There’s lots of sitting, sunbaking and hanging around at Moree’s hot artesian baths in north-western NSW. The 38 and 40 degree pools are full of bodies; mainly ageing bodies seeking healing in the mineral rich artesian water.
Mature women mingle in their colourful cossies covering ample bosoms and broadening middles. Gold chains with crosses and emblems hang around their necks as they let the spray jets massage their arthritic limbs.
Their husbands with their hairy chests and moustaches are there too soaking up the curative powers of nature’s magic, and renewing friendships made from years of visiting the spa town.
The water in Moree’s two spa pools is drawn from the Great Artesian Basin, 900 metres underground. The mineral rich artesian water was discovered by Canadians, Crawford and McCray in 1895. While searching for a reliable source of irrigation water, they sunk a bore into the Great Artesian Basin.
Soon after, 2,700,000 litres of hot water gushed from a depth of 951 metres, flooding nearby stores and the newly constructed Victoria Hotel which still stands across from the pool today. Following the sinking of the bore, a makeshift pool surrounded with railway sleepers was constructed so that residents could start ‘taking to the waters.’
The natural artesian mineral waters are believed to have curative powers. Just ask Ana Bulic, who moved to Moree with her husband and two sons 27 years ago to be near the spa baths. Born in the former Yugoslavia, Ana says spending time in the hot water takes all her tiredness away and makes her feel very light, alive and energetic.
“I’ve had two hip replacements and a knee replacement,” says Ana. “If I didn’t come here I’d be bent over and terrible. But now I am like a 15-year-old!”
Stayed tuned for more on the history of Moree’s artesian baths and meet the ‘bard of the baths’.
7 comments
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Loved the photos of the women ‘taking the waters’. Moree reminds me of the spa town Baden Baden – sort of.
We’ll be heading up there in our dotage! Some people are sceptical about the therapeutic qualities of the water but not the regulars especially those who come from spa cultures in Europe.
Love Moree Baths. I lived in Moree for 2 years and went as often as I could!
Nice blog related to
Piscine idromassaggio da esterno.Thanks for sharing with us
Interesting read. My nan always told me my great great grandfather was a water driller from Canada & accidentally hit the spring in moree. William Albert Crawford I will def visit soon
That’s interesting Kendell and a wonderful family link to the artesian spring in Moree. It’s a great place, the Moree Artesian Baths where people from all different cultural backgrounds come to to soak in the healing waters especially in our winter. Hope you get to visit! All the best, Therese