When you hear the words ‘Outback Queensland’, you probably picture long open roads, vast red dirt plains, blazing sunsets and legendary pubs. But wellness? That’s likely one of the last things that comes to mind – hence why I was shocked to discover that this rugged region actually has more artesian bathhouses and hot springs than any other in Australia.
Covering almost two-thirds of the state, Outback Queensland’s breathtaking landscapes stretch from the red sands of the Simpson Desert to the tranquil waterholes of Cunnamulla. The lifeline of this vast region is the 200-million-year-old Great Artesian Basin – one of the world’s largest underground basins – which spans almost a quarter of the Australian continent, with 65 per cent lying beneath Queensland.
Packed with minerals that soothe skin and melt away muscle tension, its ancient water flows through Outback Queensland's 'Wellness Way' – a 2,050-kilometre route that features 25 hot springs experiences, from rustic mud baths and cattle station springs to heated mineral pools and bespoke bathhouses.
The Wellness Way starts in Mitchell (a 6.5-hour drive west of Brisbane), then winds down to St George, across to Cunnamulla and up to Julia Creek, ending in Talaroo. You’ll find the biggest cluster of bathhouses in Cunnamulla, and indeed the whole Paroo Shire (including the towns of Eulo, Yowah and Wyandra), which proudly holds the title of Australia’s hot springs capital.
Opened in 2024, Cunnamulla Hot Springs is the newest addition to the Shire’s seven distinct bathing experiences. The private, spa-like complex is powered by geothermal waters from deep below the Warrego River – part of the Great Artesian Basin – and features seven open-air geothermal pools that vary in temperature.
If you’re after an authentic outback experience (but with one or two little luxuries thrown in), Charlotte Plains is your go-to. This 130-year-old, 27,000-hectare sheep and cattle ranch pipes balmy waters straight into its natural stream and has bathtubs with spring-sourced taps, perfect for soaking up the magnificent sunsets.
For an even more outback adventure, Artesian Mud Baths Eulo offer something unlike anything you’ll find in the city. Their toasty artesian waters are infused with a greyish, silky mud that’s first used to bathe in, then slathered on as an exfoliating treatment.
Ready to unwind? You can check out the full Wellness Way hot springs trail here and start planning your escape.