Lara Wetlands thermal pool, Australia

What it is

Lara Wetlands is a private cattle-station camping property south of Barcaldine that also offers a controlled artesian thermal swimming waterhole on site. This is not a town bathhouse and it’s not a public reserve. The operator is clear that it’s private property, you check in on arrival and fees apply for both camping and day visits. The thermal waterhole is provided as a swimming area alongside a broader wetland sanctuary setting with lots of birdlife.

What makes it distinct

The mix is unusual: a warm, controlled thermal dip paired with big-sky wetland camping and wildlife watching. It’s a place where you can soak, then sit quietly and watch the water and birds change through the day. You come here for the whole property feel, not just a single pool.

Read this before you bring kids

The operator repeatedly flags open water hazards and requires close child supervision. This can be a great family stop for confident campers, but it only works if adults stay switched on around water and do not treat it like a fenced aquatic centre.

Where it is

Lara Wetlands is on the Landsborough Highway in the Barcaldine region, Queensland, commonly described as about 28 km south of Barcaldine. The property is in the rural locality of Patrick and is reached by vehicle with no hike required once you arrive. Because it is private property, you must stop at the office on arrival, as the operator states this is a condition of entry.

Day visits, fees, and arrival flow

The operator publishes day-visitor hours and fees: day visitors can visit between 8am and 5pm, with a per-person day fee. Camping fees and office hours are also published, and the operator notes no EFTPOS at times, so plan to bring a payment method that matches their current advice.

What to bring

Bring swimwear, a towel, and footwear with grip for wet ground. Pack drinking water and sun protection, plus insect repellent for dusk. If you are camping, bring lighting, and pack rubbish out, the operator’s rules are explicit about waste and what you must take with you. Keep soaps and detergents out of the thermal waterhole. If you are travelling with kids, bring float-safe supervision habits, not just pool toys.

Who it suits best

This suits campers and caravanners who want a warm-water dip as part of an off-grid station stay. It also suits birders and slow travellers who enjoy sitting quietly near water. Families can enjoy it, but only if adults are prepared to supervise closely around open water and manage risk like you would at a dam, not like you would at a public pool.

Mobility and access reality

No verified wheelchair access details are published for entering the thermal waterhole itself, and natural-style edges can be uneven and slippery. Plan for soft ground, wet surfaces, and a setting that prioritises “bush camping” over built accessibility. If step-free water entry is essential, contact the operator directly before you visit and ask specific questions about the easiest approach and entry points.

Expectations vs reality

This is not a spa. You will likely be sharing the space with other campers and day visitors, and the wetland environment means open water is everywhere, not just in the thermal area. The best visits are unhurried: soak briefly, cool down, then spend time enjoying the wetlands instead of chasing the “perfect” amount of hot-springs time.

Open water and child supervision

The operator explicitly warns there are open water sources on the property and requires children to be supervised at all times. Treat that as the core safety rule. Keep kids within arm’s reach near water, and do not let them roam while adults are soaking or distracted.

Heat, hydration, and pacing

Even when the water feels comfortable, warm soaking can leave you dehydrated and tired. Bring water, take breaks, and cool down out of the water. If you feel lightheaded, get out and rest. In the outback, you do not want to start a long drive while overheated.

Etiquette that keeps the property working

Check in as required, follow office hours guidance, and respect the site’s rules around rubbish and drones. Keep noise modest near other camps. Photos should stay focused on your group. Use designated swimming areas rather than entering wetlands where the operator says no swimming. It goes best when visitors treat it like someone’s working property, because it is.

Leave the water clean

Keep soaps and detergents out of the thermal waterhole. Rinse off away from the water where practical. Pack out what you bring in, especially plastics and bags, as the operator’s waste rules are strict for a reason.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes. Lara Wetlands is private property and the operator publishes day-visitor fees (day visits between 8am and 5pm with a per-person charge), plus separate camping fees for overnight stays.

Is it family friendly?

It can be, if you supervise properly. The operator repeatedly warns about open water hazards and requires children to be supervised at all times. If that is not your travel style, this is not the right stop.

Do I need to book?

Policies can vary by season and demand. The operator publishes office hours and check-in requirements and notes their Facebook page is their best method for up-to-date information. Check current guidance before you arrive.

What should I wear?

Swimwear for the thermal swimming waterhole, plus footwear with grip for wet ground. Bring a towel and a warm layer for evenings.