Sunrise over the Bore Baths, 2006. Photograph by Sean Hardy.
Welcome to the Burren Junction Artesian Bore Baths
Just 3 km east of Burren Junction, the Artesian Bore Baths are a much-loved stop for travellers exploring north-west New South Wales. The naturally warm artesian water comes from the Great Artesian Basin, and the surrounding reserve offers a peaceful rural setting for camping, birdwatching and enjoying the wide-open skies.
Visitor Update – October 2026
Good news for travellers! Following a request from Burren Progress Inc., Walgett Shire Council has confirmed an extension to the availability of camping and amenities at the Burren Junction Bore Baths during the harvest period.
Camping: The camping area will remain open until Friday, 6 November 2026.
Hot Showers and Amenities: The newer amenities block, including hot showers, will remain open until Friday, 6 November 2026. The older amenities block will remain closed.
Artesian Bathing Pool: The bathing pool is closed for the season and will not operate during this extension. Council's published reopening date is April 2027.
These arrangements were confirmed by Walgett Shire Council on 8 October 2026. Please observe all signage at the site.
Experience the Artesian Waters
The Burren Junction bore was sunk in 1921 and has long been part of the district's history. Water rises naturally from deep within the Great Artesian Basin, with a reported temperature of approximately 41.5°C. The baths have welcomed generations of local residents and visitors.
The Burren Junction Artesian Bore Baths.
Camping and Facilities
The reserve offers unpowered camping for caravans, campervans and other travellers, with a large open area and basic visitor facilities. Council's published camping charge is $10 per night, subject to change. No powered camping sites are advertised.
Camping area and surrounding water storages.
Visitor amenities.
Facilities advertised by Council include toilets, showers, barbecue facilities and a dump point. The newer amenities block and camping area will remain open until 6 November 2026 under Council's confirmed extension. The older amenities block remains closed.
Birdwatching and the Wetlands
The water storages and surrounding vegetation attract a wide variety of birds. The ponds are a rewarding place to observe waterbirds and other local species, particularly in the cooler parts of the day. Please keep a respectful distance from nesting birds and stay clear of pond edges.
Birdwatchers can explore local bird observations recorded at the Burren Junction Bore Baths . The wider Burren Junction district also gained international birdwatching attention following a rare Grey-headed Lapwing sighting in 2006.
More Than a Century of History
The 1921 bore provided an important source of water for the district, and the bathing area became a popular gathering place over the decades. Historic photographs capture earlier generations enjoying the water, long before today's facilities were built.
Explore the Bore's History
Photo Gallery
From busy winter camping days to quiet evenings when steam rises above the water, the Bore Baths have a character all their own.
Featured historical photograph: Burren Bore Baths at sunrise, 2006, by Sean Hardy .
Plan Your Visit
Address: 28253 Kamilaroi Highway, Burren Junction NSW 2386, approximately 3 km east of town.
Follow all signs and pool safety instructions. The artesian water is hot, and extended immersion can cause overheating. Children should be closely supervised. Do not dive, and avoid immersing your head. Keep pets out of the bathing pool.
View Map
For current opening dates, fees and facility access, check with Walgett Shire Council before travelling. This community visitor page was updated October 2026.
One important thing: I've retained Council's 6 November date in both the Visitor Update and Camping sections. When that date passes, we'll need to update both references. I think this is now a much more useful tourism page, particularly for visitors arriving through the Visit NSW website.