Moree's iconic hot springs have reopened after almost two years

Time to dive back into Moree’s iconic hot springs. Here’s all you need to know.

Renowned as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia, Moree has been without its biggest tourism and wellness asset for almost two years. But no longer. The Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre is back in action this month.

Blessed to be sitting on top of the therapeutic Great Artesian Basin, these hot springs were discovered at this site in 1895. They feed the town of Moree (and other surrounding towns) with mineral-rich water at temperatures of 34-41°C (which is why you’ll want to visit a dedicated site where the temperatures are cooled to swimable levels). Not only does it just feel really nice to take a long bath, but the mineral water has also long been believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair. What more could you want from a swim?

So why was this amazing asset closed? For a $3.223 million redevelopment, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments, alongside Moree Plains Shire Council. Although the closure was never meant to take so long, something that the mayor acknowledged, she reiterated that it was essential to make sure the work was done properly after years of recurring issues.

“Witnessing the joy in the faces of families and visitors taking in the waters has been such a reward for our Councillors and team, following the reinstatement of one of the key jewels in the Moree Plains’ crown," said Moree’s Mayor, Cr Susannah Pearse.

“The artesian water has been a part of Moree’s identity since 1895. The love of artesian water and its thermal properties is a worldwide phenomenon, and we are so very lucky to have it here, beneath our feet".

What is the Great Artesian Basin?

front of Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre — Step into bathing heaven, thanks to the Great Artesian Basin. (Credit: Destination NSW)

The Great Artesian Basin is a bit of a wonder all on its own. Covering 1.7 million square kilometres beneath 22 per cent of Australia (spanning parts of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory), it’s the world’s largest and deepest underground freshwater resource.

Storing about 64,900 million megalitres, this millions-of-years-old water is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and silica, which is great for swimming, of course. But it’s also a vital water source for pastoral, agricultural and town supplies.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

What to expect at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre pool — The new and improved centre is open for business. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) is a state-of-the-art aquatic centre offering multiple indoor and outdoor pools using water from the Great Artesian Basin. Originally opened in 1923 to commemorate those who served in the First World War, renovations started in 2021 to bring the structure up to modern building standards and make it what it is today.

The two newly reopened Active Thermal Pool and Passive Thermal Pool both have water maintained at a relaxing 39-41°C. The cooler Program Pool sits at a milder average of 25°C. There’s a waterslide that is operational on weekends and limited hours during the school holiday period (for an extra fee). Additionally, there is a Wellness Pool, which is a private booking space with a separate entrance and fee.

Are there other artesian pools you can visit in Moree?

aerial of moree — Find more thermal pools around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Operating since 1979, Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort offers five artesian pools to motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

Really soak it all in by choosing from the resort’s range of accommodation, including one- and two-bedroom motel units, cabins, villas and caravan powered sites.

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The details

How do you get to Moree?

Moree is in the New England region, approximately a seven-hour drive from Sydney and 5.5 hours from Brisbane. Qantas operate regular flights between Sydney and Moree.

Do you need to book?

Due to popularity, booking accommodation in advance is recommended.

How much does it cost to visit Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre?

Casual entry fees for non-locals are $9 for adults and $7 for kids (children under three have free entry).

Where can you find out more?

Find out more information via the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre website.

This winter, these secret Sydney harbour suites are the staycation we’ve been looking for.

Whether it’s the crisscrossing ferries or the white sails of the Opera House rising out of blue depths, Australia’s biggest city lives for its harbour. But while locals might glance at that watery expanse on their daily commute across the Bridge, it can still be hard to truly connect with Sydney’s maritime soul. The secret: seeing the harbour eye-to-eye, right at water level. And what better place to submerge yourself in that energy than sleeping there? That’s where Pier One Sydney Harbour comes in (and with new all-inclusive bed and breakfast benefits, there’s even more to love).

All-inclusive VIP benefits

Who Is Elijah Amenities at Pier One Sydney Harbour — Book in for the all-inclusive VIP treatment.

The hard truth is that it will be very difficult to tear yourself away from your ultra-luxurious harbour home-away-from-home to explore the city. If you want to make leaving even harder, opt for Pier One’s all-inclusive VIP treatment.

The Bed and Breakfast with Suite Benefits package turns up the volume on what is already the ultimate staycation, with complimentary valet parking, daily breakfast for two and turndown service. The biggest perk? Enjoy a bottle of French champagne every day during your whole stay

Pier One Sydney Harbour

The five-star Pier One Sydney Harbour is quite literally old Sydney through and through. Built on what was once a working cargo wharf and the passenger terminal for those heading to the North Shore before the bridge was constructed, the heritage building sits right between the tangle of cobblestones, pubs and alleyways of The Rocks and the historic docking zone of Walsh Bay – at the centre of the city’s old sea trade.

If knowing the hotel’s history isn’t enough to get your sea-longing going, the interior design certainly will. As soon as you step up to the concierge desk in the lobby of the restored building – which underwent a $15 million redevelopment in 2019 – you’re immersed in Sydney’s seafaring tale. Weathered wood panelling and white marble floors surround you, while loop lighting installations hover above the bar island just beyond, ringed with stools ready for intimate, martini-tinted conversations. Steel rivets and timber beams speak to its past, and glass-walled views anchor you firmly in the present-day life on the harbour.

Pier One Suites

Pier One Sydney Harbour admiral suite — Enjoy incredible views from your suite.

Across the 189 rooms and suites built on and over the water, the maritime theme continues. Sculptural aged brass fittings, exposed girders, colour schemes that evoke shifting currents, and mirrors that reflect ripples that – depending on your booking – sit just metres from your pillow.

United on theme yet unique in set-up, each room or suite is different. On the ground floor, dog-friendly rooms with direct access to the pier are all prepped for pampered pups, while others have views and even balconies overlooking Walsh Bay, the Bridge and the Harbour.

But the 19 suites step things up even more. Gaze out through floor-to-ceiling windows, or get even closer. Your private balcony is made for sipping a Nespresso coffee on as the sun comes up – or soaking in the bathtub of the Admiral Suite on the deck, a drink from the locally stocked mini bar in hand. This mini bar was recently completely transformed, so you have more Aussie favourites to choose from, including alcohol and snacks.

Dining at Pier One

Pier Bar Pier One Sydney Harbour — Settle in for an afternoon of good drinks and views.

Once you’re checked in, start your afternoon with a spritz at PIER BAR – or arrive by boat via the private pontoon if the occasion calls for it – and settle into one of the cabanas. Weekdays bring Happy Hour (or ‘sunset hour’ at Pier One); weekends bring the DJs. After an even sweeter experience? The Everyday Creamery and Matcha Kiosk is slinging mango and vanilla soft serve – classic and those spiked with Midori and gin alike.

PIER Dining is an ode to contemporary Australian flavours across the terrace, pier and dining room. On its seafood-leaning menu are Sydney rock oysters from Merimbula, potato scallops with salmon roe and crème fraîche, chicken with melting sundried tomato butter, vodka rigatoni with Shark Bay prawns. And the ‘Pierlova’ – that’s pavlova with chocolate, dulce de leche and banana is worth saving room for. Make sure to ask for the wine list – it’s 100 per cent Australian drops.

Around town

luna park, sydney opera house and sydney harbour bridge — Explore the neighbourhood during your stay. (Credit: Destination NSW)

If you’re strong enough to polish off just one last pastry from the breakfast buffet and walk out the door, we applaud you. Luna Park across the harbour beckons with its wide grin, while a glance upward might spur you to climb the Bridge’s famous iron arches. The Opera House – just across Circular Quay from the Museum of Contemporary Art – sings out for a concert.

You’ll want to book ahead for those hot-ticket performances at Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Dance Company, just a few minutes’ walk south of the hotel. Ten minutes further brings you to the waterfront bars, restaurants and clubs of Barangaroo, or the karaoke, gardens and dim sum of Chinatown further afield.

Keep the mellow of your weekend getaway going with a stop at Barangaroo Reserve, watching the yachts go by – all before returning for that Sydney sundowner at Pier One.

Ready to make that Pier One stay a reality? Book the ultimate Sydney staycation at pieronesydneyharbour.com.au

Moree’s iconic hot springs have reopened after almost two years

Time to dive back into Moree’s iconic hot springs. Here’s all you need to know.

What is the Great Artesian Basin?

What to expect at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Are there other artesian pools you can visit in Moree?