One of the more rural bathing spots on Australia’s Great Artesian Drive is the Burren Junction Hot Springs. Sourced from the Great Artesian Basin, these bore baths were first created naturally in 1921.
The town then sealed the drains to create the pools, which have turned into popular bathing spots for locals and tourists. Providing relief from various ailments and said to promote better overall health, visitors can soak and swim in the two circular pools at Burren Junction.
With everything you need to be comfortable, the pools are open 24 hours per day and there is a campground right next door to the complex for easy lodging. Although remote, these springs have become a popular meeting place for swimmers and campers. Tourists who are willing to head off the beaten path should definitely add Burren Junction Hot Springs to their bucket list.
Mineral Thermal Springs Pools
At the Burren Junction Bore Baths, there are two circular pools. A larger deeper pool is designed like a track and it is a perfect dipping spot for adults. There is also a second pool that is smaller and shallower for younger visitors.
Both the pools are filled with thermal water that comes from Australia’s Great Artesian Basin, which runs underground for more than 656,373 square miles (1,700,000 square kilometers). As the water is forced through the ground, it’s heated and mineralized. Benefiting from this natural resource, the pools at Burren Junction are consistently kept at 106.7°F (41.5°C).
The therapeutic qualities of the water are believed to help with sore muscles and stress relief. It promotes an overall healthier body.
For swimmers, the largest pool has stairs and handrails to make it more accessible. There is also a ladder entry into the pool. The smaller one has no accessibility features, but it is quite shallow, so swimmers often use it as a kiddie pool.
At the Burren Junction Hot Springs complex, there are showers, toilets, picnic areas, barbecues, and filtered water. Electricity also runs through the site and there is a dump point for caravans and RVs. Flood lighting is turned on at night to ensure that the area is well-lit at all times. Just outside of the complex, there is a large parking lot that has space for oversized vehicles too.
Opening hours of the hot springs are 24 hours per day, every day of the week during winter. (April to November). The pools are closed during the summer months, but the nearby campground is open year-round.
Camping
Guests who would like to stay overnight at the Burren Junction Bore Baths can park their car, caravan, or RV in the main lot. Although the parking lot doesn’t have any facilities, the baths are open 24 hours so guests will always have access to toilets, showers, water, and food areas.
The camping area is first come, first serve and does not take reservations. There are camping fees, which are collected by the site’s caretaker every morning and afternoon.
The campground is open all year long, but visitors should take note that the pools are closed during summer. This means that the only usable features at the complex during summertime are the toilets, showers, and food facilities.
For guests that are not camping, you can find hotel and motel accommodation in Burren Junction. There are also restaurants and bars in town for meal services.
Getting There
The Burren Junction Hot Springs are just 2.3 miles (3.7km) outside of the small town of Burren Junction in New South Wales, Australia. The Kamilaroi Highway will take visitors from the town to the hot springs in just 4 minutes.
Details
Address: Lot 182 Kamilaroi Highway, Burren Junction NSW 2386, Australia
Coordinates: 30.1143°S, 148.9956°E
Phone: (+61) 02 6829 6139
Season: Pools – Winter (April-November), Campground – Year-round
Age Restrictions: None
Clothing: Required
Pets: Not permitted
Entry: Free – however, campground fees apply
Website: walgett.nsw.gov.au/…
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