Review: Charlotte Plains Station & Hot Artesian Bore Baths

When you’re planning a trip through Outback Queensland, chances are you’ve come across Charlotte Plains Station, a working sheep and cattle property that has become one of the most unique stops in the region.

Most travellers are drawn here for the iconic artesian bore baths set against a wide-open country backdrop, but you might be wondering: is it really worth staying the night, and what can you expect from the accommodation?

On our visit, I got to experience both the artesian bore baths and the station’s accommodation, giving me an honest perspective on what staying here is actually like. So, this review will help you decide whether to book a night (or more) at Charlotte Plains Station.

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My Review on Charlotte Plains Station!

Our stay at Charlotte Plains Station was worth it for soaking in the unique Artesian Bore Baths, plus the cabins make it convenient for those who aren’t camping. Additionally, I found the staff very friendly and the cost was reasonable for the experience.

We stayed for two nights at the Station and managed to jump into the Hot Spring bore Baths a few times (during the day, and at Sunset). Luckily, I think we visited in a slow season and there was hardly anyone around.

In the end, know that I definitely think you should be adding it to your road trip list.

Where is Charlotte Plains Station located?

Charlotte Plains Station is one of the best attractions near Cunnamulla, and is located about 40 minutes away from town (please see direction Map here).

There are two entrances to the property on the east and western side and it’s a sealed single lane road, sharing with oncoming vehicles.

Once you turn into the property, you’ll be driving on a dirt road. If you enter from the Cunnamulla side, you will first pass by the homestead. This is great if you need to check into the Cabin accommodation or find out about the Powered sites.

Where do you stay?

The sheering quarters, powered camping, or the cabins are a few kilometres along the road from the Charlotte Plains homestead. Alternatively, using the entrance road on the eastern side comes directly to the Unpowered Camping and the Hot Bore baths.

Camping ( Non-Powered)

The non-powered camping section is available right next to the Hot Baths. They come with a basic shared Shower and toilet for all guests (1 each for male & female).

You have options to camp right beside the creek or further away. I would estimate room for about 50 to 100 sites in the area and a first-in best-dressed scenario ( Get in early for creek view sites).

Powered Camping Sites

Powered camping sites are available 10 kilometres down the road ( Closer to the homestead). With a limited amount of areas to plug into power and I would book early if you want one of these sites.

This is also where the Cabins are, along with the shared guest facilities like showers, toilets, laundry, lounge & kitchen.

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Cabin Accommodation or Shearers Quarters

The Cabin accommodation was basic and shared the facilities with the powered camping sites. The rooms contained either a double bed/2 single beds, power, cupboard, and air-condoning.

Just so you know, there are no keys and should only be locked from the inside when you’re in the room. Also note these are the shearers quarters and use by staff during the sheering seasons.

Other Facilities Available?

There was everything you needed in the shared facilities. For example, kitchen with microwave, kettle, oven, stovetop, and all kinds of kitchenware. There was really no need to bring anything except your food.

Since there was no Mobile service on the property, the TV was great for catching up on things and a radio to call the homestead (if needed). Additionally, there were three different showers ( one was private) and enough toilets for the complex. As well as the laundry and Barbeque area.

FAQ’s – Common Questions?

Can you tour the Sheep Shearing Shed?

Conveniently, the sheep-shearing shed was located right next to the Cabins, and we were able to view them in our own time. However, the owners offer specially arranged guided tours, but we weren’t lucky enough to see it on this trip.

What wildlife can you see?

Apart from the standard farm animal like Sheep, Cows, Horses, and Goats, you will find plenty of others on the property. This ranges from the different Birdlife, Emu’s, brolga’s, and I did hear about a camel.

The cows and sheep will come right up to your campsite and I loved capturing the thousands of birds drinking from the bore water.

With that said, the Station is family owned by Robyn Russell and is a working sheep station maintaining Merino Sheep, Dohne Rams and Aussie White Sheep. So, you’ll see plenty of animals when driving around.

Can you get a Day Pass to soak on the Bore Baths?

You can purchase a Day Pass for $18 per Adult to visit and use the Hot Bore Baths.

Keep in mind that you will be sharing with the other guests and there could be some wait times during the busy periods.

Are you allowed Camp Fire’s?

Campfires are allowed at the sites, and you will find several pits around to use. At the cabin site, there is a fire pit area and wood supplied for the guests. Ultimately, this is a perfect opportunity to grab a drink and relax the night away, chatting to the other guests.

On another note, as your staying in a low light pollution area. This is a perfect opportunity to go star hunting and explore or photograph the world above.

What is the Great Artesian Basin?

The Great Artesian Basin is one of the largest underground water reservoirs in the world and 100 to 250 million years old. It consists of layers of water, sandstone and is replenished during rainfall.

It takes up one-fifth of Australia, and the reason you can find several experiences like this in Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory, and New South Wales.

The water inside the basin moves slowly at around .2 to 2.5 metres per year, and it goes from 100 to 3000 deep. The bore is never turned off and flows roughly 512,000 gallons of water per day. The temperature ranges over 40 degrees Celsius, and why this is the perfect spot to visit all year round.

The minerals from the underground rocks and heat make it a relaxing spa and therapeutic to your skin and muscles. Mostly, the water is fresh and suitable for drinking – although it has a slight smell from the minerals.

Ultimately, it’s advised to only stay in the Hot bath for about 20 minutes (about 11 available on the property), but after a break, you can jump back in. The artesian water or creek runs all around the property and cools off further away from the bore head.

Other Things to do Nearby?

If you’re planning a visit to Charlotte Plains Station, you’ll already be in the perfect spot to explore more of the region’s highlights, many of which I’ve covered in my post on the bucket list attractions in Outback Queensland. Just to mention a few, here are some fantastic towns and attractions you could add to your road trip itinerary:

• Cunnamulla – Famous for its natural hot springs and the iconic Cunnamulla Fella statue, this town is a great place to relax and soak in true country hospitality.

• Toowoomba – Known as the “Garden City,” Toowoomba boasts the stunning Japanese Gardens, vibrant street art, and heritage-listed buildings.
• Roma – Stop here for the Big Rig Oil & Gas Museum, the historic cattle saleyards, and a insights into Queensland’s pioneering history.
• Chinchilla – Australia’s “melon capital” hosts the quirky Chinchilla Melon Festival, and the town also offers parklands and country charm.
• Mitchell – Famous for the Mitchell Great Artesian Spa, this is the perfect spot to unwind in naturally heated mineral waters.

• Eromanga – Home to the Eromanga Natural History Museum, where you can see Australia’s largest dinosaur (Cooper & George) fossils up close.
• Birdsville – Remote and legendary, Birdsville offers the famous Birdsville Hotel, the Big Red sand dune, and the annual Birdsville Races.

• Windorah – Known for its spectacular red sand hills, the Cooper Creek, and the striking Windorah Solar Farm.
• Quilpie – A true gem for opal lovers, Quilpie is the gateway to boulder opal country and also offers panoramic views from Baldy Top lookout.

Wrap up!

Thanks for reading this blog today on my Review of Charlotte Plains Station hot artesian bore baths. I hope you found the information you were looking for, but if you’re still researching, please uncover more Outback Queensland Stories HERE for planning and inspiration.

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