No matter how much you love the outdoors, everyone needs some pampering every now and then. Wellness Way is the perfect opportunity for travellers to enjoy both. This route, designed by Outback Queensland, follows the hot springs that are sprinkled throughout the outback. When we had an opportunity to get out there with Caravanning Queensland, we got very excited. We covered almost 1,800 kilometres in five days and visited four incredible baths. The itinerary was action packed, but of course, allowed plenty of time for relaxing.
Day One: St George
If you’re from the south east like us, St George is within driving distance. We kicked off our wellness journey in this little town. It sits along the Balonne River, offering up spectacular sunset views. Avid fishermen can snag a Murray cod of a golden perch here, while families can enjoy a tour in a classing 1917 Ford Model T. No matter what your interests, a soak in the Balonne Artesian Thermal Hot Springs is a perfect way to wind down.
We stayed at Kamarooka Tourist Park. The friendly atmosphere helped us feel welcomed into the outback instantly. If you’re a first time caravaner, these guys will help you reverse your van into its site. They’ll also give you tips for where to get the best pub feed, and things to do in the area. When you set off in the morning, grab a coffee at their coffee shop before saying goodbye.
Day Two: Cunnamulla
Further west sits the country town of Cunnamulla. It’s a fun place to say, and even more fun to visit. The baths here are phenomenal. Cunnamulla Hot Springs has seven pools, a sauna and a cold plunge. Guests can simply enjoy a soak, or why not have a go at the body clay ritual. Cover yourself in the soothing clays from all around Australia, dry off by the fire, and after rinsing off, your skin will feel smooth and hydrated. Allow at least two hours to properly enjoy this place. When you’re all dried off, head to Cunnamulla Tourist Park. Enjoy stories told by a local bush poet and catch up with fellow campers by the fire.
Day Three: Quilpie
From here, we followed Wellness Way to Quilpie, to stay at The Lake Quilpie. This family run property, is bursting with country hospitality. We highly recommend going on a 4WD tour with owner Dan and learning about the history of the land. To finish off your day, enjoy the sunset at the incredibly bathhouse. There is a wide variety of accommodation options here too. There are cottages, the quarters, powered and unpowered sites. You don’t need to leave to find dinner either. Owner Louise makes delicious meals for campers to purchase at the kitchen.
Day Four: Barcaldine and Aramac
After an incredible stay in Quilpie, we headed north to Barcaldine. Campers can stay at Barcaldine Homestead Caravan Park. If you’re happy to drive an extra 45 minutes, we suggest making the trip to Aramac to Shandonvale Station. This is a working station with lots of character and plenty to do. Speak to the owners Deon and Lane to get a true feel for what the outback is all about. Go on a tour to check out the animals, try to catch a fish at the boatshed, but whatever you do, make sure you’ve made time for the artesian bath in the treetops. It’s the perfect spot to sit back, with a glass of wine, and enjoy the scenery.
Day Five: Longreach
We spent our last day in Longreach. This quintessential Queensland town has a lot to offer. Perhaps surprisingly, there’s enough to fill up a week full of activities here, from the Qantas Founders Museum to you guessed it, more artesian baths. Catch a glimpse of one of the many kangaroos that call this place home, while relaxing in one of three baths at Saltbush Retreat. For campers, Longreach Tourist Park is a comfortable spot to stay. On our visit, the brolgas and emus made a visit. While we only spent a day here, we left feeling as though there was so much more to explore.
