Review: Channel Country Tourist Park & Spas in Quilpie!

If you’re planning a trip through Outback Queensland, chances are you’ll end up passing through Quilpie, with a surprising little gem: the Channel Country Tourist Park. Known not just for its range of accommodation options but also for its relaxing hot artesian spas.

The common worry for many travellers heading this far west is whether they’ll find comfortable accommodation or just basic facilities. And while remote towns can sometimes mean limited choices, Quilpie offers something special.

On our visit, what really stood out was how well the Channel Country Tourist Park blends practicality with a touch of indulgence. In this review, I’ll share my honest take on the accommodation options, and of course the artesian spa pools, so you’ll know exactly what to expect when you pull into Quilpie.

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My Review on the Chanel Country Tourist Park

Matt and I loved our stay at the Chanel Country Tourist Park & Spas! The staff were friendly and welcoming, making the cabin check-in, and our entire stay a breeze. The location was perfect for a stopover on our Outback Queensland road trip, plus offering a relaxing moment in the Hot Artesian spas.

Truthfully, it was the hot artesian spas that convinced me to stay here and it was absolutely worth it! The natural warmth and soothing waters were just what we needed after a long day of travel.

On the downside, the spas were quite popular, so at busy times, you will have to share with others, which will slightly impact the privacy. But also a great way to make new friends and see what other activities you can find in Outback Queensland.

Overall, I would recommend the Chanel Country Tourist Park as a spot to relax, especially is you’re looking for a friendly, well-located, and rejuvenating getaway!

Where is it located?

The Channel Country Tourist Park is located at 21 Chipu St, in Quilpie Shire, in southern Outback Queensland. This is roughly 10 hours West of the Queensland capital of Brisbane.

Quilpie, as a small country town, there is only a population of 530 people and known for it’s opal mining with a giant Opal on display in one of the local churches.

How much does it cost?

Chanel Country Caravan Sites Price range from $35 per night for two persons in an unpowered site, and $45 per night for a 2-person powered site.

As for the Cabins, prices start at $145 per night for a single, $155 for a double and $165 twin share.

These prices come with all the facilities available in the park, including the Artesian Hot Spa’s!

To make a booking, you will need to call them on 07 4656 2087 and I also received a digital confirmation over email.

Types of Accommodation on offer?

Camping Sites

The powered camping sites at Chanel Country Tourist Park are laid out across a large, open Dirt/grassy area, arranged in neat rows that give campers plenty of space and easy access.

Unlike some cramped parks where you feel packed in, here you’ll find wide sites with room to spread out, making it comfortable whether you’re in a small campervan or towing a large caravan.

The design of the park makes manoeuvring in and out a breeze, even for those with bigger rigs, which is a real bonus when travelling through the Outback. The level ground also makes setting up camp simple, while the peaceful atmosphere of the park adds to the relaxed vibe.

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Cabins or Fixed Quilpie Accommodation

The Chanel Country Tourist Park & Spa in Quilpie offers a comfortable and practical stay, with all cabin accommodations set along one side of the property in neat demountable-style buildings.

The layout gives the park an organized, spacious feel, and with car spots conveniently located right beside your cabin, unloading your gear is quick and hassle-free.

Inside, the cabins are exceptionally clean and well-maintained, making them a great base for exploring the Quilpie region. Each one comes fully equipped with everything you need for a self-contained stay, including air-conditioning to beat the Outback heat, a stovetop for cooking simple meals, a microwave, kettle, toaster, and a good range of kitchenware.

Tip: Fly’s and bugs can be a big issue when travelling through the Outback Queensland, or Central Australia. While, I didn’t experience this too much in Quilpie, it can happen intermittently and especially during warmer weather. I find carrying a fly net and a wide-brim hat will help in supporting a tolerance them.

What are the Park Facilities!

Artesian Hot Spa’s!

Apart from Baldy top lookout, the Hot Spa’s was the reason I booked the Channel Country Tourist Park. Artesian springs are fed by the Great Artesian Basin and can be found all over Outback Queensland.

This one is fed into purpose built Spa Baths, just like you would get at home. There are three Spa’s available and can be used between 9am and 830pm each day.

You can fit roughly 4 guests in each Spa bath, and during busy times, I’m expecting to be shared with others. We were lucky to have one to ourselves, but the other spas were used at the same time.

Shared Camp Kitchen Area

Get out of you’re Caravan for the night and use the shared facilities available to you.

This is a great way to chat with other guests and make new friends. There was a Microwave, Fridge, a place to prep your dinner and wash up afterwards.

Fire Pit & Live Music Area

Nothing beats live entertainment while you’re sitting beside a Fire Pit, tossing back a few drinks. We stayed on a Thursday night, so I’m not sure this is every night.

However, the live music echoed all over the Caravan park and was a lovely addition to our stay!

Apart from this, you have other important facilities like drive-through sites, pet-friendly, Bathrooms, Laundry, Dump Points, and free WiFi.

Things to do in Quilpie

Baldy Top Lookout

The walk up to the Baldy Top Lookout only took 10 minutes, and the view over the Outback Queensland valley floor was amazing.

To get up there, I would recommend following the path towards the right as you’re hiking. We went to the left side (which can still be used), but a little more different climbing over rocks and we gave up pretty quick.

Evan better that we managed to catch a brilliant morning when the sky was on fire.

Lucky that I managed to snap a few photos of the event with my drone.

Opal Fossicking

Right beside the airport, you have the Free Opal Fossicking area.

There is a small sign marking the section, and you’re FREE to move around exploring and trying to find some colour.

With that said, I’m expecting this area has been sifted through THOUSANDS of times and you probably won’t find much. However, I’m sure the kids would enjoy it and it’s a brilliant learning process to find opals.

Alternatively, you can always go into the Tourist Information centre or the local church to see some of the large Opals they have found in the area.

For us, Quilpie was a great stopover town coming back and from Birdsville, since we used the town of Windorah on the way out.

I recommend checking it out when you are next in the area, making it a brilliant addition for an Outback Queensland road trip.

Wrap up!

Thanks for reading my review on the Channel Country Tourist Park and I hope you found it an interesting addition for your next stay in the area.

With that said, if you’re still planning your road trip, then please check out my other blogs in Outback Queensland for research.

• Risks of Night Driving in Outback Queensland
• Tips to know BEFORE planning a Queensland Road Trip
• How to Get to Rainbow Falls in the Blackdown Tablelands National Park
• Is Cobbold Gorge Worth Visiting & Things to do
• Is Porcupine Gorge National Park worth Visiting
• Carnarvon Gorge Walks & Sites in the National Park
• Things to do in Longreach!
• Best Things to do in Winton that are worth visiting!