The best hot springs in Queensland

Where: Charlotte Plains (8.5-hour drive from Brisbane)

If you’re looking for the real, authentic outback experience (but with one or two little luxuries thrown in), look no further. This 130-year-old, 27,000-hectare sheep and cattle ranch is set within a striking natural landscape that really shows off the beauty and ruggedness of rural Queensland. Out on the open road about 750 kilometres west of Brissy, the ‘outback station’ pipes balmy waters that gush straight into the stream and has bathtubs with spring-sourced taps, perfect for soaking up the magnificent sunsets. They have a range of accommodation options: camping from $30 to stay where the baths are or $105 for a single hut. You can even book the whole Shearer's Quarters, if you want to get a group together for a dip. Wholesome activities are available for all ages: think caravans, kayaks, open fire pits, toasted marshmallows, and animals grazing on the horizon.

Time Out tip: Take off any silver jewellery before submerging, as the sulphur might cause discolouration. 

Price: Day passes are $18 for adults and $12 for children; private bathing sessions start at $30 for one hour.

Where: Talaroo (4.5-hour drive from Cairns) 

Nestled within the vast, untouched region of Queensland’s Gulf Savannah on the route of an epic road trip to Broome, this naturally-heated oasis is roughly a 4.5-hour drive south of Cairns. Home to the Traditional Owners, the Ewamian people, the naturally produced baths are likened to a giant’s footprints, and there is local lore about an ancient guardian, the Spirit of the Springs, who can be seen shrouded in drifts of steam when darkness descends. The formation of this natural healing hub dates back 65 million years, but it also now boasts far more recent amenities. There are private soaking pools, tours, activities, a bike trail and accommodations, making it the perfect, affordable getaway for the adventurous, outdoorsy type. The geothermal mineral waters are also home to distinct aquatic ecosystems, and the area is said to be a geologist’s dream, so if you're partial to a little natural science alongside your relaxing dip, you'll find it at Talaroo.

Time Out tip: Turn it into a mini holiday and stay the night at Talaroo's outback campground and caravan park. 

Price: Hot Springs Discovery Tour, including bathing pool, for $40 for adults and $20 for children; 40-minute private soak pools for $50 per session.

Where: Julia Creek (seven-hour drive from Townsville)

After a long day of driving, Julia Creek is the perfect pit stop to take a long, hot bath and enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation. Outdoor, claw-footed, ceramic baths are each named after one of the major river systems in the local McKinley Shire. Don’t worry – the baths are semi-enclosed by privacy walls, so you can kick back without anyone watching. For the ultimate experience, we recommend ordering the delicious local cheeseboard and a cheeky bottle of red. Steamy, heated water is sourced straight from the Great Artesian Basin, some 900 metres below ground. Rich in sulphur, calcium and magnesium, these therapeutic waters have legendary healing properties. The locals in this small country town have really embraced travellers with open arms, and a visit to the baths and caravan park is a great way to support the local community.

Time Out tip: You can grab a free, four-day camping permit for Julia Creek Free RV Park from the onsite Camp Hosts during peak tourist season (April to September) or from the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre from October to March. 

Price: From $25 for individuals and $40 for couples.

Where: Innot Hot Springs (two-hour drive from Cairns)

Locked away in the Australian bush is a teeny, tiny, rural town, settled within a valley lined with tall eucalypts and ferns, that holds the key to North-West Queensland’s best-kept secret. Spend the day discovering the famous Millaa Millaa waterfall, then rest and relax in these freshwater basins, where you can pitch a tent or power your caravan from just $30 a night –thermal pools included (for those that don’t fancy off-roading it down the creek). For the explorers amongst you, the warm, mineral-rich waters of Nettle Creek are completely free of charge. Careful though, some of the shallower pools can reach scorching temperatures up to 75 degrees Celsius, so tread cautiously.

Time Out tip: Just a heads up from us, these springs aren’t the most awe-inspiring of the bunch. But since they are virtually untouched, this is about as close to Mother Nature's day spa as you could hope to get. Oh… and there’s also a pub!

Price: Free (Nettle Creek).

Where: Eulo (9.5-hour drive from Brisbane)

Talk about organic spa treatments. These toasty artesian waters are infused with a greyish, silky mud that is first used to bathe in and then comes as an exfoliating treatment pack, so lather up and get the cucumber slices out. Rich in silica, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc, the clay and minerals, coupled with the heat of the soothing waters, are said to cleanse, tone and revitalise skin – and all of it comes straight from the Aussie bush. The welcoming, friendly staff provide moisturising cream, nibbles and your choice of beer, wine or a lovely cuppa to really help you relax and unwind. Most visitors opt for an evening, road-trip break, which is ideal for a bit of light-pollution-free stargazing. This quirky and quaint experience is one for travellers who like something unlike anything you're likely to find in the city.

Time Out tip: It's recommended that you soak in the mud bath for 30 minutes, hop out to pat the mud pack on your body and let it dry, then soak it off in the bath for another 15 minutes.

Price: $95 for adults, $24-$45 for kids, free for little ones aged six and under.