Artesian springs, pools, spas and bathhouses await along outback Queensland’s Wellness Way Hot Springs Trail.

Vast red plains. Dry, dusty heat. Farm and wild animals. These are all images that the term ‘outback Queensland‘ conjures up. But what about wellness? What you might not know, is that beneath the surface lies the great artesian basin, the largest and deepest in the world. In fact, it covers nearly a fifth of the country. Known to promote skin health and relieve muscle tension, mineral-rich artesian water attracts health and relaxation nuts the world over. So it’s really the perfect place for Wellness Way Hot Springs Trail to pop up.

 

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If, like me, you are a person who hates cold water, then hot springs are heaven. If, again like me, you hate getting back out of the water and making the short, shivery run through the cold air to your towel, then this hot springs trail through outback Queensland is your Nirvana.

With 24 different artesian springs, pools, spas and bathhouses to stop at, the Wellness Way has to be the only road trip that will leave you feeling fresher when you finish than when you started. Beginning in Mitchell and working its way up to Talaroo, the trail will change your perception of the outback. These are some of our top picks along the way.

1. Charlotte Plains 

This might be a working sheep station, but they’re better known to guests for their free-flowing artesian bathing. Settle into the campground (whether you’re pitching your own tent or caravan, or booking into one of its cabins) and get an insight into life on the station with a property tour. Help feed the farm animals, spot wild ones and then end (or start, or break up) the day relaxing in the outdoor baths. Guests rave about the peace and quiet, with plenty of space to find a spot all to yourself.

The bore here was first sunk in 1892 and pulls water from the great artesian basin. The best part? It’s naturally heated to about 42 degrees and here the baths are open 24/7. Head out at night to recharge your body under a blanket of stars, or set your morning up the right way and enjoy the outback views of reds and shrubby greens.

Address: 1993 Charlotte Plains Road, Cunnamulla

2. Eulo Artesian Mud Baths

The only thing better for the skin than artesian water? Artesian mud baths. Drive 500 metres out of the small town of Eulo to find a unique outdoor environment, created for pure relaxation. Making use of the artesian water, here it is mixed with clay to create a milky grey natural mud. Jump in the bath and pat it on your skin, letting the mineral-rich mud, clays and minerals cleanse, tone and revitalise your skin.

Where does the mud come from? It’s formed deep below the earth’s surface, creating ‘mud mounds’ that over time dry out into grey or white hillocks. Here, they take that mud and pop the moisture back in for the ultimate skincare routine.

Book a bathing experience, which lasts about 1.5 hours. There is nowhere to stay onsite, but nearby you can stay at Eulo Queen Hotel, Troys Free Campground or Club Boutique Cunnamulla.

Address: 6889 Adventure Way, Eulo

3. Yowah Artesian Pools

What could make for a better caravan park to stay at on your road trip, than access to two baths of differing temperatures filled with naturally heated mineral waters? You can do just that when you stay at Artesian Waters Caravan Park.

Accommodation is simple but clean and tidy. And it comes with that friendly country service. Listen to the symphony of birds and cicadas as the sun goes down while you reinvigorate your mind and body in the baths. Relax in this oasis from the harsh but beautiful outback environment. After your bath, find a cold shower to rinse off in, dressing rooms and toilets with a separate disabled access toilet.

Address: Harlequin Drive, Yowah

4. Dunblane

For campers who relish the chance to feel alone in this landscape, this campground is the perfect option to enjoy an outdoor bath with no one else in sight. Dunblane is a wool sheep grazing property that can be found just off the Landsborough (Matilda) Highway, eight kilometres west of Barcaldine.

Book your site through Hipcamp, and be sure to choose one of several options with their own hot water, open-air baths. As the sun starts to set, setting the wide open sky alight, and the stars start to twinkle, it’s an unforgettable experience. During the day, take a self-drive tour around the property to learn about wool growing, spot wildlife like brolgas, red kangaroos and echidnas, and visit the livestock.

Some sites come with amenities, so check before you book if you need them. Kids under 15 stay for free and dogs are welcomed.

Address: 42164 Landsborough Hwy, Barcaldine

5. Saltbush Retreat

Longreach is worth a visit for more than its aviation history. Step back in time to the beautifully rustic Saltbush Retreat. Stay in 4.5-star Homestead Stables, the four-star Slab Huts or the Outback Cabins for an authentic but luxe outback experience.

The ultimate drawcard, however, is the shared traditional claw-foot bath on the exclusive outdoor bath terrace. Book a pamper package to enjoy the bath with slippers, bath salts, chocolate and more.

Address: 63-65 Ilfracombe Rd, Longreach

6. Julia Creek Caravan Park

A town of approximately 14 people, it doesn’t get much more ‘small town’ than Julia Creek. Tumbleweeds roll down the main street, the local pub is the place to be (in fact, it was the setting for the famous bar brawl scene from Crocodile Dundee) and the surrounding farmlands are vast. Yet it’s also home to one of the most popular outback destinations; Julia Creek Caravan Park.

Here you’ll find spots for caravans, motorhomes and camping, as well as self-contained units. Award-winning two-course Bush Dinner nights happen each Monday, made from local produce and raising money for a local non-profit community group. Live music happens often, and locals love to chat with guests around the communal campfire.

But the real pull is the artesian bath houses. Positioned to take in the vast and beautiful country vistas, expanding to the horizon, enjoy a drink and some cheese as you soak in the healing waters. As this experience is super popular, bookings are very limited. Be sure to book ahead.

Address: Corner Julia Street and Old Normanton Road, Julia Creek

7. Talaroo Hot Springs Soaking Pools

Talaroo Hot Springs offers an experience different to the rest of the trail. The travertine terraces and hot springs spread out here, reminiscent of the famous Rotorua Hot Spring in New Zealand, yet utterly unique to Australia. The connection between this land and these formations traces a connection to Ewamian Traditional Owners back millennia.

Unlike the rest of the trail, it’s one of only two mound springs in Australia, and it’s not fed by the Great Artesian Basin but from water seeping from kilometres underground which gets heated by hot granite rocks on the way up. The water takes an epic 20,000 years to complete its journey

At the surface, the water temperature is up to 68 degrees Celsius. That might seem too hot to sustain life, but very special aquatic ecosystems thrive here and are able to be studied – making it a globally significant site. For this reason, access to the pools is only available on guided tours.

Thankfully, the geothermal mineral waters are cooled down for any visitors who would like to book a session in the private soaking pools. The water is prized as having healing properties for both body and soul, so why would you miss it?

Bath sessions are included in every Hot Springs Discovery Tour, and the Private Soaking Pools can be booked separately. Sessions last 40 minutes, and each pool can accommodate up to six people.

Address: Gulf Savannah Way, Mount Surprise

Find the full Wellness Way trail guide here, and be sure to check out one of our other favourite outback Queensland stops here.