Whether you’re rolling in from St George in the East or Bourke in the South, prepare to travel slow and enjoy some of the best stargazing on the planet. This trip is all about slowing down—where the biggest decision you’ll make is which artesian tub has the best sunset view.

Days 1–3: The “Digital Detox” Station Stay

Pick your base and go unpowered for a true outback immersion.

  • Charlotte Plains: A working sheep station where you can soak in one of 14 outdoor artesian baths. Don’t miss the 2-3 hour self-drive audio tour narrated by owner Robyn Russell—it’s like having a local legend in your passenger seat.
  • Francvillers Station: For those craving total seclusion. Fire up your own wood-fired bath, catch a few yabbies for dinner, and enjoy having no neighbours for miles.
  • Ticklemans Gardens: Park your van right on the banks of the Warrego River. It’s a fisherman’s paradise (Yellow Belly and Cod!) with kayaks available if you want to float the 3km billabong.
  • Alroy Station: Famous for its massive outdoor tubs and “tin shed luxury”. They even deliver firewood to your camp every afternoon—perfect for that evening “bush telly” (the campfire).
  • Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary: A world-renowned “twitcher” (birdwatching) hotspot. Over 200 bird species call this 14,000-hectare reserve home, including the iconic Pink Cockatoo.

Days 4–7: Cunnamulla – The Hot Springs Hub

Time to hit “refresh.” Head into town (an average of a 45-minute drive depending on your chosen station stay) and snag a powered site at the Cunnamulla Tourist Park, The Cunnamulla Cabins and Van Park or the riverside Warrego Riverside Caravan Park.

Day 4: History & Holograms

  • Selfie Time: Grab a photo with the iconic Cunnamulla Fella statue outside the Visitor Centre and then time to pick our brains with answers to all the questions that you ever wanted to know.
  • Artesian Time Tunnel, Art Gallery and Museum. Spend a couple of hours or million years, exploring history and gain a better understanding of the waters you have been bathing, swimming or fishing in.
  • Taste of the Outback Grab some lunch in town try a great meat pie, home-made cakes, barista coffee or even a world famous camel burger
  • The First Soak: Organise a 3-day pass at the Cunnamulla Hot Springs and have your first evening soak in one of the many wellness pools.
  • Back to you van for drinks around the campfire with your new neighbours and a great night’s sleep after the day exploring and soaking

Day 5: Fire, Ice, and Outback Pubs

  • Fresh Food People Head into town in the morning, to restock on milk, fresh bread, fruit, veggies, butcher sausages and see what specials you can find at one of the 3 local supermarkets.
  • The Heritage Trail: Wander the 150-year-old history of the town on a self-guided walk.
  • Fire & Ice: At the springs, try the contrast therapy—moving from the hot pools to the 10°C cold plunge. It’s better than a double espresso for waking you up!
  • Hobby Time: Back to your van for some lunch and then the afternoon can be spent in the Springs, Fishing in the Warrego, Birdwatching at the Bushlands or just an afternoon siesta if that is more your style
  • Soak and Savour. Dinner: Back to the Cunnamulla Hot Springs for a quick sunset soak and listen to the birds coming home to roost in the trees. Shower and throw on your best thongs for dinner in one of the great pubs or hotels in town.

Day 6: Tall Tales & Zen Vibes

  • Me time: Plenty of options this morning; a dip at the Hot Springs, take a trip down to the weir and catch some yabbies for lunch, book a massage in town, join in a paint and sip experience, have a wander around the shops for some outback gifts.
  • BBQ Lunch: Use one of the free bbq’s in centenary park to cook up those yabbies, some camel sausages or great meat from the local butchers
  • All Aboard!: Head to the old Railway Station for a 3D sound and light show hosted by a cheeky holographic Station Master.
  • The Oculus Pool: Back to the Hot Springs for your last soak of your three day pass. Try out the acoustics in the Occulus Pool or just lay pack in the relaxation room and Zen Chi your stresses away.
  • Barefoot Bowls: If you have picked the right night, finish your evening off at the bowls club with some barefoot bowls, grab some take away from the local pub, or if you had too many yabbies for lunch just a nice cheese platter around the open fire back at your caravan.

Day 7: Eulo – Getting Muddy

  • New Stars: Pack up and drive to Eulo (approx. 40 mins) and book in for an incredible low cost stay at the Eulo Queen Hotel Caravan Park
  • Mud Bath Magic: You haven’t done Eulo properly until you’ve slathered yourself in 20,000-year-old mineral mud at the Artesian Mud Baths. It’s rugged, relaxing, and usually comes with a glass of bubbles.
  • Explore: Take a slow wander around town visit the Eulo Queen Opal Centre , Handmade Leather Shop, Opal Jewellery workshop and see lots of handmade arts and crafts.
  • It’s been a busy few days: Time for some lunch and a little afternoon relax, you deserve a rest after some busy days exploring
  • Dinner with the Eulo Queen Enjoy a meal and couple of drinks at the historic Eulo Queen Hotel.

 

Day 8: Yowah – The Opal Heart

  • Time to go nuts: Head to Yowah (approx. 60 mins from Eulo), the “opal heart” of the shire.
  • Pick before you pick: Choose either the Free Camp in town or grab another cheap night at the Artesian Waters Caravan Park
  • Fossicking: Grab a permit and try your luck at the public fossicking area. You might just find your own “Yowah Nut” (a local opal specialty).
  • Bore Bath on a Budget: The town’s artesian baths are only $5 entry—possibly the best value soak in Australia.
  • What’s for dinner?: Dinner at the Hungry Miner, Yowah Café or just grab some supplies from the local Friendly Grocer for a low cost cook up at your van.

Day 9: Yowah & Wyandra – The Beach in the Bush

  • Is today your lucky day?: Have another go at fossicking, you never know your luck in what you could find.
  • Hidden Gem: If you haven’t been lucky take a drive around Yowah and browse the gems of those that have.
  • Clean off that red dust: Take another soak in the towns artesian spa baths, before you pack up and head off to Wyandra. This is the longest drive of the whole time in our shire but still only 258km!
  • Accommodation Options: Set up camp at the Wyandra Caravan Park – one of the most pet friendly caravan parks in Qld or pick at spot at the Wyandra Free Camp
  • Heritage Walk: Discover Wyandra’s history as a railway town on the self-guided trail.
  • “The Beach”: Yes, the outback has a beach! Head to the Warrego River for a picnic or a final cast of the fishing line.
  • Post Office Treasure: Pop into the Post Office General Store—it’s a local treasure trove where you can find almost anything. It’s just like fossicking, you never know what you may find.
  • The dinner menu: There’s two great options for dinner at the Wyandra Pub or Caravan Park or just cook up any leftovers in the fridge!

Day 10: Onwards to Charleville

Pack up slowly and say goodbye to your new camp mates. It’s only a short 97km drive up to Charleville to continue your outback odyssey.

 

 

Travel Stats:

  • Total Driving: Approx. 470km (very fuel-friendly!).
  • Accommodation: Ranges from Free to $50/night.
  • Best Time to Visit: April to September (Winter months) is peak season for shows and comfort.