The Talaroo Hot Springs, which opened in June 2021 is one of the newest thermal attractions in Queensland, Australia. One of only two mound springs in the entire country, the pools at Talaroo are extremely hot and part of a unique geothermal system.
Furthermore, the hot springs have been named an Indigenous Protected Area and Nature Refuge by the Australian government making it much more than a tourist attraction.
Culturally significant to the Ewamian people, the station and land around the hot springs are operated by indigenous rangers. The Talaroo Hot Springs is one of only a few places in Australia where visitors can get an in-depth education about both the natural and cultural significance of the site.
Emerging from a wooded landscape, the hot springs have opened their doors to the public. Previously, access to the springs was strictly controlled and rarely granted to outsiders. Now, everyone has the opportunity to book a tour of the springs to see the geothermal sites, bathe in mineral pools, or camp overnight.
Mineral Hot Springs Pools
Multiple pools at the Talaroo Hot Springs have both viewing and swimming access. Although the pools at Talaroo are considered to be mound springs, it is not fed by the Great Artesian Basin like other springs and thermal pools in Australia.
All of the pools at the Talaroo Hot Springs are fed by a spring deep underground. As the water passes by the granite rock bed, it is heated to extreme temperatures.
The hottest pools at Talaroo can reach temperatures of 154.4°F (68°C). However, because the pools are located close to the Einasleigh River, there are also cooler areas where visitors can swim. Some of the pools are not suitable for swimming because of their high temperatures. These pools are accessed by an elevated walkway and are for viewing only.
For swimming, the Talaroo Hot Springs has restored its historic communal bathing pool and built four new, private soaking pools. All of the pools are guaranteed to have stable water temperatures and are safe for bathing.
Rangers at the hot springs frequently clean and disinfect the pools. Although these pools are man-made, the water used in the pool is drawn from the same underground spring as the viewing pools.
The high mineral content of the water is highly sought after for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. There are no age limits for the pools. However, visitors who have existing health conditions should check with their doctor before pathing in the pools. For pregnant visitors, it is not recommended to swim in the pools because of the high temperatures.
All of the pools, viewing, and swimming, at Talaroo are wheelchair accessible. On the boardwalk, there are two sections of stairs, but wheelchair users can loop to the end using flat sections.
At the swimming pools, large walkways ensure that everyone can access the water. In the communal pool, there are large steps that make it easy to enter and exit the water. Staff at the springs are more than happy to provide assistance to any guest on a tour.
Although the public has been granted access to the Talaroo Hot Springs, visiting the area is not free and may not be done without a tour. All visitors must book a tour with park rangers. The Hot Springs Discovery Tour is one of the most popular and it includes access to the boardwalk and dipping pools.
Visitors may also reserve one of the private pools for a 30-minute session. The private pools are able to fit up to 4 people at a time. Bookings for both tours and private pools can be made on the main website of the hot springs.
All of the hot springs at Talaroo are open to visitors of all ages. For those who are swimming, park rangers recommend that adults test the water to ensure that it is not too hot for young visitors.
Visitors should take note that the Talaroo Hot Springs are not open year-round. The months when visitors are able to book a tour or camp overnight are from April to October. For the rest of the year, the hot springs are closed to the public.
Camping
For tourists who would like to stay overnight at Talaroo, the site does have unpowered, powered, and eco-tent campsites. There are 30 campsites, 14 unpowered and 16 powered, throughout the campground and each has its own rates. The newest addition to Talaroo is the Eco Tents, which is the best choice for guests without a camper, motorhome, or tent.
Every campsite at the hot springs can accommodate a single vehicle and one caravan, RV, motorhome, or camper. Larger vehicles may need to be unhitched and if there is no room for a smaller vehicle, visitors can park their car in a nearby parking lot.
Facilities at the campground include a camp kitchen, toilets, showers, reception, gift shop, and cafe. There is a central fire pit where campers can gather with Ewamian Rangers at night to listen to stories and learn more about the hot springs.
Campsites have individual off-ground fire pits, but wood is not provided or sold. Visitors must bring their wood supply to last the duration of their stay.
Pets are permitted at the campground but must be strictly supervised and leashed at all times. Animals are not allowed on the tours and may not be left unsupervised at campsites. When reserving their booking for a campsite, guests must inform rangers that they will be bringing a pet.
All campsites at the Talaroo Hot Springs require reservations, which can be made by phone or on the attraction’s main website.
Getting There
The Talaroo Hot Springs is located between the small towns of Mount Surprise and Georgetown in Queensland, Australia. Both Mount Surprise and Georgetown are less than 1 hour away from the springs. Cairns, a coastal city, is the largest urban area near the hot springs. The drive from Cairns takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes.
To get to the Talaroo Hot Springs from Mount Surprise:
- Head southwest on National Route 1 to Cox Lane.
- From Cox Lane, turn right onto Vanlee Road.
- Keep right of Vanlee Road to continue on Talaroo Road.
- The road curves slightly to the left and the destination will be on your right.
To get to the Talaroo Hot Springs from Georgetown:
- Head east on National Route 1 to Abingdon Downs Road.
- From Abingdon Downs Road, turn left onto Vanlee Road.
- Keep right of Vanlee Road to continue on Talaroo Road.
- The road curves slightly to the left and the destination will be on your right.
Details
Address: Gulf Savannah Way, Gulf Development Road, Mount Surprise QLD 4871, Australia
Coordinates: -18.2898, 143.54814
Phone: (+61) 456 793 764
Season: April to October
Age Restrictions: None
Clothing: Required
Pets: Permitted – only at the campsites
Entry: Paid – tours and campsites
Website: talaroo.com.au
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