Imagine planning a serene getaway only to discover that the stunning hot springs you've read about don’t exist. This is the baffling reality for visitors misled by the Tasmania Tours website, which promotes Weldborough Hot Springs as a sanctuary for nature lovers seeking tranquility and rejuvenation. According to the site, this supposed ‘secluded forest retreat’ is featured among the top seven hot spring experiences in Tasmania for 2026, boasting pools filled with health-enhancing minerals. The enticing description suggests that it’s a favorite destination for hikers, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone eager to connect with Tasmania’s unspoiled beauty.
However, here's where it gets controversial: the hot springs depicted in the promotional imagery are entirely fictional. Without any clear directions on the website, eager travelers have flocked to the actual Weldborough Hotel, located a two-hour drive northeast of Launceston, hoping to find these idyllic pools. Unfortunately, they’re met with the chilly reality of the Weld River, which flows through Weldborough and is, as local publican Kristy Probert puts it, "freezing cold" and definitely not a hot spring. "You’re more likely to stumble upon a sapphire here than a hot spring," she humorously remarked.
Ms. Probert has been inundated with inquiries about the non-existent hot springs, even receiving requests for accommodations from hopeful tourists. Just two days ago, she encountered a busload of 24 drivers who had detoured from their mainland trip specifically to locate the fabled hot springs. "I told them, 'If you find those hot springs, come back and I'll treat you to beers all night!'—but they never returned," Probert shared with a chuckle.
The website's misleading information is particularly glaring when compared to real attractions like Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs in southern Tasmania, as well as some questionable mentions, such as the frigid Liaweenee and the remote Savage River. Tasmania Tours, which is overseen by Australian Tours and Cruises—a New South Wales-based company that manages multiple tour booking sites—has published numerous articles and blogs about must-visit locations in Tasmania, including one titled "12 Unmissable Things to Do in Hobart for 2026." Many of these pieces appear to be generated by artificial intelligence, complete with generated images that falsely represent Tasmanian landmarks.
Owner Scott Hennessy admitted, "Our AI has messed up completely." He explained that the company had outsourced its marketing content creation to a third-party service that relied on AI technology. Although they typically review all posts prior to publication, some were mistakenly released while Hennessy was traveling abroad. The erroneous hot springs article went live in July 2025. Hennessy emphasized the necessity of keeping content fresh to compete against larger companies in the travel industry, stating, "We don’t have enough manpower to produce all the content ourselves, so we delegate this part of our operations."
He acknowledged that while AI-generated content can sometimes meet expectations, it can also err dramatically. Hennessy remarked, "I’ve seen it create animals I’ve never encountered before—like three-legged wombats or crocodile-like creatures!" All AI-produced blog entries are currently being removed for thorough checks. He reassured potential customers that Tasmania Tours is indeed a legitimate business offering real tours, saying, "We’re not a scam; we’re a married couple doing our best for our customers. We’re genuine, we employ sales staff, and we are real people."
Anne Hardy from Destination Southern Tasmania voiced her concerns regarding the rise of what are known as "AI hallucinations." With the increasing use of AI in creating travel itineraries, she pointed out that around 90% of AI-generated itineraries produced by systems like ChatGPT contain at least one error. Alarmingly, 37% of travelers now depend on AI to plan their trips. Common mistakes can involve incorrect operating hours, misleading descriptions of attractions, inaccuracies regarding walking distances, and necessary equipment.
Hardy highlighted the incident involving the fictitious hot springs as an important lesson concerning quality control. "This situation illustrates a significant issue with online marketing and e-commerce today. Businesses must stay ahead of the curve, ensuring they can be easily found when customers conduct searches," she concluded. So, what do you think? Should companies take greater responsibility for the accuracy of AI-generated content, or is it up to consumers to verify the information they receive? Share your thoughts below!
