When the spring sunshine spills across the wide, golden plains of north-west NSW, Moree is the place to be. Known for its naturally heated artesian waters, this friendly country town serves up the perfect recipe for a long weekend of lazy soaks, rich art and culture, and a few quirky surprises along the way. So, grab your swimmers, your sunnies and a good book, and get ready to unwind with our three-day itinerary.
Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre
In Moree, the best accommodation comes with its own artesian water, and plenty of it. For a proper spa-town experience, The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation has an outdoor artesian pool plus six indoor artesian spas. Water babies will be in heaven at Gwydir Thermal Springs Carapark and Motel, where five artesian pools range from a gentle 34°C to a toasty 39°C, including a 25-metre lap pool, should you feel a sudden and alarming urge to exercise on holiday. If you’re watching the budget, the Artesian Spa Motel sits on five acres of grounds and comes with private access to its own artesian pool.
If you’re sensing a theme here, you’re not wrong. In Moree, asking whether your accommodation has a pool is a bit like asking whether the pub has beer. The town sits on top of the Great Artesian Basin, one of the largest underground water reserves in the world, and that naturally warm, mineral-rich water has been luring travellers here for more than a century. Locals will tell you it’s good for everything from aching joints to a bad week at work, and after a soak or two, you’ll probably agree.
And if you think your motel pool is impressive? Just wait until you see the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, the perfect place to kick off your weekend. Here, mineral pools sit between 38°C and 41°C. Kids will love the waterslide (it opens on weekends over summer, so save that one for your next trip), while wellness fanatics can sweat it out in a group fitness class or make a splash at aqua aerobics. When you’re thoroughly soaked, take a wander down the main street to admire Moree’s beautiful Art Deco buildings, then head to the Moree Golf Club as the afternoon light turns golden. Grab a drink and a table on the deck, because the sunsets here are seriously worth it.
The next morning is all about art and culture. Kick things off at BAMM (Bank Art Museum Moree), housed in one of the town’s grand heritage buildings, before wandering through the Aboriginal Art Trail at Jellicoe Park to discover the rich stories and creativity of the region’s First Nations artists. Refuel over lunch at a local favourite like Brooker Trading Co, Cafe Omega or 61 Balo, which all serve up great coffee and fresh bites. Then hit the road for Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area, a peaceful and culturally significant landscape that’s well worth the drive. After a big day of exploring, keep the evening low-key, because there’s nothing quite like one more dip in the warm waters under the stars. But if you’d rather stay dry, the Moree Services Club and Maslina Bistro both dish up relaxed, generous meals with plenty of country hospitality on the side.
BAMM (Bank Art Museum Moree)
Terry Hie Hie Cultural Area
On your final day, brunch at the Amaroo Tavern is a must. It’s home to the famous Big Plane (and yeah, you’ll want a photo), and its beer garden is hard to leave once you’ve settled in. Alternatively, take the scenic Back Pally Road to the village of Pallamallawa and pull up a chair at the Pally Pub for a classic country lunch. Back in Moree, stretch your legs afterwards with an easy stroll along the Mehi River. And if you still can’t get enough of those hot springs, keep chasing them out to the Boomi Artesian Pool or the Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, about an hour north of Moree through picturesque farmland.
Amaroo Tavern
Healing waters, great art, golden sunsets and a plane in a beer garden. Honestly, what more could you want from a long weekend? Pack your swimmers – Moree’s got the rest covered!
