Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths is a popular destination known for its natural hot springs and baths. Located in New South Wales, this peaceful location is perfect for travelers who want to relax and recharge.
People are attracted to the mineral-rich waters of Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths because of their healing properties. The calm environment makes it even more appealing, offering a great escape from the busy city life. Whether you want to unwind or explore the beautiful surroundings, Pilliga has something for everyone.
| Cost: $5 a night (pay at cafe in town) | |
| Address: Piliga Narabri Road, Piliga NSW 2388 | GPS: See map below |
| Toilets: Yes (Male / Female flushing) | Showers: Yes |
| Camp Fires: Yes (BYO firewood) | Max Stay: Unlimited |
| Road Access: Good | Water: Yes, not potable |
| Number of Sites: 40+ | Power Available: No |
| Dog Friendly: Yes | Big Rigs: Yes |
If you’re planning a trip to Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths, there are other hidden gems in New South Wales that you can explore as well:
- Armidale: Discover unique attractions, get travel tips, and enjoy delicious food in this charming city.
- Dubbo: Experience adventure and excitement in this lively city through wildlife encounters, historical tours, and serene gardens.
These places will make your trip to New South Wales even more memorable.
Exploring Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths
Getting There
Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths is conveniently accessible from several nearby towns, making it an attractive destination for travelers. Here’s how you can reach this serene retreat.
Directions from Narrabri
- Start in Narrabri: Head southeast on the Newell Highway (A39).
- Turn onto Pilliga Road: After about 15 km, take a left turn onto Pilliga Road.
- Continue Straight: Follow Pilliga Road for approximately 81 km.
- Arrive at the Baths: The entrance to the Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths will be on your right, located 2 km east of Pilliga on Piliga Narabri Road.
Directions from Wee Waa
- Start in Wee Waa: Drive south on the Kamilaroi Highway (B51).
- Turn onto Wee Waa-Pilliga Road: After about 23 km, take a left turn onto Wee Waa-Pilliga Road.
- Follow the Road: Continue straight for around 32 km.
- Reach Your Destination: You’ll find the entrance to the baths on Piliga Narabri Road.
Accommodation Options
Camping at Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths offers a unique experience under the stars, with several amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
- Free Camping Areas: Visitors can enjoy free camping close to the baths, with no booking required.
- Facilities Provided:
- Toilets: Clean and well-maintained toilet facilities are available onsite.
- Showers: Hot showers are provided for campers’ convenience.
- Fire Pits: Unlimited campfires are allowed, although it’s recommended to bring your own firewood.
Specific guidelines ensure everyone has a pleasant stay:
- The site is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along.
- Suitable for large vehicles such as RVs and big rigs, making it accessible for all types of travelers.
Pilliga Bore Baths also has upgraded facilities including new BBQ areas and expanded camping pads since 2011.
For those looking for more structured accommodation:
- The Pilliga Pub, located just 3 km from the baths, offers meals and refreshments alongside accommodation options.
- A general store in Pilliga provides essential supplies but note that its hours may vary and there is no fuel available.
This ensures that whether you’re a camper or prefer more traditional lodging, there’s something to suit your needs when visiting this rejuvenating spot.
Accommodation Options
Camping at Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths offers a unique and immersive experience for those looking to stay close to nature. The location, nestled in the heart of the Pilliga Forest along Piliga Narabri Road, is ideal for travelers coming from Narrabri or Wee Waa.
Camping Facilities:
- Visitors can enjoy free camping within designated areas.
- The site provides basic facilities such as toilets, showers, and fire pits. These amenities ensure that campers have a comfortable stay despite the rustic setting.
- The campsite is dog-friendly and accommodates large vehicles like RVs, making it accessible for various types of travelers.
Key Guidelines for Campers:
- Available onsite, ensuring hygiene and convenience.
- Unlimited campfires are allowed, although visitors must bring their own firewood.
- A nominal fee of $5 per night per site is charged. Payment should be made in cash.
- Campers can stay up to 4 nights, allowing ample time to explore the area.
Staying at Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths ensures a blend of rustic charm and necessary conveniences, offering an excellent base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
Soaking in Relaxation
The Healing Power of the Hot Springs
The Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths offer a unique opportunity to experience the therapeutic benefits of soaking in mineral-rich water. Known for its potential health properties, these natural hot springs provide a serene and rejuvenating environment.
Therapeutic Benefits
1. Mineral-Rich Water
The water at Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths is known for its high mineral content, which may include magnesium, calcium, and sulfate. These minerals are reputed to aid in muscle relaxation, joint pain relief, and skin health.
2. Heat Therapy
The naturally heated water can help improve circulation and promote relaxation. Many visitors find that soaking in the warm baths helps to alleviate stress and tension.
3. Skin Health
Regular bathing in mineral-rich water is believed to benefit the skin. The minerals may help soothe irritated skin and promote healing.
Swimming and Relaxation
- The baths are covered with a roof, providing shade during the day and an opportunity for night-time swimming under lights. This allows visitors to enjoy the therapeutic waters irrespective of the weather conditions.
- With ample space around the pool area, you can unwind after your bath while taking in the tranquil surroundings.
“There’s nothing quite like sinking into warm, mineral-rich waters after a long day of travel.”
These baths have been a sanctuary for both locals and travelers alike, offering not just physical but also mental relaxation. The combination of natural warmth and mineral content creates an unparalleled spa-like experience right in the heart of nature. If you’ve ever wondered if hot springs truly have healing powers, studies have explored their potential benefits, further supporting the belief in their therapeutic properties.
Beyond the Baths
Discovering Nearby Attractions
Exploring beyond the soothing waters of Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths opens up a range of delightful experiences. One must-visit spot is Dangar Park, a scenic area perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. The park’s well-maintained paths and abundant greenery make it a relaxing retreat.
For those interested in delving deeper into the Narrabri Shire, stopping by the Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre is highly recommended. Located conveniently within the town, this centre provides a wealth of information about local attractions, events, and activities. Friendly staff can offer personalized recommendations to ensure you make the most of your visit.
Other Noteworthy Destinations
- Sawn Rocks: Known for its unique geological formations, this site offers fascinating rock columns that resemble organ pipes.
- Australia Telescope Compact Array: Astronomy enthusiasts will appreciate this world-renowned radio telescope facility that offers guided tours.
- Mt Kaputar National Park: A haven for nature lovers with its diverse landscapes, hiking trails, and breathtaking views.
By exploring these nearby attractions, visitors can enrich their experience in the Narrabri Shire region while enjoying everything Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths has to offer.
Planning Your Visit to Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths
Essential Information for Travelers
Making a booking at Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths is straightforward. While the site offers a primitive campground with basic facilities, visitors can choose from 40+ campsites, some of which are powered sites. It’s important to note that there is no caravan/RV dump point or potable water source at the campsite itself.
Booking Options:
- Onsite registration upon arrival
- $5 per night camping fee (cash preferred)
Campsite Facilities:
- Toilets and showers available
- Unlimited campfires (BYO firewood)
- Dog-friendly and suitable for large vehicles like RVs
Although the campsite provides essential amenities, it’s advisable to come prepared with necessary supplies. The nearest facilities, including accommodation and meals, can be found at Pilliga Pub, just 3km from the baths. Additionally, visitors should bring cash for any fees or charges as card payment options may be limited.
For those planning an extended stay, check out the local general store in Pilliga for basic needs, keeping in mind their variable hours and lack of fuel services. Those looking for powered sites should ensure they inquire upon arrival.
Always confirm availability and any updates on facilities before your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths.
Preserving the Natural Beauty
Conservation efforts are critical for maintaining the pristine environment of Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths. Visitors play a significant role in sustainable tourism by practicing responsible behavior during their stay.
- Avoid littering: Ensure all trash is properly disposed of in designated bins.
- Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance, avoid feeding them, and do not disturb their natural habitat.
- Minimize campfire impact: Use existing fire pits, bring your own firewood, and make sure fires are completely extinguished before leaving.
By following these guidelines, you help preserve the natural beauty of this unique destination for future visitors.
Conclusion
Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths offers a one-of-a-kind and refreshing experience, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature while benefiting from the healing properties of mineral-rich waters. The peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place to relax and escape from the busy city life.
By including a trip to this hidden treasure in your itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the rejuvenating hot springs and appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings.
Share this article with other travel enthusiasts who would love to discover off-the-beaten-path destinations like Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths.
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Nicky Martin
in the last weekOff the beaten track and includes wonderful sunsets! Man-made gated pool open 24hrs, soak under the stars! Low light and low noise and only $5 per night camping- access online.
Jenni “Pence” Schilling
2 months ago$5/night camp fee is paid online prior to arriving. Please support Pilliga by paying the fee even for a one night/day bathe. Our 2 night stay in Sept 2024 was lovely. Grounds dry. Peaceful nights with a small number of road users. About a dozen campers here, but the area could accommodate more. It just depends on if there has been rain or not. Some wood for sale for fires in your own pit. BBQ area clean and in good working order. Toilets are also good. The ?ranger/council worker came daily. The pool/bath is cleaned weekly on Mondays btwn 9am-1am according to sign. It's a nicely warm/hot temp about 37-39 degrees, I believe. There are small amounts of green algae around the sides of the pool, but the water is clear and clean and very relaxing. Thank you, Pilliga, for providing this facility for all to enjoy.
Jimbo
5 months agoPretty busy here on the 11/06/2024 Camp ground is affected by water at the moment so spaces are limited Pool is lovely very comfortable temperature for sitting. There is four (4) day limit on the time you can camp, but looks like a few are set up for longer & from the discussions in the pool, sounds like the Council does not enforce the 4 days. Some regular southerners are planning on staying 2 to 3 months. Rangers don't seem to come round too often to check on fee payments or length of stay, which is a shame as people abusing the local hospitality. For the services here $5 a night is a very small fee, similar services at show grounds etc are $15 to $30 per night.
Sandy Irwin
3 months agoI went the extra mile to visit this place. It was worth it. A nice little quaint Bore Bath setting with plenty of shade, picnic areas, toilets, plenty of parking space to park your camper vans. You can stay overnight also. Note a word of advice from a traveller. There are many pot holes from there through to Wee Waa and to Narrabri. Low lying areas are prone to flooding.
Timothy Temple-Watts.
5 months agoThe bath itself I can't complain about - having driven 9 hours and arriving at midnight - it was incredible to find the gate unlocked and to just soak. Finding the campground underwater was less ideal. Driving out back and seeing all the vans and cars parked every which way, without any consideration for anyone else - say a tent camper - is quite literally disgusting. It's a shame to need to suggest bays or designated areas, perhaps to request a designated section of the gravel to allow for tent campers should there be considerable rain in future.