Brewarrina Shire Council, Media Release, 4 March 2025
With March marking the official start of Autumn and unofficial start of the Great Outback tourist season, Brewarrina Shire Council is pleased to announce the Goodooga Great Artesian Baths are now officially back open.
The incredibly popular naturally hot, mineral rich Baths have contributed to a tourism boom for the remote community during the busy peak season, which runs from March to November.
The Baths had closed temporarily at the end of November last year for the very quiet summer period. During this time essential repairs and maintenance work was completed, ensuring the facility remained a top destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager said although it had been a hot start to Autumn, he was thrilled the fully accessible purpose-built facility was open, and Shire had already fielded calls from excited locals and travellers looking forward to visiting.
“This was the first off-season we have closed the Baths. During our scorching summer months, the appeal of a hot spring significantly diminishes. Recognising this, the decision to briefly close the Goodooga Baths during the off-season was the right move, from both a resource management and maintenance consideration, ensuring that the facility is in top condition for peak visitor times,” said Mr Kirby.
Mayor Tom Stanton, who also hails from Goodooga, said he was looking forward to the stream of visitors over the next six months that add a real buzz to his community.
“In the peak visitor period, we’ve been seeing upwards of 60 plus caravans and campers a night at the free camping area next to the Baths, which is huge for our village of just over 200 people,” said Councillor Stanton.
“I am excited to see the Baths back open, in time for the busy Easter and school holiday period and pleased the essential repairs and maintenance were completed without impacting visitors.”
The Goodooga Great Artesian Baths are renowned for their healing properties and the unique experience they offer. The facility is open 24 hours a day, allowing guests to soak in the mineral-rich waters at their convenience. The on-site, free camping area provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the serene environment.
Artesian baths have long been celebrated for their therapeutic benefits, including improving circulation, alleviating joint pain, and promoting relaxation. The mineral-rich waters of the Goodooga Great Artesian Baths draw visitors from far and wide, seeking both physical and mental rejuvenation.
The Baths are also set to benefit from a million-dollar windfall from the Federal Government, after it was announced last week Brewarrina Shire Council had successfully secured $1 million in Active Transport Funding for the design and construction of a multi-use pathway connecting Goodooga town centre with the Baths. Solar lighting, shaded rest areas with seating, water fountains, cultural wayfinding signage celebrating the region’s Aboriginal heritage and traffic calming measures will also be incorporated.
“This funding is an exciting opportunity for our community, which will not only help connect our most popular tourist attraction with town but help our locals get around safely and more easily,” concluded Councillor Stanton.
