Chasing Warm Waters and Big Feeds
We kicked off our Northern NSW thermal pool tour with a dip at Burren Junction, and it was just the kind of stop we needed. Tucked within a quiet campground and surrounded by open skies, the hot thermal pool here bubbles up at a steady 41 degrees — perfect for a cool, grey day. There’s a wonderfully unpretentious charm to it all - locals soaking, travellers chatting over the fence, and steam rising lazily into the outback air. We stayed long enough to turn delightfully wrinkly and left feeling looser in the shoulders and lighter in spirit.
From Burren, we made the short drive to Rowena, a tiny blip on the map that packs a punch when it comes to hospitality. The Rowena Pub delivered the goods with huge country-style meals that almost defeated even our healthy appetites. Schnitzel, gravy, chips and grilled barra and a side of good-natured banter from the staff. It’s the kind of place where everyone’s treated like a local and no one leaves hungry. This overnight stay was perfect to wait out the overnight rain before hitting the road again.
The next leg of our journey took us down slick country roads, dodging puddles, mud splatters, and a cows being drove down the road. We rolled into Lightning Ridge with mud on the tyres and the heater cranked, ready to dry out and settle in for a few days. But that’s a story for next time.
This leg of the trip reminded us just how good the road can feel when you let go of schedules and just soak it all in — literally and figuratively. The thermal pools of the north are calling, and we’re ready for the next dip.
Exploring the unbeaten paths of Australia, one adventure at a time! 🌿 Follow along as we uncover hidden gems, tackle rugged terrains, and embrace the thrill of exploring offbeat destinations. 🚙💨
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A roadside rescue, a closed pub, and a peaceful night in St Lawrence. Our trip from Rockhampton to Mackay was a reminder to slow down, lend a hand, and savour the road’s unexpected moments.