Hot springs in QLD: Spotlight on The Wellness Way

Outback QLD has unleashed its 2024 traveller’s guide and it seems a new road trip is on the cards. Following a little-known hot springs trail in QLD, The Wellness Way takes visitors to hot artesian water baths at 24 Outback destinations, providing a roadmap to wellness and relaxation.

More than just your standard road trip, the Wellness Way is a deep dive into the ancient healing power of the mineral-rich artesian water (hot springs) that lies beneath the surface in Outback QLD. Said to relieve muscle tension and promote skin health, a soak in a hot spring also just feels good.

Starting in Mitchell in Outback QLD, 21 of the 24 QLD hot springs can be found along the main route, which rolls along approximately 2,050 kilometres until you eventually reach Mount Isa. A further three hot springs can be found by venturing well off the beaten path in the north and south.

So whether you’re a weary traveller looking for respite after a day behind the wheel or a wellness seeker wanting to try some QLD hot spring magic, point your wheels towards these locations on The Wellness Way, where ancient waters, ancient cultures and ancient landscapes connect.

Hot Springs in the South West of Outback QLD

#1. Great Artesian Spa, Mitchell

Find the Great Artesian Spa at the eastern entrance to Mitchell. With two large pools of artesian water, one includes a hydro chair for those who have restricted mobility. Here you can choose your temperature. Comfortably warm to relax those tired muscles or a cooler experience for those who are already feeling the heat.

#2. Pelican Rest Tourist Park, St George

Visitors staying in this QLD tourist park can relax in the 12-metre heated therapeutic mineral pool filled with the town’s artesian hot spring water. It’s also been infused with a blend of minerals for a silky smooth swimming experience. Speaking from experience, the campsites here are grassy and large, with plenty of drive-through options.

#3. St George Aquatic Centre, St George

Just blowing through St George? The St George Aquatic Centre features a 50-metre pool, a children’s splash park and a heated artesian pool as well.

#4. Charlotte Plains, Cunnamulla

Charlotte Plains is a family-owned and operated sheep station offering an authentic outback experience that provides an insight into station life. Of course, don’t miss the unique free-flowing hot spring artesian bathing at this unforgettable Outback QLD stay. 

#5. Cunnamulla Hot Springs, Cunnamulla

This incredible experience beside the Warrego River boasts multiple free-flowing pools filled with mineral-rich artesian water of all different temperatures, naturally heated by the artesian basin. You’ll also find a cold plunge pool, sauna and steam room here. 

#6. Alroy Station, Eulo

Alroy Station is a working sheep and cattle station in Outback QLD with plenty of space to camp and giant outdoor tubs for a magical hot spring soak under the stars. 

#7. Artesian Mud Baths, Eulo

Soak in warm artesian water, cover yourself in the milky grey mud and let your skin soak in the goodness of this mineral-rich clay to revitalise your skin and body. 

#8. Artesian Waters Caravan Park, Yowah

We’re still trying to figure out if this is still open. Stay tuned!

#9. Artesian Pools, Yowah

We’re still trying to figure out if this artesian hot spring pool in QLD is still open. Stay tuned!

#10. The Lake Quilpie, Quilpie

Camp near Lake Houdraman at The Lake Quilpie, a 2,500-acre station running Merino sheep, Kalahari red goats and beef cattle, where you can luxe it up and enjoy a relaxing soak in warm artesian water at their new Lakeside Bathhouse. 

#11. Channel Country Tourist Park and Spas, Quilpie

The Channel Country Tourist Park is the place to stay in Quilpie, Outback QLD and here, you can also enjoy the benefit of a hot spring artesian spa. 

Hot springs in the Far West of QLD

#12. Bedourie Artesian Spa and Aquatic Centre (not on the main Wellness Route way)

Here you’ll find a 22-person therapeutic spa with crystal-clear water filled by Bedourie’s artesian bore. Drilled back in 1905, visitors have been relieving their aches and pains in the warm 38 to 40-degree water for years. 

Hot springs in the Central West of QLD

#13. Blackall Aquatic Centre, Blackall

Relax in the spa fed by 58-degree bore water, and if it gets a bit much, there’s also a 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool. 

#14. Lara Wetlands, Barcaldine

Located on Lara Station in Outback QLD, Lara Wetlands is a bush camping ground with an all-natural hot spring artesian thermal pool.

#15. Dunblane, Barcaldine

Having personally stayed here, this is one of my favourite HipCamps in Outback QLD.  When you book a site you have it all to yourself, with several of the sites having hot artesian water and a large yellow tub for open-air baths. The sunsets never fail here. 

#16. Shandonvale Station, Barcaldine

Head here for a big side serving of Outback QLD luxury with a hot-spring mineral-rich treetop artesian bath. All visitors to Shandonvale Station receive an organic station breakfast basket on arrival, dinner at the homestead each evening and and endless amount of outback adventures. Accommodation is in a fully restored 100-year-old shearing quarters. 

#17. Ilfracombe Memorial Park, Swimming Pool and Spa

After a leisurely swim in the local swimming pool, relax in the artesian spa and take advantage of the free barbecue facilities. 

#18. Saltbush Retreat, Longreach

For those wanting a break from camping, Saltbush Retreat’s rustic but beautiful accommodation is the answer. Those staying in the 4.5-star QLD Homestead Stables and 4-star Slab Huts can dust off the day’s adventures with sunset canapes and a relaxing soak at the exclusive outdoor hot spring bath terrace. 

#19 – North Gregory Hotel, Winton

A stay in this art deco building full of history (think Waltzing Matilda, Presiden LBJ and Qantas) will grant you access to the cosy artesian spa.

Hot springs in the North West of QLD

#20. Julia Creek Caravan Park, Julia Creek

Julia Creek Caravan Park is a long-loved favourite of all who have visited, with drive-through sites and a home away from home feel. Here you’ll find artesian bath houses that are perfectly positioned to enjoy the vistas of the undulating down country. Enjoy a cheese platter, drink and a long soak after a day of driving. 

#21. Corella Creek Farm Stay, Julia Creek

This simple, friendly stop-over boasts open views, big skies and plenty of opportunity to relax. Stay in the campground or enjoy simple QLD country farmhouse cabins with free breakfast and artesian hot spring spa baths included. Three thermal artesian water options include under the stars, a private garden or a plunge pool on the deck. 

#22 – Sunset Tourist Park, Mount Isa

A privately owned caravan park nestled alongside a spring-fed creek, here you can enjoy the health benefits of a magnesium pool

#23. Gilberton Outback Retreat, Einasleigh (not on the main route)

Located on an eighth-generation 88,000-acre working cattle station in the goldfields country of northern QLD, this luxury all-inclusive Outback experience is one for the bucket list. This private retreat offers the ultimate in Outback luxury with a luxurious bath on the deck with panoramic views of the surrounding rugged landscape.

#24. Talaroo Hot Springs (not on the main route)

Developed over millions of years, Talaroo’s hot springs and mounded travertine terraces in North West Outback QLD are unique to Australia. The waters have long been appreciated by Ewamiam people as healing waters for the body and spirit, and now, visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in the geothermal mineral waters in one of Talaroo’s private soaking pools. 

For more information on the Wellness Way or to view the 2024 Outback QLD Traveller’s Guide, visit: www.outbackqueensland.com.au

So, now that you’re in the know, who are you taking on the Wellness Way?

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