Ilfracombe Artesian Spa

## Overview The Ilfracombe Artesian Spa is a free-access hot spring located in the remote outback town of Ilfracombe, Queensland, Australia. Situated in the heart of the Great Artesian Basin — one of the largest underground freshwater reservoirs in the world — this spa draws naturally heated water from deep beneath the earth's surface. The Great Artesian Basin spans over 1.7 million square kilometres across Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, and the artesian bores tapping into it have been a lifeline for outback communities since the late 19th century. Ilfracombe itself is a small pastoral town along the Landsborough Highway, roughly 27 kilometres east of Longreach in central-western Queensland. The town has a rich history tied to the wool and cattle industries, and its artesian spa is one of several community bore baths found across outback Queensland — a tradition born from the region's abundance of naturally warm, mineral-rich groundwater. These artesian baths have long served as gathering places for locals and weary travellers alike, offering a soothing soak under the wide outback sky. The water at Ilfracombe Artesian Spa is naturally heated by geothermal energy as it rises from deep underground. Artesian bore water in this region typically emerges at temperatures ranging from approximately 30°C to over 40°C, making it comfortably warm for bathing. The water has historically been valued by locals for its mineral content, though visitors should note that water quality can vary and independent testing is recommended before consumption. ## Directions 1. From Longreach, head east along the Landsborough Highway (Highway 66) for approximately 27 kilometres. 2. Enter the small town of Ilfracombe. 3. The artesian spa is located within the township — look for signage directing you to the spa/bore bath area near the centre of town. 4. GPS coordinates: -23.4893, 144.5064. Entering these into a navigation app will guide you directly to the location. *Note: Ilfracombe is also accessible from Barcaldine (approximately 80 km to the east) via the same highway.* ## What to Expect Visitors to the Ilfracombe Artesian Spa can expect a quintessential outback bore bath experience. The spa is free to use and open to the public, making it a popular stop for road-trippers travelling the Landsborough Highway between Longreach and Barcaldine. The warm artesian water provides a relaxing soak, particularly welcome after long hours of outback driving. The setting is open and rural, with expansive views of the flat Queensland plains. Facilities at outback bore baths in this region are typically basic — expect a concrete or steel pool rather than a luxury spa — but the experience of bathing in naturally heated water under a canopy of stars is hard to beat. Ilfracombe itself is worth a brief exploration. The town is known for its "Machinery Mile," a unique roadside display of historic farming and industrial equipment that stretches along the highway. There are limited services in town, so visitors should ensure they have sufficient fuel, water, and supplies, particularly if travelling during the hotter months (October–March), when daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C. The spa can be enjoyed year-round, though the cooler months (May–August) are the most popular time to visit, as the warm water is especially inviting when the desert air turns crisp at night. There is no entry fee, and the spa is generally accessible at all hours.