Cunnamulla on the Warrego: Thermal Pools and Town History

Cunnamulla lies on the Warrego River in far western Queensland and is part of Paroo Shire. If you’re looking for a hotel in Cunnamulla, you can plan your stay around a range of themes: geothermal mineral pools by the river, railway history, historic buildings and shops, and exhibitions about art, culture and the Great Artesian Basin. Consider whether you’d like to focus on a walking tour of the town, railway history or the Hot Springs; each offers a different experience.

Thermal Pools and River Scenery

The Cunnamulla Hot Springs on the Warrego River feature geothermal mineral pools, a cold-water pool, a sauna and a steam room. Alongside the geothermal pools, there’s also a cold-water pool, sauna and steam room. The offering also includes a Body Clay Ritual: Australian clays are applied to the skin and then washed off under a mineral shower. The ritual’s availability may change. If you’re planning to take part, check what’s on offer before your visit.

The Warrego River Walk starts at the Cunnamulla Hot Springs and follows the Warrego’s eastern bank. It crosses the Darby Land Bridge and then passes over black floodplains and through natural river channels. The route takes you from a particular stretch of riverbank across a bridge and on to floodplains and natural channels; unlike a visit to the pools, here the changing course shapes your view of the Warrego.

Town History in Two Ways

Cunnamulla All Aboard is a 3D sound and light spectacular celebrating the town’s railway history and its location at the “end of the line”. The Cunnamulla Heritage Trail, by contrast, is a self-guided walk past historic buildings and shops. Additional information is available via QR codes and a brochure.

If you’re choosing between the two, All Aboard focuses on the railway, while the Heritage Trail turns your attention to buildings and shops. The experiences showcase different aspects of the town’s history: a railway production on one hand, and a walk through the historic streetscape on the other.

Exhibitions, Museum and Gallery

At the Cunnamulla Visitor Centre, the Artesian Time Tunnel features interactive exhibitions and a film about the Great Artesian Basin, shown daily on request. The exhibitions and film have different focuses: the exhibitions are interactive, while the film is about the Great Artesian Basin.

The Regional Museum at the Cunnamulla Visitor Information Centre offers insights into the local culture, heritage and history of this part of Australia. Also at the Cunnamulla Visitor Information Centre, the Cunnamulla Regional Art Gallery displays works by artists from across Australia as well as local artists. The museum and gallery offer different perspectives: the museum focuses on cultural and historical topics, while the gallery showcases works by Australian and regional artists.

Seasonal Markets

The Cunnamulla Community Markets are held at Centenary Park on the second Sunday of each month during the tourism season, from April to September. They offer local produce and coffee as well as arts and crafts, art, jewellery, opals and plants. Products and coffee are available alongside art and other goods. If you’d like to plan your stay around a market day, check the event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Milton, Cassowary, Millaa Millaa, Goomboorian, Green Island, Daydream Island, Dingo, Marburg

For the overview of destinations in the wider region: Queensland.