Quick FactsOverview
About Great Artesian Bore Baths Goodooga
Great Artesian Bore Baths Goodooga, Australia is a free public artesian bore pool on Queensland Street on the edge of Goodooga village in northern New South Wales, approximately 70 kilometres north-west of Lightning Ridge and 130 kilometres north of Brewarrina. Constructed in 2019 and managed by Brewarrina Shire Council, the facility draws mineral-rich water from the Great Artesian Basin and maintains the pool at a constant temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. The complex was purpose-built from the outset for full wheelchair accessibility and is documented as the only fully wheelchair-accessible pool on the Great Artesian Drive network.
The complex includes a single shaded pool with a wheelchair ramp and gently sloping entry on one side, along with toilets, hot water showers, electric barbecues, a dump point, an outdoor hybrid gym, and a shaded picnic area. Free camping in caravans and motor homes is available in the parking area adjacent to the complex. At peak touring season the site regularly hosts 70 to 100 overnight campervan and caravan visitors per night, making it a significant outback tourism hub for such a small village. For visitors researching free geothermal pools in Australia in northern New South Wales, Goodooga is one of the newer and most accessible bore bath facilities in the state.
Location & Access
Getting to Great Artesian Bore Baths Goodooga
Great Artesian Bore Baths Goodooga is on Queensland Street on the edge of Goodooga village, approximately 1.1 kilometres from the town centre. Goodooga is reached from Lightning Ridge by travelling approximately 70 kilometres north-west on a sealed road. From Brewarrina the distance is around 130 kilometres north. The village sits approximately 20 minutes from the Queensland border at Hebel. All approach roads from Lightning Ridge are sealed and suitable for caravans and motor homes of all sizes.
There is no public transport to the area. The large parking area next to the bore baths accepts caravans and motor homes, and free overnight camping is permitted here. The Telegraph Hotel provides meals and air-conditioned accommodation. The Goodooga General Store and a 24-hour fuel outlet make the village a practical refuelling and supply stop on the outback circuit between Lightning Ridge and Queensland. For visitors seeking free hot springs in Australia near Lightning Ridge, Goodooga is the closest dedicated bore bath facility and offers significantly better accessibility than most other bore baths in the region, with documented full wheelchair access to the pool water itself rather than just the surrounding area.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Great Artesian Bore Baths Goodooga Suits
Great Artesian Bore Baths Goodooga suits a wide range of visitors including families, grey nomads, and travellers with mobility limitations. The pool was purpose-built in 2019 with a wheelchair ramp and gently sloping entry, giving visitors who use a wheelchair genuine independent access to the water. The entire complex, including bathrooms and showers, is documented as wheelchair accessible. It is the only fully wheelchair-accessible pool on the Great Artesian Drive network.
The 24-hour access during the season from March to November means visitors can time their soak to suit their schedule, including late-night stargazing sessions or early morning soaks. The free camping adjacent to the facility makes Goodooga a practical overnight stop for self-contained touring vehicles. Families are welcome and the outdoor gym alongside the pool suits those wanting to combine exercise with a thermal soak.
At 40 degrees Celsius the pool is on the warmer side. New visitors should enter gradually and limit initial sessions to around 15 minutes before taking a break. For those seeking accessible hot springs in Australia, Goodooga is one of the most thoroughly documented fully accessible artesian pools in New South Wales. The site is especially popular in cooler months and can host up to 100 overnight camping vehicles on busy nights during the season.
Safety & Etiquette
Great Artesian Bore Baths Goodooga Safety Tips
Great Artesian Bore Baths Goodooga is generally safe for visitors in good health. The pool is open 24 hours when in season but is unstaffed. There are no lifeguards on site. Visitors with children should supervise them at all times in and around the pool. At 40 degrees Celsius the water is warm enough to cause overheating during extended soaking; entering gradually and taking regular breaks outside the pool is advisable, particularly for those new to artesian bathing.
The pool is not open during summer, from December to February, when the combination of extreme outback temperatures and hot water would create unsafe conditions. Visiting outside the March to November season is not recommended. Current seasonal status can be confirmed with Brewarrina Shire Council on 02 6830 5100 before making a long drive.
Soaps, shampoos, and sunscreen oils should be kept out of the pool water. The artesian water is shared by all visitors at the facility, and contamination from personal care products affects the water quality for others. Hot water showers are available on site for rinsing before and after use. Pets are permitted in the parking lot but not in the fenced pool area; they must be kept on a leash at all times. The site is remote and the nearest hospital is in Lightning Ridge. Visitors should carry a basic first aid kit and stay well hydrated before and after soaking. Avoid soaking alone for extended periods, particularly late at night when the site is unstaffed.
