The Great Artesian Spa Tour and the companion article on bore baths, artesian spas and hot springs were among the original Outback Now's most-visited pages, and caravan bloggers still link to them. The Great Artesian Basin is one of the largest underground freshwater resources in the world, underlying parts of Queensland, NSW, South Australia and the NT. Water from deep bores emerges hot, and towns across the basin have turned it into baths and spas.
The bore baths, south to north
Moree (NSW)
The Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre has hot artesian pools and is the best-developed spa in the region.
Burren Junction (NSW)
A simple bore bath with campground near the Namoi River, west of Narrabri.
Lightning Ridge (NSW)
The famous public bore baths on the edge of town — perfect at dawn or under the stars.
St George and Dirranbandi (Queensland)
Cross the border into cotton country and the Balonne River. St George is a base for fishing and the Nindigully Pub, one of Queensland's oldest licensed hotels.
Mitchell
The Great Artesian Spa on the main street, beside the Maranoa River.
Charleville
Bilbies and stargazing, and artesian water in some local facilities.
Cunnamulla and Eulo
Cunnamulla's Artesian Fountain and the Eulo artesian mud baths (privately run) are well worth the detour.
Thargomindah and Quilpie
Thargomindah's hydro-power plant used artesian water to generate electricity in the late 1800s; the town has a bore bath. Quilpie, an opal town, also offers bore baths.
Suggested itinerary (10 days)
Moree – Burren Junction – Lightning Ridge (2 nights) – St George – Mitchell – Charleville (2 nights) – Cunnamulla – Eulo – Thargomindah – return via Bourke or continue on the Adventure Way.
Soaking safely
Water is often close to or above body temperature. Soak for short periods, drink water, avoid alcohol while bathing and keep your head above water. Children, pregnant women and people with heart conditions should seek health advice.
How artesian spas work
The bore baths on this tour are fed by the Great Artesian Basin, one of the world's largest underground freshwater systems. Bore water rises under natural pressure from deep aquifers and is often naturally warm or hot because of heat from the earth. Many towns capture it for town water and for public pools and spas. The mineral content of the water varies; some people find soaking relaxing, and many towns promote the baths as therapeutic. We don't make health claims, but most travellers agree that a soak at the end of a long drive is a highlight.
More bore baths to add
- Pilliga (NSW) — a simple bore bath in the small town of Pilliga, west of Narrabri, popular with travellers and free to use.
- Walgett (NSW) — artesian water feeds local facilities; check what is open with the visitor centre. See Walgett.
- Eulo (Queensland) — in addition to the mud baths, Eulo's small artesian facilities are part of the Paroo experience.
- Quilpie (Queensland) — check with the visitor centre for bore bath facilities. See Quilpie.
- Bedourie and Birdsville (Queensland) — further west, Bedourie has an artesian spa near the aquatic centre. See Bedourie.
Opening hours, fees and facilities change. Some bore baths are free and open around the clock; others are run by councils or businesses with set hours and charges. Check with the local visitor centre before you go.
Soaking etiquette
- Shower before entering, if facilities are provided.
- Keep noise down, especially at night in campgrounds next to baths.
- Don't bring glass, food or alcohol into the bathing area.
- Limit your soak time when others are waiting.
- Follow any rules about children, swimwear and opening hours.
Health and safety
Hot artesian water can make people feel faint or overheated, especially in warm weather. Queensland Health and other state health departments warn that warm untreated freshwater can carry rare but dangerous organisms, so keep your head above the water and don't let children dive or splash water into their noses. People with heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, or who are pregnant should seek medical advice before using hot pools. Drink plenty of water and get out if you feel unwell.
Camping near the spas
Many spas are close to caravan parks or free camping areas. Lightning Ridge, Burren Junction, Pilliga, Mitchell and Thargomindah all have camping options close to the baths, although rules and fees vary. Free camps can be busy in winter, so arrive early in the afternoon. See our outback camping guide.
Extending the trip
The spa tour links naturally with the Adventure Way west from St George to Innamincka and with the Great Inland Way north to Carnarvon Gorge. For a longer loop, continue from Charleville to Quilpie and Windorah, then head north to Longreach before returning south via the Matilda Way.
When to go
The cooler months from about April to September are ideal: warm days, cold nights and the contrast makes a hot soak especially satisfying. In summer, hot pools can be uncomfortable in daytime heat, and some towns adjust opening hours.
Related routes
The original site also published "The Great Artesian Drive" — a variation now merged into this guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are there artesian hot springs in Queensland?
Yes. Queensland towns including Mitchell, Charleville (via the bore), Cunnamulla, Eulo, Thargomindah, Quilpie, Longreach, Winton and Julia Creek have artesian bore baths, spas or hot pools, some council-run and some private.
Are there free natural hot springs in outback NSW?
Lightning Ridge's public bore baths and the Burren Junction bore baths have traditionally been free or low cost. Moree's Artesian Aquatic Centre charges entry. Check current access and fees.
Is artesian bore water safe to bathe in?
Council-managed bore baths are generally safe for bathing, but water is hot and mineral-rich. Limit soak times, stay hydrated, keep your head above water and follow posted health advice.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Great Artesian Basin — Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre — Moree Plains Shire Council
- Outback Queensland — Outback Queensland Tourism Association
