Queensland and New South Wales
Great Artesian Drive
The Great Artesian Drive is one of Australia's most distinctive outback road trips, tracing a route through the sandstone-filtered waters of the Great Artesian Basin. Spanning from the Maranoa region in Queensland down into northwest New South Wales, the drive connects a series of historic bore baths where mineral-rich water rises from kilometres underground at temperatures up to 41 degrees Celsius. It is a journey of wide horizons, red-dirt tracks, and the therapeutic warmth of ancient water that has spent two million years beneath the surface.
Start your journey at the Mitchell Great Artesian Spa, where two large pools offer a choice between a warm mineral soak and a cooler swimming temperature. It is the perfect introduction to the basin's water, with modern facilities and a nearby visitor centre to help plan the road ahead.
Mitchell Great Artesian Spa
QLDCommercial$10 adult, $8 concession/student/child, $32 family; towel hire available
View detailsFrom previous stop: 2 hr 10 min from Mitchell
The newest destination on the drive, Cunnamulla Hot Springs sits on the banks of the Warrego River. It combines multiple geothermal pools with contrast bathing and wellness rituals, offering a more contemporary take on the traditional outback soak.
From previous stop: 40 min from Cunnamulla
Experience the pastoral side of the Great Artesian Basin at Charlotte Plains, a working sheep station where hot bore water is piped directly into outdoor claw-foot bathtubs. Bathing at sunset as the station birds settle for the night is a highlight of the Queensland leg.
Charlotte Plains
QLDSemi-developedBathing from $45 for 1 hour; camping/accommodation fees separate
View detailsFrom previous stop: 3 hr 30 min from Charlotte Plains
Cross into New South Wales to the opal-mining town of Lightning Ridge. The free, open-air bore baths here are a community hub, famous for their 41.5-degree water and long opening hours that allow for incredible stargazing while you soak.
From previous stop: 1 hr 50 min from Lightning Ridge
Burren Junction offers a more primitive, roadside soaking experience. The bore bath is surrounded by a large campground, making it a popular overnight stop for travellers wanting to wake up beside the warm mineral water.
Burren Junction Bore Baths
NSWSemi-developedFree entry and free onsite camping during open season
View detailsFrom previous stop: 1 hr 10 min from Burren Junction
Walgett's bore baths have been a regional fixture since the 1930s. While current seasons can see maintenance closures, the site remains a testament to the long history of artesian bathing in the state's northwest.
From previous stop: 1 hr 40 min from Walgett
Finish your drive at Goodooga, where a modern, fully accessible complex features hot Great Artesian Basin water and free onsite camping. Its design focuses on inclusivity, ensuring the healing power of the basin is available to every traveller.
Plan your trip
The Great Artesian Drive is best undertaken in the cooler months between April and September. Many of the bore baths are free or low-cost, but national park passes may be required for certain NSW stops. Ensure your vehicle is prepared for long outback distances and carry plenty of drinking water, as the artesian water itself is highly mineralised and generally not suitable for consumption.
Whether you're seeking relief for tired muscles or a deeper connection to Australia's ancient geology, the Great Artesian Drive delivers a soak like nowhere else on Earth. Follow the water, respect the local communities, and take the time to let the outback sink in.
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