AI-Generated Nonexistent Tasmania Hot Springs Featured in Tours Website
Tasmania Tours published AI-generated content and images in July 2025 featuring a nonexistent hot spring destination, Weldborough Hot Springs, leading tourists to waste time and travel seeking a location that does not exist. The website owner acknowledged the AI had generated false information and that content was published without proper review.
What happened
Tasmania Tours, operated by Australian Tours and Cruises, published an article in July 2025 featuring Weldborough Hot Springs as a top destination with descriptions of peaceful pools rich in therapeutic minerals and AI-generated images purporting to show the location.
The hot springs, as depicted on the website, do not exist. The Weld River running through the area is freezing cold, not a hot spring.
Reported impact
Publican Kristy Probert at the nearby Weldborough Hotel reported receiving daily phone calls and in-person visits from tourists seeking directions to the nonexistent hot springs, with some groups detouring from mainland tours to visit.
A group of 24 drivers on a mainland trip took a detour to find the hot springs after reading the website.
Index analysis
The website article was created by a third party using AI to generate content and images for multiple Tasmanian destinations. Owner Scott Hennessy said the company's AI had generated the false information.
Governance controls
Hennessy stated that all posts were normally reviewed before being published, but some content was made public by mistake while he was out of the country.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.