Burketown Hot Springs

## Overview Burketown Hot Springs is a free natural hot spring located near the remote Gulf Country town of Burketown in far northwest Queensland, Australia. Situated in one of the most sparsely populated regions of the country, these thermal springs offer a unique outback bathing experience amid the rugged landscape of the Gulf of Carpentaria hinterland. Burketown itself is a small township with a rich pastoral and exploration history, famously linked to the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition of the 1860s. The surrounding region is known for its dramatic wet-and-dry tropical climate, vast savannah plains, and remarkable natural phenomena — including the rare Morning Glory cloud formation. The hot springs sit at approximately GPS coordinates -17.7462, 139.5473, making them one of the more remote thermal bathing spots in Queensland. The water at Burketown Hot Springs is geothermally heated, emerging warm from underground sources — a characteristic of several thermal features found across Australia's Great Artesian Basin region. While the precise mineral composition and temperature of the water have not been widely documented in publicly available sources, visitors have historically enjoyed the springs as a relaxing soak in a striking outback setting. ## Directions 1. From Burketown township, head toward the general area south of town. The springs are located at GPS coordinates **-17.746193, 139.547322**. 2. Using a GPS device or mapping app with the coordinates above is strongly recommended, as signage in this remote region can be limited. 3. Access roads in the Gulf Country may be unsealed and can become impassable during the wet season (roughly November to April). A high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is advisable, especially outside the dry season. 4. Check local road conditions with the Burketown Visitor Information Centre or the Burke Shire Council before setting out. ## What to Expect Burketown Hot Springs offers a raw, undeveloped outback experience. As a free natural hot spring, visitors should expect minimal infrastructure — there are unlikely to be changing facilities, toilets, or maintained paths at the site. The springs are best enjoyed during the dry season (May to October), when access roads are more reliable and the weather is warm but not oppressively hot or humid. The surrounding landscape is classic Gulf savannah — open grasslands, scattered eucalyptus, and wide skies. Wildlife is abundant in the region, so keep an eye out for birds, wallabies, and other native fauna. Given the remote location, visitors should bring adequate water, sun protection, and supplies, and let someone know their travel plans. Burketown itself offers basic services including fuel, a general store, a pub, and a caravan park, making it a practical base for exploring the springs and the wider Gulf Country region.