Hot Baths Route

The Hot Baths Route connects to the Barwon Route and travels the same stretch of road out past Cryon to Burren Junction before turning south and heading through Come-By-Chance, then returning back to Walgett.

The mineral-rich water which pours from the earth around Walgett comes from the Great Artesian Basin and is about two million years old, with the earth’s own pressure pushing the water to the surface at a constant temperature of 41.5 degrees. In addition to the famous Lightning Ridge bore baths, there are public baths in nearby Goodooga, Collarenebri, Burren Junction, Pilliga and Moree.

The Burren Junction bore baths sit just outside the village and were first established in 1921. The baths are a popular stopover for travellers with extensive camping facilities around the bore, including well-maintained showers, toilets and amenities. Don’t forget to call into the Junction City Hotel while you’re in town.

The route heads south from Burren Junction crossing several creeks, waterways and warrambools as the road navigates through the rich, dark agricultural fields to the township of Pilliga, where there are more public baths and camping. Take a look at Pilliga and don’t forget to call into the Pub in the Scrub, then backtrack along the road towards Walgett for the oddly named township of Come By Chance.

The Comby Store is the makeshift hotel in this curious locality, and well worth a look before taking one of two possible routes back to Walgett, either of which have sealed and unsealed sections.