Outback Queensland sunsets are legendary. Add an outdoor bath filled with curative waters, and views of vast plains or gum trees swaying in the breeze, and you have a remarkable experience worth travelling across this vast country for.
By Michelle Hespe
Far below the charming little towns of Outback Queensland is the largest, deepest artesian basin in the world – The Great Artesian Basin. Extending over 1,700,000 square kilometres, it’s more than 3,000 metres deep in some places, with water temperatures ranging between 30 to 100°C.
The water is laced with sulphur, calcium and magnesium, which, when absorbed into skin, can assist in repairing tissue damage, and help to fight illness. The mineral content of sulphur springs also helps to clear up skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne and eczema.
Remarkably, there are 27 hot spring experiences in Outback Queensland out there waiting for you to dip a toe in.
Entry Level: Soak it up in the Julia Creek bathhouses
The tiny town of Julia Creek has spring-fed baths in Julia Creek Caravan Park, and you can catch the Inlander train from Townsville for $146 return.
Enjoy a 45-minute experience in the replica rainwater tanks with side-by-side baths, for $40 per person, or $70 for two. The coveted sunset-slots are $50 per person, or $90 for two.
The water is a lovely 45 degrees, and you can bring your own drinks and snacks, or pay $40 for a grazing platter.
For a more luxurious 75-minute session, book a Boundary Rider Hut Bathhouse. Guests receive a gift pack including a pannikin, loofah, bath salts, slippers and moisturiser.
Stay: A two-bedroom cabin for two nights is $300.
Play: For the best experience, indulge in the Julia Creek Artesian Baths at sunset.
Getting there: The Inlander train has reclining seats, so enjoy a snooze on the 13-hour train ride.
Price: Around $400 per person for the train, cabin and a luxury bathing experience.
Mid-Range: Bliss out in the hot springs of Cunnamulla
The town of Cunnamulla is 800 kilometres west of Brisbane, so it’s a 9-hour drive, or a 3-hour flight with Rex airlines.
Entry to The Cunnamulla Hot Springs complex is $45, and it has seven geothermal pools and showers, a steam room and sauna, a relaxation lounge, and wellness experiences such as clay rituals, salt scrubs, and hot and cold therapy.
Stay: A two-bedroom suite at the gorgeous Club Boutique Hotel Cunnamulla is $650 for two nights including breakfast.
Play: Stay for two days and book a 2-visit entry to the hot springs for $65.
Getting there: Brisbane to Cunnamulla on Rex airlines is $530 return.
Price: Flying in, enjoy a weekend away for $920 per person.
Luxe: All aboard the Spirit of the Outback to Longreach
A great way to experience Outback Queensland is to take the Spirit of the Outback train from Brisbane to Longreach and have an outback bath on a patio next to your log cabin.
On the train, enjoy full three-course meals in the restaurant and your private room with seats that fold down into a bed with crisp linen. It’s $427 one way, and two tickets for the price of one from Nov 1 to March 31.
Stay: The beautifully rustic Salt Bush Retreat has spring-fed baths on an outdoor terrace with stunning views of quintessentially Australian outback. Book a 4.5 star Homestead Stable hut, or a 4-star Slab Hut.
Play: A Longreach Indulgence Package includes two nights’ accommodation, a breakfast basket, BBQ and salad Pack, a pantry pack, a pamper pack (for your bathing experience), a cheese and antipasto hamper, and a bottle of wine.
Getting there: The Spirit of the Outback train from Brisbane to Longreach takes 26 hours and a Sleeper Fare includes all meals.
Price: A Salt Bush indulgence package is $1,700, and it’s $854 return, per person for the train, making it around $1,700 per person for four days.
