The health benefits of soaking in hot springs are behind the development of a new tourism trail in outback Queensland
TRAVELLERS TO OUTBACK Queensland have long known the benefits of soaking in the many naturally heated geothermal pools and baths dotted across the landscape.
However, with the $12 million Cunnamulla Hot Springs development opening earlier this year, the Outback Queensland Tourism Association saw an opportunity to promote more destinations across the State’s interior.
The result is the Wellness Way, a trail linking 24 locations of springs, pools, spas and bathhouses “guaranteed to soothe the body, mind and soul”.
Outback Queensland Tourism Association CEO Denise Brown said the trail, from Talaroo in the north to Eulo in the south, would help visitors plan their journey to destinations where they could enjoy the therapeutic benefits of water from the Great Artesian Basin.
“We sit on the great inland sea and the artesian water is right underneath outback Queensland,” Ms Brown said.
“I’ve spoken to grey nomads, who are repeat visitors to the outback, and they say they have been bathing in these pools for years. This is an opportunity for us to take the story a bit further.
“We looked at a number of different bathing experiences throughout the outback and put together the Wellness Way trail, so they are all gathered together in one document.”
Ms Brown said the Wellness Way had the potential to tap into a new tourism market, literally.
“I’ve done a lot of research on bathing principles in the last couple of years, leading up to the Cunnamulla Hot Springs opening, and the Japanese have been bathing in natural hot springs because of their therapeutic benefits for years,” she said. “All of a sudden, we discovered it and said, ‘How about this?’ It’s a great idea.”
These outback pools are filled with mineral-rich water from the Great Artesian Basin – a vast underground source that also sits under parts of New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory, covering more than 1.7 million square kilometres.
In addition to its therapeutic benefits, artesian water is a vital resource for pastoral, agricultural, and other industries and is the principle water supply for more than 120 towns.
The premier destination on the Wellness Way, Cunnamulla Hot Springs, was opened earlier this year by Peninsula Hot Springs Group, which also operates hot springs destinations in Victoria and New Zealand.
Peninsula Hot Springs Group Chair Charles Davidson said the water’s temperature (30–39°C) and abundance of healthy minerals delivered many health benefits for those taking a dip.
Talaroo Hot Springs in the State's far north. Photo Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ).
Soaking in the great outdoors at Charlotte Plains.
“Cunnamulla Hot Springs waters flow directly from the Great Artesian Basin, providing a pure and natural bathing experience,” Mr Davidson said.
“While the core benefits of bathing in these waters are derived from relaxation and spending time with family, friends, or happily by yourself, some specific mineral properties in the water are said to also offer benefits.”
Devotees of bathing in natural hot springs swear by the water’s therapeutic benefits, which include reduced stress, joint pain relief, improved circulation, and better skin.
“While the core benefits of bathing in these waters are derived from relaxation and spending time with family, friends, or happily by yourself, some specific mineral properties in the water are said to also offer benefits.”
Devotees of bathing in natural hot springs swear by the water’s therapeutic benefits, which include reduced stress, joint pain relief, improved circulation, and better skin.
Cunnamulla Hot Springs has seven hot pools of varying temperatures, a cold-water pool (for hot-and-cold-water therapy), sauna and steam room, and a clay and salt scrub area.
If all that soaking, steaming and scrubbing does not leave an impression on you, the setting will.
Cunnamulla Hot Springs sits in the heart of the far west Queensland town, perched on the banks of the Warrego River and shaded by gum trees.
“Guest feedback has been incredible, with visitors very happily surprised that there is such a significant and welldesigned facility in the outback,” Mr Davidson said.
“Visitors have particularly enjoyed bathing in the evening when the sun goes down and the stars come out.
“It is a spectacular and memorable location that makes this a must-visit authentic outback wellness destination.”
Cunnamulla Hot Springs on the bank of the Warrego River.
Mr Davidson said there were plans to widen the appeal of hot springs for road trippers by establishing the East Australian Hot Springs Cultural Bathing Trail.
This trail would connect nine Aboriginal language groups in Victoria, New South Wales and through Queensland to Burketown in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
“The self-drive route will connect travellers to the natural spirit of the land and the stories, activities, art and culture of our traditional custodians,” Mr Davidson said.
“Through enabling knowledge-sharing and connection to experiences, we want to foster care for country and community.
“Cunnamulla is at the centre of the trail and is an important part of the Australian hot springs story.”
Mr Davidson said a website with information on the cultural activities and experiences along the Hot Springs Cultural Bathing Trail was under construction.
“It is hoped the website will go live early in 2025; however, the trail and the many cultures along it are there and always have been,” he said.