Victorian Bathing Trail mining or conventional farming, that’s & Bathing. After mapping all known hot perfectly will millennials values. Thermal Rehabilitation Relaxation Hot Spring boasts countless purpose-driven jobs what creates their opportunity for springs tour packages in Iceland, including What’s more, the potential hot springs opportunities for people at each each of renewal and could be the defining l
those on AirBnB experiences I counted 77 l development locations align with the experience-scale: teenagers looking characteristic of our future tourism
distinct packages. One company, Extreme Morwel Relaxation Hot Spring Victorian’s favourite coastal getaway
Morwel for meaningful casual work and retirees brand. Iceland, has 23 tours that include hot destinations which are in desperate need
l seeking a positive and peaveful working springs bathing, ranging from 6-day to of winter products. Sea change retirees environment . Unique to hot springs
1-day experiences. My favourite is the one Morwel also cluster in these communities and Metung in a cold, temperate climate is their which combines whale-watching, beer l are a core hot springs market due to iry Metung
tland ability to attract visitors and therefore Fa h rt Morwel and bathing! Nevertheless, the number iry the health benefits for those suffering Por Seacombe Po
tland support jobs through the traditional Fa h rrnambool one package combination for organised rt development key arthritis or mobility issues. Why migrate to Por Seacombe Campbell Phillip Island Wa Po
Bellarine Peninsula off- and shoulder seasons. (Cone Metung rt
tours and DIY travellers is hot springs and Peterboroug Operational Queensland when you have hot springs
rrnambool development key Po
iry Planned Development Communications, 2016) Campbell Phillip Island Wa Bellarine Peninsula tland
hiking. So, there is incredible opportunity rt in your backyard? Finally, the hot springs Mornington Peninsula Fa h Potential Development Peterboroug
Metung Operational rt Po Por Seacombe
for collaboration with Victoria’s existing Po Planned Development projects could create positive feedback iry rrnambool Mornington Peninsula tland Potential Development development key Fa h
and emerging hot springs operators, and rt loops with other major infrastructure Campbell Phillip Island Wa Bellarine Peninsula Por Seacombe rt Po
Peterboroug Operational Po
significant flow-on benefits for regional rrnambool development key already in the pipeline, for example the Planned Development Campbell Phillip Island Wa Bellarine Peninsula rt Mornington Peninsula Potential Development tour and accommodation operators. Peterboroug Operational new Phillip Island Nature Parks visitor Po Notice the proximity of Victoria’s trails and Planned Development centre and the Shipwreck Coast Master
Mornington Peninsula Potential Development potential hot springs sites, around half are Plan. (Roy Morgan, 2018) close to the southern coast.
94 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 95 Part 4 | Victoria Hot Springs Standards
Victoria Hot Springs Standards
In discussions with Victoria’s existing and emerging hot springs operators there was a general consensus and A. B. openness about creating an updated set of industry standards which would guide everything from waste water management, cross-promotion and regenerative design standards. Based on my research, here are a number of core considerations that I believe the industry should consider when establishing these standards.
A. Regenerative business: Triple-bottom-line regenerative values should be at the centre of all decision-making not based on morale grounds but on rapidly changing customer expectations. It could create a significant competitive advantage if all operators registered as carbon neutral and Benefit Corporations. Wristband technology Increase biodiversity Renewable energy B. Cross-cultural collaboration: Especially partnerships C. with Aboriginal communities and tour operators should be Practical tools for seamless access and The use of indigenous plant species innovations spontaneous purchases, wristbands is vital to promoting biodiversity and part of the industry’s DNA. Fortunately this is an area that Supporting drivers of electric cars and should integrate with lockers, add- foster the breeding of indigenous water most operators are already engaged in. Australia’s park using geothermal energy wherever on wellness activities as well as food birds, frogs, lizards, marsupials and management bodies are great benchmarks in this space. possible should be common-practice. and beverage. Blue Lagoon is the best so on. Hand-weeding and chemical- Victorian hot springs can showcase C. Contrast therapy: Beautifully designed hot and cold example I saw, but Guangdong’s hot free maintenance are part of the basic the benefits of integrated geothermal experiences. Renewable energy sourcing, preferably springs were also strong. regenerative philosophy and contribute living from tourism to energy, agriculture through geothermal, should be considered in designing to the authenticity of the guests’ pure in- and even housing. Blue Lagoon, Phillip energy-intensive facilities like saunas and ice caves. The nature experience. Extra consideration Island’s Cape Kitchen and Bairnsdale’s rapid uptake of Wim Hof Method by Melbournians is a should be given to waste water Riversleigh boutique hotel all have Telsa good sign of the potential for embedding this culture. management and its impact on water and compatible chargers. soil resources.
Investment in Connectivity Wellness food Wellness for all Forest bathing Saunas quality design Links to public transport, walking Plant-based, regional, organic and Wellness practice should be an Nature-therapy is fast becoming Land-based or floating, saunas are an and cycling paths should be baseline biodynamic foods are preferences integrated part of the basic hot springs recognised for its benefits on health incredible arena for innovative design. Melbourne has one of the world’s best infrastructure in future hot springs which suit wellness travellers and bathing experience. Peninsula Hot promotion and mental health issues. The There is great scope for developing design cultures and tourism should wellness zones. Due to our car support regenerative farming practices. Springs’ FOC hot springs yoga sessions Chinese government is investing heavily Australian-inspired sauna rituals. Outside showcase these skills. The Nordic dependency this is not something Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other on weekends are a great example of in a national forest bathing initiative based of hot springs, saunas and steam baths region’s bathing tourism icons are all Victoria does as well as it could. dietary options should be thoroughly introducing a broad audience to basic life on Japan’s success since the 1980s. Neil can be located in urban areas such as on beautifully designed by both emerging Copenhagen and Helsinki are good catered for. Clear messaging around tools. Reykjavik’s geothermal swimming McCarthy from Mosaic Insights is doing the Yarra River or around Port Phillip Bay. and renowned architects. references here. At Kurokawa in Japan, provenance is essential as is on-site pools are another great example of some great work in this space. Parks Again, renewable energy considerations visitors park their vehicles on the outside growing. Immersive food experiences, making geothermal healing accessible to Victoria and Melbourne City Council should be made for these energy of town and then enjoy a human-scaled, field to fork, should be the goal. the community. should be considering how they engage intensive facilities. pedestrian experience. with this very accessible and beneficial practice. The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne is already running regular experiences.
96 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 97 Part 5 | Conclusion
Chapter summary Part 5: Conclusion
“We have to go beyond sustainability and work towards a positive impact.” – Harry Troedel, Nunduk Spa Retreat
98 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 99 Part 5 | Summary Part 5 | Recommendations
Summary Recommendations
FY2020/21 FY2020/21 FY2020/21 FY2020/21 Australian Wellness Victorian Hot Victorian Hot Australian Tourism Strategy Springs & Bathing Springs Industry Geothermal To develop and define our Tourism Strategy Standards Innovation Centre wellness brand identity With two existing hot springs World-class design and Peninsula Hot Springs Tourism Australia needs to destinations and a wave of five management is critical to the should extend its leadership lead the way in developing developments in construction future success of Victorian beyond tourism and actively a national Wellness Tourism or planning stage it is essential hot springs. At this fledgling support Australia's adoption Strategy. This will then than Victoria's hot springs stage of development the of geothermal energy, provide a framework within and bathing tourism industry industry should establish agriculture and housing. which State tourism bodies be branded as an integrated formal collaborative structures Strategic cross-industry and can build on. whole. The time is now. and update industry standards public/private partnerships with clear alignment with the should drive innovation. United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
FY2030/31 FY2030/31 FY2030/31 FY2030/31 Great Baths of Great Victorian Hot Springs Metung Hot Springs The concept of a Great Victorian Bathing Aquatic Centre (Traralgon), Saltwater potential is the Yarra Pools project, Australia launch Bathing Trail Hopping Pass completion Trail (GVBT) is about more than achieving Springs (Phillip Island) and 12 Apostles designed by WOWOWA Architects. Bathing could become a launch Travellers should have the Peninsula Hot Springs Group's VTIC's 2025 job growth targets, overcoming Hot Springs (Great Ocean Road). So, signature experience to Travellers are seeking ability to move freely along the contribution to Victoria's Visit Victoria's regional dispersal in effect, by 2030 we could have at The key to the success of these hot complement existing product transformational experiences Great Victorian Bathing Trail in regional tourism development challenges or fast-tracking an industry least seven hot springs destinations springs and bathing tourism initiatives is suites like the Great Walks and Victoria has the sections (east, central, west) should build upon the with the potential to deliver swift economic established across our State. As this that they are integrated into a cohesive of Australia. Hot Springs will opportunity to deliver a and as a whole. This will be successes of its first facility (on development to rural communities. We have paper demonstrates other tourism signature experience that people can be a core contributor but pilgrimage to rival great trails facilitated by price incentives the Mornington Peninsula) but an opportunity to pursue a bold, purposeful regions like Iceland, Guangdong and easily relate to and be inspired by. A other iconic destinations like like Tasmania's Overland and convenient transport links, also demonstrate the breadth dream which demonstrates the Victorian Kyushu have successully woven hot Great Victorian Bathing Trail has the Yarra Pools should also be Track and Europe's El Camino. including public transport. of scales and styles possible in tourism industry's collective commitment springs into their tourism brand, alluring power to weave a path through all of considered. hot springs projects. the United Nation's Sustainable travellers as well as the interest of savvy these destinations and take its place Development Goals. We have an entrepreneurs. amongst the world's iconic pilgrimages, opportunity to assure younger generations not as a nostalgic trail but an aspirational that yes we do recognise the need to However, the scope for bathing pathway to the future. Importantly it can change the way we do business and that we tourism goes far beyond hot springs link with other nature-based trails such A final comment favour developments which are defined by developments. Nordic countries as our iconic walk and agritourism routes. Matt Martin (Sales Manager, Patagonia Australia) renegenerative Key Performance Indicators. have invested heavily in developing We want to see future generations thrive not contemporary bathing infrastructure The GVBT should be understood within During the last days of writing I had an opportunity to What people put on their skin (i.e. hot springs water, merely survive. which service local communities and the context of the current Climate speak with Matt Martin and listen to the kind of philosophy or sunscreen) tourists seeking authentic, nature-based Emergency which will have serious guiding Patagonia's future. It was very insightful: Peninsula Hot Springs (Fingal) and Deep experiences. There is the opportunity repercussions for the global tourism What they put in their body (i.e. food) Blue Hot Springs (Warrnambool) are to revitalise the historic public baths industry. One competitive advantage What they put on their body (i.e. clothing) two established wellness destinations around Nerm/Port Phillip Bay which is the ability to offer Melbourne-based 'The linking of environmental health to our body is which demonstrate the future potential defined the Victorian era by harnessing travellers a high-quality, nature-based happening as people become their own brand. By What they put over their body (i.e. house, car, garden, city) of Victorian geothermal tourism. These the talents of our world-class architects. wellness experience without the sharing images of themselves on social media they get are followed by five innovative projects These facilities could become attractive excessive carbon footprint of air travel. an instant review of self and feedback from others. So, In many ways it’s a luxury to think the way we do, for a lot which are either in development or year-round wellness destinations with Ultimately, the success of bold initiatives the closer you can get to purity the better, considering of people it’s about survival. We don’t want to come across planning phases: Metung Hot Springs experiences ranging from saunas and like the Great Victoian Bathing Trail relies the rise of cancers and all other issues associated as too evangelical, no-one wants to go to a pity party. We (Gippsland Lakes), Nunduk Spa Retreat steam rooms to cafes, bars and wellness on our willingness to harness the cultural from the western diet. You can look at: try to have fun along the way!' (Gippsland Lakes), Gippsland Regional studios. A project that exemplifies this leadership potential of our industry.
100 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 101 Part 6 | References
INTRODUCTION Accessed on August 8 2019 at vhd. Manager, Bass Coast Shire) & Cr Pam Award’ by Larissa Kyzer, 5.11.2018. Accessed • B Lab (2019) ‘Benefit Corporation Impact heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/111655/ Rothfield (Councillor, Bass Coast Shire) on August 8 2019 at icelandreview.com/ Chapter summary Areas’ Accessed on August 8 2019 at download-report • Sykes, M. (March 5 2019) Pers comm with news/firm-basalt-architects-wins- bcorporation.com.au Catherine Basterfield (CEO of Phillip Island iceland-design-award • Sykes, M. (2008) ‘Sustainable Dreaming’ PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS Nature Parks) • Sykes, M. (May 23 2019) Pers comm with University of Melbourne Architecture, • EY (2018) Peninsula Hot Springs Economic • Sykes, M. (May 20 2019) Pers comm with Klara Halldorsdottir (Sales Manager, Blue Part 6: Building and Planning Faculty, Parkville. Impact Assessment FY17. EY, Melbourne. Jodie Vogt (Founder of Saltwater Springs) Lagoon) • United Nations (2019) ‘Sustainable • Sykes, M. (May 8 2019) Pers comm with • Sykes, M. (May 23 2019) Pers comm with Development Goals’ Accessed on August Charles Davidson, Co-founder of Peninsula 12 APOSTLES HOT SPRINGS Sigridur Sigthorsdottir (lead project architect, 8 2019 at sustainabledevelopment. Hot Springs. • Sykes, M. (March 26 2019) Pers comm with Basalt Architects) un.org/?menu=1300 • Sykes, M. (March 19 2019) Pers comm with Guy Obeid (Transaction Manager, CMFC) References Greg Burgess, architect for Peninsula Hot ICELAND HOT SPRINGS ROAD TRIP PART 1 – SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS Springs. OTHER GEOTHERMAL • Sykes, M. (May 26 2019) Pers comm with MARKET LANDSCAPE • Sykes, M. (May 7 2019) Pers comm with • Melbourne Energy Institute (2016) ‘Victorian Eyvi Eyfells (Project Manager, Mountaineers • Global Wellness Institute (2018) ‘Global Jarrod Ruch, Land & Environment Manager Geothermal Assessment Report’ Accessed of Iceland) Wellness Tourism Economy’ Accessed on for Peninsula Hot Springs. on August 8 2019 at https://energy.unimelb. • Sykes, M. (May 26 2019) Pers comm with August 8 2019 at globalwellnessinstitute. • Sykes, M. (May 7 2019) Pers comm with edu.au/articles/victorian-geothermal- Jónas Friðrik (Director, Krauma Baths) org/industry-research/2018-global- Martin Pujol, Rockwater Consultants. assessment-report-2016 • Sykes, M. (May 26 2019) Pers comm with wellness-economy-monitor • Sykes, M. (May 13 2019) Pers comm with Marketta (Duty Manager, Laugarvatn Fontana • Helliwell, J. Layard, R. Sachs, J. (2018) Matt Colston, Consultant at EY. PART 2 – BENCHMARKS Baths) ‘World Happiness Report’ Accessed on JAPAN – BEPPU August 8 2019 at s3.amazonaws.com/ DEEP BLUE HOT SPRINGS • Sykes, M. (January 15 2019) Pers comm with OTHER GEOTHERMAL ICELAND happiness-report/2018/WHR_web.pdf • Judd, M. (April 10 2019) Email from Marshall Kyoko Inazumi (Beppu Tourist Information • Sykes, M. (May 25 2019) Pers comm with • Tourism Australia & Colliers Research (2019) Judd, RocknWater Landscapes Centre, Beppu City) Alex Richter (President of the International ‘Wellness Tourism’ in ‘Tourism Investment • Sykes, M. (March 18 2019) Pers comm with • Sykes, M. (January 15 2019) Pers comm with Geothermal Association) in Regional Australia’ Accessed on August Gene Seabrook. Jared (International student) • Sykes, M. (May 25 2019) Pers comm with 8 2019 at tourisminvestment.com.au/ • Sykes, M. (March 19 2019) Pers comm with • Sykes, M. (January 15 2019) Pers comm with Sigurdur Bergmann Gunnarsson (Mechanical en/investment-opportunities/Regional- Gene Seabrook and Uncle Locky, Peek Yoshikawa Munekazu (Beppu Spa 124th Engineer of Veitur) Australia.html Wurrung Elder. Eternal Master and local Japanese teacher) • Sykes, M. (May 24 2019) Pers comm with • United Nations (2019) ‘Sustainable Solheimar Eco Village Margaret (Director, Development Goals’ Accessed on August METUNG HOT SPRINGS JAPAN – KUROKAWA Solheimar Eco Village) 8 2019 at sustainabledevelopment. • Chester, D. (March 4 2019) Letter from • Sykes, M. (January 17 2019) Pers comm with un.org/?menu=1300 Darren Chester MP. Mayu Gotoh (Secretary at Kurokawa Onsen & NORWAY • World Population Review (2019) ‘Suicide • Sykes, M. (February 18 2019) Pers comm Ryokan Association, Waka-Okami at Sanga • Sykes, M. (May 29 2019) Pers comm with Rate by Country 2019’ Accessed on August with Tim McAuliffe, RDV Gippsland. Ryokan) Lasse Eriksen (Development Manager and 8 2019 at worldpopulationreview.com/ • Sykes, M. (February 18 2019) Pers comm Sauna Master, Farris Bad) countries/suicide-rate-by-country with Richard Elkington, RDA Gippsland. CHINA – BISHUIWAN HOT SPRINGS RESORT • Sykes, M. (May 29-31 2019) Pers comm with • Sykes, M. (February 18 2019) Pers comm • Sykes, M. (June 9-10 2019) Pers comm with Cecilie Dawes (Founder, Food Studio) AUSTRALIAN HOT SPRINGS na with Cr Natalie O’Connell and Joe Rettino. Mrs Zhang (General Manager, Bishuiwan • Sykes, M. (February 18 2019) Pers comm with Hot Spring Resort) with translation by Iris Lin DENMARK VICTORIAN HOT SPRINGS Adrian and Rachel Bromage, Co-founders of (Magic Trading Company) • Sykes, M. (June 4 2019) Pers comm with • Davidson, C. (2016) Victorian Hot Springs Metung Hot Springs. • Sykes, M. (June 9-10 2019) Pers comm with Fredrik Pettersson (Lead architect, White Industry Development Plan. • Sykes, M. (February 19 2019) Pers comm with Lirong Wei (General Manager, Bishuiwan Arkitekter) • (2018) Hot Springs Australia – Victoria Roger Fenwick (CEO GLaWAC) and Mark Hot Spring Resort) with translation by Iris Lin • Sykes, M. (June 5 2019) Pers comm with Chapter vision alignment. Higgins (COO GLaWAC) (Magic Trading Company) Peter Libonati Brock (Department of Culture • Davidson, C. (2018) Hot Springs Australia – • Sykes, M. (February 19 2019) Pers comm with • Sykes, M. (June 10 2019) Pers comm with and Leisure, City of Copenhagen) Classification types. John Hutchins, CEO at Mt Hotham Resort. General Manager (World Eco-Design • Melbourne Energy Institute (2016) • Sykes, M. (August 8 2019) Pers comm with Centre) with translation by Iris Lin (Magic SWEDEN Recommendations in ‘Victorian Geothermal Charles Davidson (Co-founder Peninula Hot Trading Company) • Sykes, M. (June 5-7 2019) Pers comm with Assessment Report’ Accessed on August 8 Springs). Lotta Ranert (Pink Chili consulting) 2019 at energy.unimelb.edu.au/articles/ CHINA – OCEAN SPRING RESORT • Sykes, M. (June 6 2019) Pers comm with victorian-geothermal-assessment- NUNDUK SPA RETREAT • Sykes, M. (June 11 2019) Pers comm with Pontus Dowchan (Natur Instinkt) report-2016 • Atelier Ten (2018) Nunduk Retreat & Spa: Vice General Manager (Ocean Spring Resort) • Visit Victoria (2005) Victoria’s geothermal Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) with translation by Iris Lin (Magic Trading FINLAND and nature mineral water tourism investment Outline design report – Final V1.1. Company) • Sykes, M. (May 28 2019) Pers comm with opportunities. Visit Victoria, Melbourne. • Seacombe West (May 20 2018) Nunduk Spa • Sykes, M. (June 11 2019) Pers comm with Veikko Niskavaara (Director of Rajaportti • Visit Victoria (2007) Victoria’s geothermal Retreat concept proposal. Wellness Manager (Ocean Spring Resort) Sauna) and fellow board member and nature mineral water tourism investment • Sykes, M. (March 5 2019) Pers comm with with translation by Iris Lin (Magic Trading • Sykes, M. (May 29 2019) Pers comm with opportunities. Visit Victoria, Melbourne. Harry Troedel. Director at Seacome West. Company) Risto Elomaa (President of the International Sauna Association) VICTORIAN BATHS GIPPSLAND REGIONAL AQUATIC CENTRE CHINA – GUDOU HOT SPRINGS TOWN • Sykes, M. (May 29 2019) Pers comm with • The Baths (2019) Drone photo. Accessed on • Jackson Architecture (2015) Latrobe Creative • Sykes, M. (June 11-12 2019) Pers comm Sauna Master (Loyly Sauna) August 8 2019 at thebaths.com.au Precinct profile. Accessed on August 8 2019 with Wellness Manager (Gudou Hot Springs • Sykes, M. (May 29 2019) Pers comm with • Joy, S (unknown) Historical photo of the at jacksonarchitecture.com.au/portfolio_ Town) with translation by Iris Lin (Magic Jaakko Blomberg (Helsinki Sauna Day) Sandringham Sea Baths. Accessed on page/latrobe-creative-precinct Trading Company) August 8 2019 at brightontechnicalschool. • Sykes, M. (February 19 2019) Pers comm ENGLAND com.au/sandringham-sea-baths.html with Luke McGrath (Senior Project Manager, NORDIC OVERVIEW – ICELAND & REYKJAVIK – ROMAN BATHS, THERMAE BATH SPA • Humans of Hampton (2019) Historical photo Latrobe City Council) and Larry Sengstock • Sykes, M. (May 24 2019) Pers comm with • Thermae Bath Spa (2019) Photo of Celestial of Brighton Sea Baths. Accessed on August 8 (Project Director - Major Recreation Projects Oddny Arnarsdottir (Promote Iceland) and relaxation room. Accessed on August 8 2019 at humansofhampton.com/robin at Latrobe City Council) Anna Sverrisdottir (Iceland of Wellness) 2019 at thermaebathspa.com/the-spa/ • St Kilda Sea Baths (2017) Historical photo of • Sykes, M. (May 25 2019) Pers comm with wellness-suite/celestial-relaxation-room the St Kilda Sea Baths. Accessed on August SALTWATER SPRINGS Helga (Air BnB Host) 8 2019 at stkildaseabaths.com.au/history • Sykes, M. (March 4 2019) Pers comm with • Visit Iceland (2019) ‘Guiding Light in ENGLAND – EDEN PROJECT • State Library of Victoria (2019) Historical Steve Parker (Director, Millowl Dreaming) Marketing’ Accessed on August 8 2019 at • Sykes, M. (June 8 2019) Pers comm with Amy photo of Williamstown Sea Baths. Accessed • Sykes, M. (March 5 2019) Pers comm with inspiredbyiceland.com Payne (Project Manager) on August 8 2019 at viewer.slv.vic.gov.au/? Kim Storey (General Manager at Destination • Sykes, M. (June 8 2019) Pers comm with Jo entity=IE1142382&mode=browse Phillip Island) ICELAND BLUE LAGOON Elworthy (Director of Interpretation) • Victorian Heritage Department (2019) • Sykes, M. (March 5 2019) Pers comm with • Iceland Review (2018) Extract from ‘Firm • Sykes, M. (June 8 2019) Pers comm with Dan Historical photo of Geelong Sea Baths. Peter Francis (Economic Development Basalt Architects Wins Icelandic Design James (Development Director)
102 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 103 Part 6 | References
the Global Sauna Survey’ Complimentary Employee Engagement Study in Australian AUSTRALIA Therapies in Medicine, Volume 44, Pages Broadcasting Commission (2019) ‘Would you • Bathe the World Foundation (2019) Various. 223-234. ( the first study to investigate the take a pay cut to work at an environmentally Chapter summary Accessed on August 8 2019 at https:// health habits of the global sauna community) responsible company?’ Accessed on May bathetheworld.org/ • Li, Qing (2018) Forest Bathing: How trees can 8 2019 at abc.net.au/triplej/programs/ • World Bathing Day (2019) Various. help you find health and happiness. Penguin, hack/taking-a-pay-cut-to-work- Accessed on August 8 2019 at https:// New York, USA. at-environmentally-responsible- Part 7: worldbathingday.org/ • Peninsula Hot Springs (2019) Benefits of company/10817768 balneology. Accessed on May 8 2019 at • Davidson, C. (2016) Victorian Hot Springs OTHER GLOBAL HOT SPRINGS peninsulahotsprings.com/our-water/ Industry Development Plan. • Instagram (2019) Images from @ benefits • Roy Morgan (2018) ‘Millennials plan worldbathingday_ • Sykes, M. (May 23 2019) Pers comm with to travel more than other Australians’. Toolkit (Appendix) cont... Solheimar Eco Village Margaret (Director, Accessed on August 8 2019 at oymorgan. PART 3 – ADVISORS Solheimar Eco Village) com/findings/7603-millennials- GEOPOLITICAL • Sykes, M. (June 8 2019) Pers comm with Dan plan-to-travel-more-than-other- • Australian Bureau of Statistics. (26 Sep James (Development Director) australians-201805250640 2018) ‘Causes of Death’ accessed on July 22 • Sykes, M. (June 9-10 2019) Pers comm with • Victorian Government (2013) ‘Victoria’s Trails 2019 at blackdoginstitute.org.au/clinical- Lirong Wei (General Manager, Bishuiwan Strategy 2013-23’. Victorian Government, resources/suicide-self-harm/facts- Hot Spring Resort) with translation by Iris Lin Melbourne. about-suicide-in-australia (Magic Trading Company) • Campbell, Joseph. (1949) The hero with a • Sykes, M. (July 27 2019) Pers comm with Neil VICTORIAN HOT SPRINGS STANDARDS na thousand faces. Pantheon Books, New York, McCarthy (CEO of Mosaic Insights) USA. • Sykes, M. (August 8 2019) Pers comm with PART 5 – CONCLUSIONS na • Cone Communications (2016) Millennial Sean Whitehill (Lead Guide, Tasmanian Employee Engagement Study in Australian Walking Company) PART 7 APPENDIX Broadcasting Commission (2019) ‘Would you • Sykes, M. (August 15 2019) Pers comm TOOL WELLNESS & TTC na take a pay cut to work at an environmentally with Lionel Lauch CEO of Living Culture, TOOL 7 STEPS & BHAG na responsible company?’ Accessed on May traditional healer and Wayapa practitioner TOOL HS & WELLNESS PACKAGES na 8 2019 at abc.net.au/triplej/programs/ • Townshend, M. Henderson-Wilson, C, WELLNESS ARCHITECTURE na hack/taking-a-pay-cut-to-work- Warner, W and Weiss, L (2015) ‘Healthy URBAN WATERWAY REGENERATION na at-environmentally-responsible- Parks Healthy People: The state of HOT SPRINGS INNOVATIONS na company/10817768 the evidence 2015.’ Deakin University, HOT & COLD BATHING na Melbourne. BATHING TOURISM CATALOGUE na ECOLOGICAL • Sykes, M. (April 4 2019) Pers comm with ECONOMIC FOOD TOURISM na Sean Willmore (Founder of the Thin Green • B Lab (2019) ‘Benefit Corporation Impact • Euroman (2019) Photo of Chef Rene Redzepi Line Foundation and President of the Areas’ Accessed on August 8 2019 at and Entrepreneur Claus Meyer. Accessed International Rangers Federation) bcorporation.com.au on August 8 2019 at euroman.dk/gastro/ • Sykes, M. (April 14 2019) Pers comm with • Chouinard, Y. Stanley, V. (2012) Responsible galleri-danmark-ar-10-efter-noma N’arweet Carolyn Briggs (Boon Wurrung Company. Patagonia, California, USA. • The Nordic Council and the Nordic Council Elder) • Finn Air (2019) Inflight magazine article. of Ministers (2019) The New Nordic Food • Sykes, M. (April 16 2019) Pers comm with • Sykes, M. (April 15 2019) Pers comm with Manifesto. Accessed on August 8 2019 at Matthew Jackson (CEO of Parks Victoria) Matt McKay CEO of Sea Road Ferries norden.org/en/information/new-nordic- • Sykes, M. (May 8 2019) Pers comm with • Sykes, M. (May 7 2019) Pers comm with food-manifesto Charles Massey (Regenerative agriculture Kiam Yoong (Sustainability Manager at Zoos • Tourism Australia (2019) Restaurant expert and author of ‘Call of the Reed Victoria) Australia: Noma pop-up profile. Warbler) • Sykes, M. (May 15 2019) Pers comm • Sykes, M. (May 14 2019) Pers comm with with Josh Martin (Climate Change and WALKING TOURISM Jelina Taylor (Global Manager of Purpose Sustainability Services, EY) • Li, Qing (2018) Forest Bathing: How trees can Projects, Intrepid Group) • Yunus, M. (2017) A World of Three Zeros. help you find health and happiness. Penguin, • Sykes, M. (May 15 2019) Pers comm with Public Affairs, USA. New York, USA. Kate Rayson (Strategy and Engagement • Zoos Victoria (2017) Australian Government Manager, Qantas Future Planet initiative) Carbon Neutral Program, Public Disclosure PUBLICATIONS– SURVEY_ TTC • Sykes, M. (May 17 2019) Pers comm with Statement. Accessed on August 8 • Sykes, M. (2019) Transformational travel Kiam Yoong (Sustainability Manager at Zoos 2019 at environment.gov.au/system/ survey via Survey Monkey (Participants: Victoria) files/pages/b5882733-7206-40ac- Transformational Travel Council partners) • Sykes, M. (May 24 2019) Pers comm with b158-9b0c938ad3fd/files/zoos-vic- Oddny Arnarsdottir (Project Manager, Visit pds-2016-17.pdf SURVEY_ MP COMMUNITY Iceland) • Sykes, M. (2019) Benefits of partnering with • Sykes, M. (June 10 2019) Pers comm PART 4 – VISION Peninsula Hot Springs survey (Participants: with Shima Barakat (Mentor, Research TOURISM AS CULTURAL LEADERSHIP PHS regional package partners) and Teaching Fellow in Enterprise and • CSIRO (2019) 2019 Australian National Entrepreneurship at the Cambridge Judge Outlook. Accessed on August 8 2019 at EXCEL Business School) csiro.au/en/Showcase/ANO • Sykes, M. (2019) Global wellness tourism • Sykes, M. (June 11 2019) Pers comm with data. Excel spreadsheets (various) General Manager (World Eco-Design Centre, BRAND AUSTRALIA na Guangdong China) BRAND VICTORIA na MAPS • Sykes, M. (June 13 2019) Pers comm with Dr TA WELLNESS na • Google Maps (2019) Various maps. Dame Jane Goodall (Jane Goodall Institute) VV WELLNESS na Accessed on August 8 2019 at https://www. google.com.au/maps COMMUNITY HEALTH HOT SPRINGS WELLNESS ZONES • Beuttner, D. (2015) Blue Zones. National • Blue Zones (2019) Power 9. Accessed on Geographic Society, Hanover, PA, United August 8 2019 at bluezones.com/2016/11/ States. power-9 • Cohen, M. (2018) Lecture notes: ‘Extreme Wellness: The Science Behind the Wim Hof 2029 TRAVEL JOURNAL na Method (WHM)’ • Hussain, J. Greaves, R. Cohen, M. (June ADDRESSING INDUSTRY NEEDS 2019) ‘A hot topic for health: Results of • Cone Communications (2016) Millennial
104 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 105 Part 7 | Trend 1 – Definitions What: Wellness ellness tourism is tra el associatedassociate with ith the What: ransformational tra el or is any tra el Part 7 | Trend 1 – Customer journey map pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal ren e perience that empo ers people to ma e wellbein ell eing rimar andan secondar secon ar (secondar secon ar – of meaningful lasting changes in their life trips of e penditures)e pen itures Impact: tinerar esign s Impact: roduct ro uct offerin offering marketin mar eting Trend #1 efinitionsTool: CustomerResource: Joseph Campbell’s journey book ‘Hero with a map Resource: an Beuttner’s ‘Blue Zones’ thousand faces’ Definitions EW tatus uo tatus eturn uo Call all to Eat at Chan ed hange Ad enture enture
What: ellness tourism is tra el associate ith the rink rin What: ransformational tra el or is any tra el pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal ren e perience that empo ers people to ma e ell eing rimar an secon ar secon ar – of meaningful lasting changes in their life trips of e pen itures OW eetin eeting a ift Impact: tinerar esign s entor Impact: ro uct offering mar eting efinitions Resource: Joseph Campbell’s book ‘Hero with a UNKNOWN Resource: an Beuttner’s ‘Blue Zones’ leep reatheBreathe thousand faces’ Wellness
Crossin rossing pillars At t one Transformational the tatus moment (THE “WHAT”) uo thresholdthreshol tatus Journey eturn uo all to at hange enture (THE “HOW”) rin
What: Wellness ellness tourism is traveltra el associatedassociate with ith the What: ransformational tra el or is any tra el Trials rials pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal e perience that empo ers people to ma e e elation ren E ercise ercise atheBathe eeting a ailures wellbeing. ell eing Primary rimar andan secondarysecon ar (secondary secon ar – 89% of meaningful lasting changes in their life ift trips,trips 86% of expenditures)e pen itures entor Impact: tinerar esign s UNKNOWN Impact: Product ro uct offering & marketingmar eting leep efinitionsBreathe eath rowth ro th of Resource: Joseph Campbell’s book ‘Hero with a ebirth e irth newne skillss ills Resource: Dan an Beuttner’s ‘Blue Zones’ Wellness thousand faces’
rossing pillars t one Transformational the moment (THE “WHAT”) NEW Journey threshol Status tatus Quo uo / (THE “HOW”) Status tatus What: ellness tourism is tra el associate ith the What: ransformational tra el or is any tra el Return eturn Quo uo Call all to pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal Eat at & e perience that empo ers people to ma e Changed hange Adventure enture ren rials ell eing rimar an secon ar secon ar – of meaningful lasting changes in their life e elation trips of e pen itures Drink rin ercise Bathe ailures Impact: tinerar esign s Impact: ro uct offering mar eting efinitions KNOWN Resource: Joseph Campbell’s book ‘Hero with a Meeting eeting a Gift ift eath ro th of Resource: an Beuttner’s ‘Blue Zones’ thousand faces’ Mentor entor e irth ne s ills UNKNOWN Sleep leep Breathe Wellness tatus uo Crossing rossing pillars At t-one- one Transformational tatus the eturn all to moment (THE “WHAT”) uo thresholdthreshol at hange enture Journey rin (THE “HOW”) eeting a Trials rials & ift Revelation e elation Exercise ercise Bathe entor Failures ailures UNKNOWN leep Breathe Wellness Death eath & Growth ro th of Rebirth e irth newne skillss ills
rossing pillars t one Transformational the moment (THE “WHAT”) Journey threshol 106 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 107 (THE “HOW”)
rials e elation ercise Bathe ailures
eath ro th of e irth ne s ills Part 7 | Trend 2 – 7 steps to becoming carbon neutral Part 7 | Trend 2 – Big hairy audacious goal
Trend #2 Tool: Big Hairy Audacious Goal (Jim Collins) Tool: 7 STEPS to becoming a carbon neutral tourism business – 'Balancing the Books'
(recommendations by Kiam Yoong, Sustainability Manager at Zoos Victoria)
108 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 109 hot springs types
Thermal Water Park
Part 7 | Trend 3 – Hot springs tour package ideas
Trend #3 Thermal Rehabilitation Tool: Hot springs tour package ideas hot springs types
Thermal Water Park Relaxation Hot Spring
Thermal Rehabilitation
l Relaxation Hot Spring Morwel l Morwel Metung iry tland Fa h rt Por Metung Seacombe Po iry
rrnambool development key tland Fa h Campbell Phillip Island rt Wa Bellarine Peninsula Por rt Seacombe Peterboroug Po Operational Po rrnambool developmentPlanned key Development Campbell Phillip Island Wa Bellarine Peninsula rt Mornington Peninsula Peterboroug Operational Potential Development Po Planned Development
Mornington Peninsula Potential Development Source: Peninsula Hot Springs
110 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 111 Part 7 | Global Hot Springs Industry Landscape
Global Hot Springs Industry Landscape
globalwellnessinstitute.org/initiatives/ hot-springs-initiative termatalia.com geothermal-energy.org australiangeothermal.org.au
femteconline.org
112 | The Great Victorian Bathing Trail The Great Victorian Bathing Trail | 113 Part 7 | Hot Springs View Dials
N N N
Kusatsu, Japan (8327km) Blue Lagoon, Iceland (8703km) Chena, USA (7511km) Blue Lagoon, Iceland (17005km)
Hot Springs Bath, UK (9541km) Fairmont, Canada (8255km)
Wilbur Springs, USA (9612km) Haikou, China (7487km)
Glen Ivy, USA (9911km) Shangri-La, China (8274km) Blue Lagoon, Iceland (2978km)
Bath, UK (17082km) Chena, USA (12842km) Chena, USA (5631km) Sabeto, Fiji (16331km) Rio Quente, Brazil (17798km)
Tattapani, India (10423 km) View Dials Kusatsu, Japan (9115km) Fairmont, Canada (7919km) Ganeshpuri, India (9633 km) Wilbur, USA (8230km) Fairmont, Canada (13766km) Bath, UK (1417km) Wilbur, USA (12758km) Colca, Peru (16234km) Sabeto, Fiji (3904km) Mataranka Damt, Yemen (9430km)
Haikou, China (8640km) These dials are online interactive Zebedee Poppy’s Innot Tattapani, India (5622 km) HOT SPRINGS OF Niseko Springs Pool Hot Springs Shangri-La, China (7808km) HOT SPRINGS OF inforgraphics which help the user find hot Laa Polynesian, New Zealand (18173km) Kitagata, Uganda (11698km) Damt, Yemen (11847km) Austria Monkey Mia Geinberg Wien Hanmer, New Zealand (18120km) Japan Nyuto Onsenkyo Tattapani, India (5410km) Ganeshpuri, India (6349km) Cacheuta, Argentina (17468km) Dalhousie St Martins springs locations in various countries. View Springs Linsberg Asia Nozawa Polynesian, New Zealand (2471km) Peninsula, Australia (15793km) W Perth Moree Hot E W E W Hakuba Kusatsu E Artesian Pool Tauern Avita Ganeshpuri, India (6163km) Karuizawa dials have been created for: Australia, Hanmer, New Zealand (2408km) Aqua Dome Alpen Bad Blumau Hakone Peninsula Dax, France (1387km) Loipersdorf Shangri-La, China (3503km) Dogo Life Medicine Sarein, Iran (2785km) HOT SPRINGS OF Hot Springs Maruia, New Zealand (2368km) Kärnten Puyehue, Chile (17283km) Colca, Peru (11098km) Beppu Austria, Canada, France, India, Iran, Japan, Avalon, South Africa (14510km) Kitagata, Uganda (12091km) Australia New Zealand and United States. They can Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs Cacheuta, Argentina (12277km) Haikou, China (3262km) and will be generated for other countries Rio Quente, Brazil (9650km) Damt, Yemen (4524km) Polynesian, New Zealand (9446km) Deception Island, Antarctica (16792km) Cacheuta, Argentina (11361km) Puyehue, Chile (13074km) Deception Island, Antarctica (8544km) Colca, Peru (12925km) in the future. The intention of these dials is Hanmer, New Zealand (9426km) Sabeto, Fiji (7269km)
Rio Quente, Brazil (13637km)Puyehue, Chile (10464km) Kitagata, Uganda (5470km) Avalon, South Africa (8969km)
Peninsula, Australia (8327km) to help create awareness that there are hot Avalon, South Africa (10194km)
springs all over the globe and to seed in the Deception Island, Antarctica (13936km) minds of hot springs visitors that they can include hot springs in their travel itineraries. S S S How to use the interactive Hot Springs view dial: You will see that each arrow that goes N N N
Tattapani, India (10857km)
Ganeshpuri, India (12165km) from the center map to the outside Bath, UK (18963km)
Blue Lagoon, Iceland (7343km) Kusatsu, Japan (9445km) circle represents a hot springs property. Shangri-La, China (10702km) Chena, USA (2429km)
Sabeto, Fiji (2761km)
Haikou, China (10901km) Sarein, Iran (10061km) Wilbur, USA (11966km) Chena, USA (12360km) The name of the hot springs property is Bath, UK (6664km) Chena, USA (8669km) Damt, Yemen (12605km)
Fairmont, Canada(10858km)
Bath, UK (7102km) given on the arrow as is the distance and Blue Lagoon, Iceland (17391km) Kusatsu, Japan (7919km) Haikou, China (9553km) Blue Lagoon, Iceland (5307km) Wilbur, USA (11094km) Dax, France (7826km) Fairmont, Canada (12348km) directions from your starting point (“datum Kitagata, Uganda (13631km) Shangri-La, China (10382km) point”) to other hot springs all over the Colca, Peru (16413km) Dax, France (19560km) Kusatsu, Japan (5622km) Tattapani, India (12768km) Vashisht Manikaran Waiwera Whitianga globe. The “datum point” hot springs is Sarein, Iran (15443km) HOT SPRINGS OF Hahei Miranda Tattapani Sikkim Takhini Avalon, South Africa (16021km) Sohna Ganeshpuri, India (12078km) Okoroire Polynesian marked in red on the maps. These example New Wairakei Taupo Rio Quente, Brazil (14385km) Bakreshwar Peninsula, Australia (2471km) Zealand infographics here are not “clickable,” but Shangri-La, China (2689km) Miette W E W Ganeshpuri E W Maruia E Halcyon Hot Banff Upper Sabeto, Fiji (11978km) Hot Springs Sativali Hanmer Springs you can download a PDF file version from Springs Temple Gardens Cove Fairmont Haikou, China (3490km) Hanmer, New Zealand (64km) Hot Springs Cacheuta, Argentina (16846km) Welcome HOT SPRINGS OF Flat peninsulahotsprings.com/our-water/hot- Polynesian, New Zealand (12767km) HOT SPRINGS OF Rio Quente, Brazil (10008km) Damt, Yemen (14222km) springs-around-the-world by clicking Peninsula, Australia (13766km) Damt, Yemen (3809km) India Hanmer, New Zealand (12712km) Colca, Peru (10762km) Canada Cacheuta, Argentina (9495km) Kitagata, Uganda (6080km) Peninsula, Australia (10423 km) on the country you wish to view. Each Hot Sabeto, Fiji (9952km) Deception Island, AntarcticaCacheuta, (13485km) Argentina (10337km) Puyehue, Chile (8658km) Rio Quente, Brazil (12068km) Puyehue, Chile (17114km) Deception Island, Antarctica (7374km) Colca, Peru (8510km)
Puyehue, Chile (10951km) Springs property on the view dial will have Hanmer, New Zealand (12397km)
Kitagata, Uganda (13998km) Polynesian, New Zealand (12348km) an embedded link to its website. Avalon, South Africa (9357km)
Deception Island, Antarctica (15396km) Wilbur, USA (1369km) You can also access the view dials here: Avalon, South Africa (11145km)
Ganeshpuri, India (1309km) globalwellnessinstitute.org/initiatives/ hot-springs-initiative/global-hot- S S S springs-resources
N N N
Bath, (858km) UK Wilbur, USA (11402km) Tattapani, India (12634km) Fairmont, Canada (10061km) Chena, USA (7624km) Ganeshpuri, India (13932km)
Chena, USA (3999km) Blue Lagoon, Iceland (2628km)
Blue Lagoon, Iceland (5316km) Wilbur Springs, USA (719km) Fairmont, Canada (7826km)
Sabeto, (17120km) Fiji Shangri-La, China (12100km) Chena, USA (8503km) Wilbur, USA (9116km) Sarein, Iran (11894km)
Fairmont, Canada (1850km) Haikou, China (12125km) Damt, Yemen (14374km) Bath, UK (8649km) Kusatsu, Japan (8918km) Kusatsu, Japan (10222km) Bath, UK (4159km) Blue Lagoon, Iceland (6933km) Dax, France (9280km)
Kitagata, Uganda (15034km) Dax, France (4122km) Haikou, China (10015km) Kusatsu, Japan (7661km) HOT SPRINGS OF Shangri-La, China (9185km) U.S.A Ardabil Sarein Niederbronn les Bains Polynesian, New Zealand (19560km) Khalkhal Bonneville Hanmer, New Zealand (19504km) Bains les Bains Bostan Abad Boulder Tattapani, India (6792km) Badab-e Sabeto, Fiji (14631km) Breitenbush Lava Hot Springs Colca, Peru (13661km) Arshia Surt Sarbisheh Sarein, Iran (4122km) Zendan Wilbur Springs Haikou, China (6201km) Berkeley Springs Soleiman Mahallat Glenwood Ganeshpuri, India (7491km) Cottonwood Morteza Shangri-La, China (5375km) Dunton Ali Bella Monte W La Bourboule Peninsula, Australia (17112km) E W E Glen Ivy Tattapani, India (2754km) W E Eugénie Chaudes Abaragh Aigues les Bains Gréoux les Bains Avalon, South Africa (16137km) Dax Balaruc Rio Quente, Brazil (11785km) les Bains Polynesian, New Zealand (15443km) Geno Amélie les Bains Luchon Cacheuta, Argentina (14411km) Hanmer, New Zealand (15384km) Damt, Yemen (5436km) Ahalanui Rio Quente, Brazil (9269km) Hot Springs of Peninsula, Australia (13011km) HOT SPRINGS OF Chena Colca, Peru (9712km) France Puyehue, Chile (15004km) Ganeshpuri, India (3379km) Iran Sabeto, Fiji (8945km)
Cacheuta, ArgentinaColca, (8973km) Peru (7329km) Kitagata, Uganda (5814km) Peninsula, Australia (12845km) Deception Island, Antarctica (11859km) Cacheuta, Argentina (10947km)
Puyehue, Chile (9454km) Puyehue, Chile (11773km) Avalon, South Africa (8847km) Hanmer, New Zealand (11034km) Rio Quente, Brazil (8354km) Polynesian, New Zealand (10977km)
Deception Island, Antarctica (14625km)
Kitagata, Uganda (4675km) Deception Island, Antarctica (12949km) Avalon, South Africa (8472km)
Damt, Yemen (2685km)
S S S
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