Mitchell Great Artesian Spa

## Overview The Mitchell Great Artesian Spa is a geothermally heated bathing facility located in the small outback town of Mitchell, Queensland, Australia. Situated along the edge of the Great Artesian Basin — one of the largest and deepest underground water reservoirs in the world — the spa draws naturally heated bore water from deep beneath the earth's surface. The Great Artesian Basin stretches across roughly 1.7 million square kilometres of eastern Australia, and towns like Mitchell have long tapped into this remarkable geological resource for both practical and recreational use. Artesian bores in the Mitchell area have historically provided water for pastoral stations and township use since the late 19th century. The spa facility allows visitors to soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters that rise naturally under pressure from aquifers hundreds of metres underground. Water temperatures at Great Artesian Basin spas in Queensland typically range from around 39°C to 44°C (102°F–111°F), making them a popular stop for travellers exploring the Australian outback. Mitchell itself is a small town on the Warrego Highway in the Maranoa Region, roughly 570 kilometres west of Brisbane. The town serves as a convenient rest stop for those travelling between Brisbane and outback Queensland, and the artesian spa is one of its key attractions. ## Directions 1. From Brisbane, head west on the Warrego Highway (A2) for approximately 570 km to the town of Mitchell. 2. The Mitchell Great Artesian Spa is located within the township. Look for signage directing visitors to the spa facility as you enter town. 3. GPS coordinates: **-26.4864, 147.9790** — use these for navigation if travelling through remote areas where signage may be limited. 4. The drive from Brisbane takes approximately 6–7 hours. Mitchell is also accessible from the west via the Warrego Highway from Charleville (approximately 90 km to the west). ## What to Expect Visitors to the Mitchell Great Artesian Spa can expect a relaxing soak in naturally warm artesian water in an outback setting. The spa pools are fed by bore water drawn from the Great Artesian Basin, and the water has been reported to contain various minerals absorbed during its long journey through underground rock formations. The facility is a popular stop for grey nomads, road-trippers, and long-haul travellers looking to stretch their legs and unwind after hours on the highway. The warm water is especially welcome during the cooler months (May–September), when outback nights can be surprisingly cold. Mitchell is a small town with basic amenities including fuel, food, and accommodation options. The surrounding landscape is classic Queensland outback — wide open plains, sparse vegetation, and expansive skies that make for spectacular sunsets. Note that this is a remote outback location. Visitors should ensure they carry sufficient water, fuel, and supplies when travelling through the region, particularly if venturing off the main highway.