Australia’s Great Artesian Drive is a popular attraction that spans 362 miles (583km) across multiple territories. One of the stops along the way is the Great Artesian Spa in Mitchell, Queensland.
A large facility, there are two pools within the complex. One pool is cooler and one is heated with water drawn from the Great Artesian Basin. Designed to be a place where visitors can ease their worries and stress, everyone is welcome at the Great Artesian Spa.
The facilities have kid-friendly and accessible features to ensure that every guest can benefit from the therapeutic water. Beyond the spa, guests can also use the gym, visit the cafe, or tour the Mitchell Information Centre. For those who are road-tripping through Queensland or visiting Mitchell, the Great Artesian Spa is a spot worth checking out.
Mineral Springs Pools
At the spa complex, there are two pools where guests can soak and relax. The first pool is a cool pool, which gives visitors a chance to lower their body temperatures after spending time in the hot pool or under the sun. Even though the water is not heated, the cool pool does use the same artesian water as the hot pool.
The second pool is heated naturally by the Great Artesian Basin, which sits beneath the ground and covers multiple territories in Australia including New South Wales and Queensland. Typically, the water temperature in the heated pool hovers around 104°F (40°C).
Visitors from all over the world travel to the Mitchell Great Artesian Spa to seek the benefits of the highly mineralized water. Minerals in the water include Chloride, Boron, Potassium, Magnesium, and Sodium. Many visitors believe that this water can strengthen the body, encourage healthy skin, boost brain activity, and ease arthritis.
Both the cool and heated pools at the Great Artesian Spa are kid-friendly and accessible to all. Wide steps provide access to the water and many have hand railings to assist visitors with getting in and out of the water.
Large benches built around the sides of the pool ensure that people can sit and relax or swim through the deeper parts of the pool. There is also a hydro chair, which can be pushed into the water for visitors who have restricted mobility.
Large canopies cover the pool to provide shade and along the sides, there are picnic areas, a patio, and small gardens. There are chairs scattered about for guests to use or you can set a blanket out on the lawn to have a picnic.
Facilities at the complex include toilets, changing rooms, showers, and lockers. Visitors will also have access to the gym, cafe, and Visitor Centre. Just outside of the complex, there is a large parking lot with space for cars and caravans. Pets are not permitted in the spa.
During the high tourist season, the Great Artesian Spa is open every day from 8 am to 6 pm. The only holidays that the spa is closed are for Christmas Day and Anzac Day. From November to March (off-season), the complex is open from 8 am to 7 pm, but only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Nearby Accommodations
There is no accommodation at the Great Artesian Spa and staying overnight in the complex or parking lot is not permitted. Visitors who plan to stay overnight will have to find lodging in the small town of Mitchell. Three lodging options that are a short distance from the Great Artesian Spa are the Cambridge Motel, Major Mitchell Caravan Park & Cabins, and the Mitchell Motel & Cabin Park.
Just steps away from the Great Artesian Spa is the Cambridge Motel. A small property, guest rooms are clean and comfortable. On-site, there is free Wi-Fi and a saltwater pool. For travelers who are car camping, the Major Mitchell Caravan Park & Cabins offer comfortable powered sites and affordable accommodation. The caravan park is just 750 meters away from the spa.
Located in a quiet part of town, but still close to the main highway, the Mitchell Motel & Cabin Park is family-friendly, affordable, and conveniently located close to the Great Artesian Spa. Reviews of the hotel give high praise for the friendly staff and clean rooms.
Getting There
The Great Artesian Spa is located near the eastern entrance of Mitchell, Queensland, Australia. Mitchell is a small town with just over 1,000 residents and it is known for its cattle and sheep farms.
The Great Artesian Spa is located on the main highway that goes through the town. Most of Mitchell’s main restaurants and hotels are located within walking distance of the spa complex.
Details
Address: 2 Cambridge Street, Mitchell QLD, 4465, Australia
Coordinates: 26.4863°S, 147.9789°E
Phone: (+61) 07 4624 6923
Season: Year-round (open Tuesdays and Thursdays only from November to March)
Age Restrictions: None
Clothing: Required
Pets: Not permitted
Entry: Paid
Website: greatartesianspa.com
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