Moree's iconic hot springs have reopened after almost two years

Time to dive back into Moree’s iconic hot springs. Here’s all you need to know.

Renowned as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia, Moree has been without its biggest tourism and wellness asset for almost two years. But no longer. The Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre is back in action this month.

Blessed to be sitting on top of the therapeutic Great Artesian Basin, these hot springs were discovered at this site in 1895. They feed the town of Moree (and other surrounding towns) with mineral-rich water at temperatures of 34-41°C (which is why you’ll want to visit a dedicated site where the temperatures are cooled to swimable levels). Not only does it just feel really nice to take a long bath, but the mineral water has also long been believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair. What more could you want from a swim?

So why was this amazing asset closed? For a $3.223 million redevelopment, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments, alongside Moree Plains Shire Council. Although the closure was never meant to take so long, something that the mayor acknowledged, she reiterated that it was essential to make sure the work was done properly after years of recurring issues.

“Witnessing the joy in the faces of families and visitors taking in the waters has been such a reward for our Councillors and team, following the reinstatement of one of the key jewels in the Moree Plains’ crown," said Moree’s Mayor, Cr Susannah Pearse.

“The artesian water has been a part of Moree’s identity since 1895. The love of artesian water and its thermal properties is a worldwide phenomenon, and we are so very lucky to have it here, beneath our feet".

What is the Great Artesian Basin?

front of Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre — Step into bathing heaven, thanks to the Great Artesian Basin. (Credit: Destination NSW)

The Great Artesian Basin is a bit of a wonder all on its own. Covering 1.7 million square kilometres beneath 22 per cent of Australia (spanning parts of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory), it’s the world’s largest and deepest underground freshwater resource.

Storing about 64,900 million megalitres, this millions-of-years-old water is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and silica, which is great for swimming, of course. But it’s also a vital water source for pastoral, agricultural and town supplies.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

What to expect at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre pool — The new and improved centre is open for business. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) is a state-of-the-art aquatic centre offering multiple indoor and outdoor pools using water from the Great Artesian Basin. Originally opened in 1923 to commemorate those who served in the First World War, renovations started in 2021 to bring the structure up to modern building standards and make it what it is today.

The two newly reopened Active Thermal Pool and Passive Thermal Pool both have water maintained at a relaxing 39-41°C. The cooler Program Pool sits at a milder average of 25°C. There’s a waterslide that is operational on weekends and limited hours during the school holiday period (for an extra fee). Additionally, there is a Wellness Pool, which is a private booking space with a separate entrance and fee.

Are there other artesian pools you can visit in Moree?

aerial of moree — Find more thermal pools around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Operating since 1979, Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort offers five artesian pools to motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

Really soak it all in by choosing from the resort’s range of accommodation, including one- and two-bedroom motel units, cabins, villas and caravan powered sites.

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The details

How do you get to Moree?

Moree is in the New England region, approximately a seven-hour drive from Sydney and 5.5 hours from Brisbane. Qantas operate regular flights between Sydney and Moree.

Do you need to book?

Due to popularity, booking accommodation in advance is recommended.

How much does it cost to visit Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre?

Casual entry fees for non-locals are $9 for adults and $7 for kids (children under three have free entry).

Where can you find out more?

Find out more information via the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre website.

From country landscapes to the coast, Vintage Rail Journeys blends the grandeur of the golden age of rail travel with immersive local experiences.

Travelling aboard the historic Southern Aurora train is the ultimate scenic journey through regional NSW. Operated by Vintage Rail Journeys, the former Southern Aurora is a step back in time, from the lovingly restored carriages to the Off Train Experiences that spotlight local history, artisanal crafts and regional producers.

Once the overnight express that ferried passengers between Sydney and Melbourne throughout the 1960s, this train has been revived to its former mid-century glory, from the cabin layouts to the original lettering. Today, the train takes passengers on scenic and historic five-day journeys – starting and ending in Sydney – through three distinct regions of NSW: The Riverina, Golden West and North Coast.

Vintage Rail Journeys Southern Aurora train carriage — Be transported into the golden age of travel. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

One of the most magical parts of travelling with Vintage Rail Journeys is waking up on the train. Each night, the train stables at a station so guests can enjoy a restful night’s sleep in stillness, before departing again at dawn. Passengers awake to the gentle motion of the carriage, flicking open the blinds to watch the landscape unfold at sunrise. There is no better way to start the day.

The onboard experience come evening time is just as picturesque. Guests enjoy the all-inclusive food and beverages, nursing cocktails in the Art Deco-inspired lounge carriage or lingering over a three-course dinner in the dining carriage. Outside the window, Eastern grey kangaroos bound across open plains and flocks of cockatoos scatter from the gumtrees. It’s an old-world way of travelling, a slower pace that’s increasingly rare amid the frenzy of modern life. From coastal sojourns to adventures through agrarian landscapes, these are the multi-day Vintage Rail Journeys itineraries transporting guests back in time.

The Riverina

Vintage Rail Journeys Southern Aurora train travelling through nsw — Travel through the agricultural heartland of NSW. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

The Riverina is the agricultural heartland of NSW. Over five days, Vintage Rail Journeys takes passengers through the region to experience its celebrated produce, wines and local history. Travelling in a loop through the Central West, guests can sample sweets at the Junee Liquorice & Chocolate Factory, housed inside a former flour mill, tour an olive grove alongside a second-generation olive farmer, and enjoy tastings at family-owned wineries where the grapes are harvested mere metres away.

The Riverina is also a region shaped by passionate local historians. The Fairground Follies museum in Bowral houses one of the world’s largest collections of mechanical music and carnival memorabilia – a riot of colour and nostalgia tucked away where you’d least expect it. Meanwhile, Temora Rural Museum offers a glimpse into the history of everyday life in rural NSW. It’s home to the NSW & ACT Ambulance Museum (yes, a museum within a museum), packed with ambulances that span the past 120 years (including horse-drawn!). And seeing it all aboard a vintage train makes it feel not just like you’re visiting history, but living inside of it.

North Coast

This five-day journey is all about ocean views and slowing down in tune with the rhythm of coastal life. As you make your way north from Sydney, the water is never too far from sight, whether Vintage Rail Journeys is tracing the Gloucester River or travelling alongside sweeping stretches of coastline. You’ll want to sit by a window as the train passes through the Coffs Harbour region – it’s one of the most scenic stretches of the whole journey.

Guests can also disembark at Coffs Harbour to take in the beauty of the Great Dividing Range at the Forest Sky Pier – a surreal lookout point that looks like a runway disappearing into the sky. The train continues onward to Byron Bay, where guests can disembark to explore the iconic beach town at their own pace. And on the return journey to Sydney, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins – they’re known to frequent the Kooragang Wetlands near Newcastle, which guests visit on a lunch cruise on the final day.

Golden West

winery experience in new south wales — Jump off the train for a winery experience. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

Travelling through the Golden West by rail is like stepping into a Frederick McCubbin painting – a nod to the golden era of rail travel. This five-day journey evokes the era of Australian Impressionism, passing through some of the country’s most painterly landscapes while tracing a path through history.

Starting in Sydney, the train makes its way to the Hawkesbury River, where the train crosses a historic rail bridge over the bronze, glassy waters below. Guests disembark here to cruise the brackish inlet aboard a historic postal boat before returning to the train to continue into Gold Rush country. Ahead lie grand heritage towns and historic estates, including the 1870s Abercrombie House in Bathurst.

Special event journeys

meal onboard Vintage Rail Journeys Southern Aurora train — Enjoy all-inclusive dining and beverages on the way to special events. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

Regional NSW is home to some truly one-of-a-kind events, and Vintage Rail Journeys offers a memorable way to get there. Planning a trip to the Bathurst Repco 1000? Vintage Rail Journeys’ special itinerary combines accommodation, dining and transport into one seamless experience. Guests take the scenic route to Bathurst, where the train becomes a unique home base for the event, complete with transfers, all-inclusive dining and beverages, and three days of reserved grandstand seating before returning to Sydney Central Station.

For something a little more playful, guests can also join fellow Elvis enthusiasts on a special overnight journey to Parkes for the town’s iconic annual Elvis Festival. It’s a vintage rail journey – with a little added rock ‘n’ roll.

Step back into the golden age of rail travel at vintagerailjourneys.com.au.

Moree’s iconic hot springs have reopened after almost two years

Time to dive back into Moree’s iconic hot springs. Here’s all you need to know.

What is the Great Artesian Basin?

What to expect at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Are there other artesian pools you can visit in Moree?