Imagining Outback Australia, I pictured red dirt, long straight roads and sparse vegetation, I never envisioned streams of hot artesian mineral water, and yet that is exactly the situation at Charlotte Plains in South West Queensland.
Charlotte Plains Station was originally a property of approximately 155,920 hectares (385,280 acres) and was established in in the 1860s.
By 1914 there were more than 67,000 head of sheep on the property producing nearly 1500 bales of wool. In 1923 the property was purchased by the Nagel family, which 98 years later still own the property to this day, with Robyn Russell (nee Nagel) the current owner.
The station now covers a mere 27,000 hectares, which is still half the size of
Singapore!
Where does the hot mineral water come from?
In 1892 Charlotte Plains Station sunk a bore into the Great Artesian Basin to a depth of 561m.
This largest and deepest artesian basin in the world, the Great Artesian Basin stretches over 1,700,000 square kilometres (660,000 sq mi), with measured
water temperatures ranging from 30–100 °C (86–212 °F).
In Charlotte Plains the water exits the bore-head at approximately 42C, and is full of minerals absorbed by the water in the underground basin and is utterly delightful to soak in.
Soak in the tubs or in the stream?
There are numerous hot tubs to chose from, all situated near the side of the bore stream.
Or you may prefer sitting directly in the stream.... or playing in it. There a typically a few small sit-on kayaks available to use.
The temperature of the water coming directly out of the bore-head is almost too hot to enjoy being in directly. I did manage a few short stints under the bore-head in the cool of dawn. The water pounding on shoulders is so relaxing.
Dawn in the tubs
Join me here below as I trail using my drone for the 1st time to share with you dawn in the tubs.
I think every day should begin with watching the sun rise.
Camping at Charlotte Springs
The main camp site is 'Bush Camping' next to the artesian bore. There are two flush toilets & showers plus several fire pits and that is about it for facilities, unless you count all the hot tubs of course.
The station offers powered camp sites and cabins, but they are located further in the property, a solid 8kms or so away from the bore-head along farm tracks.
Camp sites are not designated - take your choice of available sites when you arrive. We chose to camp under trees a short distance from the stream to maximise potential shade, but a lot of campers set up directly adjacent to the stream.
The site can accommodate a lot of campers, there were approx. 35 caravans & camper trailers on site over Easter weekend and there was still space for more.
Sites are level and mostly on dirt, or if you visit after recent rain as I did you can expect some greenery. Note - the area has been drought affected for over 10 years, so there is a lot of barren soil.... it is still incredibly beautiful though despite this.
Exploring the farm
Access via red dirt tracks, so if it rains be prepared to either not be able to get to the bore-head, or to not be able to get out.
The red dirt dries quickly, but you most certainly do not want to be driving through any red dirt puddles = bog.
The Station uses channel 26 (from what I understand) so you may be able to communicate with them if in need, but the risk you place yourself under by driving over boggy ground is entirely yours.
Robyn offers farm tours which you can book in advance or speak to her directly about them on the day.
Easter Monday she was doing her rounds of the camp when we invited her to join us for hot-cross buns and a cuppa, wonderful to spend time with her chatting and learning about her and the station's history. She is a wonderful host.
Walking/Biking/Exploring
Bring your bike with you when you visit Charlotte Plains.
The farm trails are fun to cycle.
I didn't have my bike with me, so I explored by foot instead, which I really enjoyed, clocking up 3 x 8kms walks during my time there.
Frogs
I adore falling asleep to the sounds of frogs and sleeping outside I was able to hear their calls through the night.
The frogs are everywhere, in the stream, the tubs (when not in use), the toilet cistern... but are harmless and so wonderful to see.
Emu
I was fortunate enough to spot a mob of Emu while out walking with my fellow camper Stacy one morning.... and had my drone with me, join me as I share the brief footage here below - brief because I backed off to not annoy the emu too much.
Images
So many images from my time there, here are a few more to wet your appetite for a visit to this wonderful destination.
Do I recommend visiting Charlotte Plains?
Most certainly yes. In fact I am heading back there for anther 4 day visit shortly !
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