Soak in the Plains: A Day Trip to Mungindi and Boomi
Sunrise Adventure
Daytrippers, wake with the sun and pack your swimmers—today is about simple pleasures, artesian waters and big-sky country. Leave Moree early (around 6:30–7:00am) and head westward, where quiet town roads open into farming country and crop fields stretch to the horizon.
As you travel towards Mungindi (about 1 hr 15 min drive), just near the small village of Ashley, watch out for Midkin Cotton Gin, one of the shire’s largest cropping farms, owned by Australian Food and Fibre. In the autumn–winter picking season, you might see rolled cotton bales ready for transport and fluffy, white cotton lint dotting the roadside for miles.
Morning in Mungindi: Coffee & Soak
By mid-morning, you’ll reach Mungindi, a uniquely situated small town that straddles the border of New South Wales and Queensland. If you’re ready for breakfast and a morning cuppa, you’ll naturally head to Flock, a charming café that serves superb, locally roasted Beam coffee, as well as homemade meals and cakes.
It’s still early, so pop over the Barwon River into Queensland for a look at the Mungindi Sculpture Trail at Barwon River Park. After building up your step count, you’ll be ready for a soak at the Mungindi Hot Pool, a serene thermal bath fed by soothing, mineral-rich artesian water from the Great Artesian Basin. At around 38°C, it’s deliciously warm. There is also a 33m pool and a children’s wading pool, plus shower and toilet facilities.
Afternoon in Boomi: Burger and Bathing
Back on the road, head northeast to Boomi (approx. 1 hr 10 min drive). The journey winds through classic Australian farmland—crops, cattle and sheep stations, and silos now and then, those iconic beacons of rural life. Depending on the season, the fields might be vivid green with budding shoots or bleached gold under a dry sun.
Around noon or so, you’ll roll into Boomi, a small town with big character. For lunch, stop by the community-run Boomi Co-op, where locals swear by the hearty classic burger. Relax outdoors while you eat, if the weather’s fair, and enjoy the country quiet.
After lunch, wander to the Boomi Artesian Pool. Spend some time poolside, relaxing on a lounge while you prepare to wade into the warm, mineral-rich water, drawn from deep underground. Soak and breathe, and let the therapeutic water work its magic.
Evening Return to Moree
Late afternoon, begin the picturesque drive back to Moree (about 1 hr 20 min). As you drive south, the sun dips in the west, painting the plains in amber and rose, silhouettes of trees, windmills and farm sheds below the glowing sky.
You’ll cruise back into Moree by early evening, relaxed and restored, perhaps ready for a winddown beverage before dinner. You might choose traditional pub favourites in the Amaroo Tavern’s beer garden, or soak up the atmosphere on the deck at the Moree Golf Club. If you’re ready for an early night, relax at your accommodation with dinner from one of the many local takeaway restaurants.
Tips for the Day:
Bring a towel, water bottle, hat and sunscreen.
Check pool and café opening hours in advance (Flock is closed on Sundays)
This is the bush! Mobile reception may be patchy in some areas—download maps in advance.
Highlights:
Two artesian pools, local coffee, sculpture trail, some of Australia’s most productive farms and big sky Country