Relax and replenish in these Queensland outdoor bathtubs

If there’s one thing Queenslanders are good at, it’s relaxing and taking things slow (even its cities are famously laid-back). So it’s no surprise to learn that Queensland is home to countless properties where a long, leisurely soak in an outdoor bathtub is the star attraction.

Thanks to the state’s balmy temperatures and mild weather, bathing outdoors isn’t just a treat confined to summer. From the reef-and-rainforest-fringed coast all the way to the star-studded skies of the Queensland Outback, here are seven al fresco bathing experiences where serenity comes as standard, all year round.  Get ready to immerse your senses and soothe your soul, Queensland-style.

Heal your body and mind in the Outback  

If bathing in mineral-rich waters under a desert sunset is your jam, pack your bags and head to North West Queensland for a hydrotherapy session with a difference.

Drive 650km west of Townsville (or 1600 km north-west of Brisbane) to reach the remote country town of Julia Creek. Check yourself into the Julia Creek Caravan Park where guests have exclusive access to the property’s famous artesian bath houses: six private outdoor huts featuring his and hers claw-footed bathtubs overlooking the red outback plains. 

Fed from freshwater bores 900 metres deep and laced with sulphur, calcium and magnesium, locals claim the naturally-heated waters of Julia Creek have ancient healing powers. Drop your bathrobe, pour yourself a glass of Queensland red (don’t forget to order a cheese platter from reception) and find out for yourself if the rumours are true.

Splash in ancient waters on a rural farm stay

Julia Creek’s not the only place you can experience the therapeutic effects of artesian bore water, thanks to Queensland’s location atop of the Great Artesian Basin. At nearly 1.7 million square metres, it’s one of the largest underground freshwater resources in the world and capable of holding close to 65 million litres of water (now that’s a lot of baths). 

Head south east towards Longreach in Central Queensland for a dip in the treetop artesian bath at Shandonvale Station, a working cattle farm and idyllic rural homestead.  Soak your cares away, spend the night in a 100 year old refurbished shearer’s cottage, then awake to a country-style breakfast of locally-sourced produce.

Venture even further south to Charlotte Plains in Cunnamulla for a country camping experience on an outback sheep station. Bring the kids and watch them frolic in the natural artesian water park that’s been created by the station’s owners. Sip an ice cold beer from your outdoor bathtub while your little ones splash in the bore water fountains and paddle in the naturally-heated lagoon below. 

Wind down in luxury on a country homestead 

Want to amp up the luxury factor without losing the authentic outback vibe? Pack your Akubra  and make for Gilberton Outback Retreat in Far North Queensland: a quintessential country station packed with rural charm. Pass the day exploring the property (you can even help muster cattle), then spend an hour submerged in the soothing waters of your private balcony bathtub. Watch the stars rise and your stress levels fall, enveloped by the sights and sounds of the bush. 

For a day spa experience with a country Aussie twist, book yourself into Saltbush Retreat in the Outback hub of Longreach. Check-in to your rustic cabin then head straight for the Outdoor Bath Terrace and your open-air, claw-footed bathtub. Treat yourself to the pamper pack (which includes comfy slippers, loafers, chocolates and, of course, bath salts) and enjoy the natural beauty of the great outdoors with all the comforts of home.

Bathe in your own private patch of rainforest   

Imagine a long, soul-nourishing soak in your outdoor rainforest tub, as palm fronds sway and tropical birds flit in the treetops above. That’s just part of the daily grind at Paradise Cove Resort, an exclusive private estate on The Whitsundays Coast where you can while away the hours paddleboarding, wildlife-spotting and beachcombing in total privacy. To experience their outdoor bathhouse (voted one of the world’s top 10 most gorgeous bathrooms) you’ll need to book the Rainforest Retreat: a Balinese-style one bed villa with matching outdoor bathtubs and to-die-for views.

For romance and seclusion with a foodie flavour, set your destination to Spicer’s Tamarind Retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, less than 2 hours drive from Brisbane. Brush up on your culinary skills with a Thai cooking class in the property’s award-winning restaurant, sneak in a rejuvenating treatment at Spa Anise, then settle in to the rustic cedar hot tub on your private deck and take in the sweeping views of the Maleny hinterland (there’s just enough room for two).

Looking for more ways to unwind and disconnect on your next Queensland holiday? Check out this list of slow travel experiences for inspiration.