Burren Junction Artesian Bore Baths, Australia

What it is

Burren Junction Artesian Bore Baths is a community-run artesian bathing pool in the village of Burren Junction, north-west New South Wales. Walgett Shire Council manages the site and sets the bathing rules. Water rises under natural pressure from the Great Artesian Basin and the council states it maintains a constant temperature of 41.5°C. This is hot-water soaking in the practical Australian way: a single pool, basic onsite amenities, and a strong expectation that visitors behave sensibly.

What makes it distinct

The water temperature is the headline. At 41.5°C it is much hotter than many artesian pools, which changes how you use it. You do short dips, cool down, then go again. It’s also a classic outback social spot, especially later in the day when travellers roll in. The mood depends on everyone sharing space and following the rules, which are clearly posted by council.

Important constraints

The council page is explicit: small children are not permitted due to overheating risk, and there are limits on how you can immerse. If you are travelling with young kids or anyone who cannot manage heat safely, choose a cooler swim spot or a staffed pool instead.

Where it is

The bore baths are in Burren Junction, NSW, reached from the Kamilaroi Highway (the baths are commonly described as a short detour off the highway on a sealed road). This is a small outback community, so plan fuel and supplies before you turn off major routes. The baths sit on a reserve with camping nearby, and the council lists a $5.00 per night camping charge per vehicle.

Getting there and what to expect

Access is straightforward by car in normal conditions, with no hike required. What takes effort is not the walk, it’s the planning: distances are long, services are limited, and summer heat can be serious. Arrive with daylight to spare if you can, it makes the site easier to navigate and keeps the whole stop calmer.

What to bring

Bring swimwear, a towel, and footwear with grip for wet concrete. Pack drinking water, this pool temperature dehydrates quickly. Bring a headlamp if you plan to soak at night, and keep valuables simple. Most importantly, leave glass and alcohol out of the reserve, the council states the reserve is alcohol-free and glass is not permitted around the pool. Keep soaps and detergents out of the water.

Who it suits best

This suits adults and older teens who can manage hot water responsibly and want an outback soak without a booking desk. It’s also a good stop for caravanners who like a simple camp-and-soak rhythm. It is not family friendly for young children, because Walgett Shire Council states small children are not permitted due to overheating risk.

Mobility and access reality

Do not plan on wheelchair access into the water. There is no verified step-free pool entry information published on the council page, and bore bath reserves commonly involve wet edges and steps. If you have limited balance, go with a companion, move slowly, and use the most stable entry point. If you require step-free access, a built aquatic centre with confirmed ramps is a better match than guessing here.

Expectations vs reality

It’s a shared pool and the best soak is usually brief. People often imagine an “in all evening” hot spring session, but at 41.5°C that is not the smart way to do it. Expect to rotate in and out, chat a bit, cool down, then repeat. If the pool is busy, shorter turns keep it pleasant.

Heat safety comes first

The council states the pool water is a constant 41.5°C. Treat that as hot enough to overdo quickly. Start with a short dip, then get out and cool down. Drink water between rounds. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or unusually tired, stop and rest out of the water. This is not the place to test your limits.

Follow the posted bathing rules

Walgett Shire Council’s rules include showering before entry, no diving, and no immersion above neck level. They also state people with heart conditions are not permitted due to overheating risk, and people with open wounds are not permitted. Those rules exist because the pool is very warm and shared. Respect them without trying to negotiate exceptions.

Shared-space etiquette

Keep noise modest and give people room to enter and exit, especially at busy times. No soaps or detergents in the pool. The council states pets are not allowed in the baths, and the reserve is alcohol-free with no glass allowed, so leave those behind. If someone is waiting, rotate out after a reasonable time. It goes best when everyone treats it like community infrastructure, not a private spa.

Is there an entry fee?

Entry to the bore baths is generally treated as free day use, but Walgett Shire Council states there is a $5.00 per night camping charge per vehicle for those staying on the reserve. Check current council notices before you go.

How hot is the water?

Walgett Shire Council states the artesian water maintains a constant temperature of 41.5°C.

Can children use the pool?

The council rules state small children are not permitted to use the pool due to the risk of overheating, so plan a different stop if you are travelling with young kids.

What are the key rules on site?

The council lists practical rules including shower before entry, no diving, no immersion above neck level, no soaps or detergents, no pets, and no alcohol or glass around the pool.