A relaxing artesian spa experience, a diversity of art, bushrangers in its past and wilderness nearby combine to make Mitchell, on the edge of the outback, a place that is well worth visiting.

Mitchell is considered the eastern gateway to outback Queensland, so expect to find a typical warm western welcome among its people, campfires at the caravan park and of course, artesian water.

In fact, one of the treasures of this town is its Great Artesian Spa complex. Some people call it a fountain of youth. One thing is certain - an hour spent soaking in the mineralised artesian water will be one of the most relaxing hours of your holiday.

The Great Artesian Spa is situated in the town’s aquatic centre. The shape of the spa is reminiscent of a billabong, and the landscaped surroundings feature native Australian flora.

There are two pools of artesian water, one which is naturally heated. The other is designed for those who prefer a cooler experience. Both spa pools have been designed with disabled access in mind and facilities include a chairlift to allow easy access for physically disabled people.

The water used in the spa pools is renewed regularly and comes from the Great Artesian Basin, one of the largest artesian basins in the world and underlying about one-fifth of Australia. It covers a total area of more than 1,711,000 square kilometres. Some artesian water is believed to be about two million years old. The Mitchell bore brings water to the surface from more than 1km under the ground.

The Great Artesian Spa and Visitor Information Centre is open seven days a week from 8.00am to 6.00pm during the main season. Sitting out on the deck overlooking the water while you sip on coffee is nearly as relaxing as being in the spa! The complex also includes a cafe, which offers brunch from 8.00am to 11.00am and coffee and cake from 11.00am to 6.00pm. The complex has a gym which is run as a free service, and provides internet access for those wanting to surf the net or simply keep in touch with family and friends.

The Major Mitchell Caravan Park is widely known throughout the Aust­ralian caravan and camping fratern­ity. The park is situated on the banks of the Maranoa River on the eastern entry to Mitchell.

The park has en suites with electricity, additional powered sites, new cabins, hot showers and toilet facilities as well as a greywater outlet for travelling caravans or motor homes. Barbecue facilities are also situated within the park and are available for use by guests as well as the community. A feature of the Major Mitchell Caravan Park is the ‘fire pit’, where many stories, experiences and recipes are exchanged between fellow campers. The park is also pet friendly.

The Hotel Mitchell offers accommodation in a wing that is separate from the hotel, so it has the benefit of being quiet and having easy access to the rooms, which include air-conditioned family and single rooms. The hotel is only a block from the spa and also offers lunch and dinner six nights a week.

Stock up on all your supermarket needs at Dobbin’s FoodWorks, which offers a wider range than ever before.

And for everything from fuel to ice to bait when you’re going fishing, stop at Tower Service Station and Roadhouse.

Visit the Mitchell on Maranoa Gallery and Library, which is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm weekdays and 9.00am to noon Saturdays. The art gallery has local and visiting exhibitions.
In the library section of the complex, see the Frank Forde Room, dedicated to Australia’s shortest serving Prime Minister (and one of Mitchell’s most famous men) and featuring many historic photographs.

The gallery was originally a picture theatre, and the old projection room has been restored so people can wander through and learn some of the local stories.

For a look at art in the open air, view the aerosol murals painted on the bridge pylons by local residents and community groups. This unique art gallery is located under the Warrego Highway.

The Maranoa River Walk is a must if you’re interested in seeing local birdlife, flora and fauna. The trail is an initiative of the Mitchell community to restore the riverbank environment between Fisherman’s Rest and the Neil Turner Weir. Throughout the different seasons, bush tucker can be located along the trail. The recent flood meant some additional restoration work has been needed. It also means the weir atmosphere is magnificent!

Half an hour’s drive from Mitchell is the historic property, Bonus Downs, built in 1911 by one of the nation’s most famous early landholders, Sir Samuel McCaughey. Tour this magnificent property and learn all about the hardships and the way of life the early pioneers had to endure during settlement. Enjoy a traditional country smoko with the owners Lyle and Madonna Connolly. A special part of this property is Ooline Park, an area of ooline trees which has its origins as a rainforest species. It is a lovely place to bushwalk and observe wildlife.

A little over 50km from Mitchell is Claravale, a 13000ha property which retains a large swathe of pristine wilderness. See nature - and ecotourism - at its best by taking a tour with owners Gill and Eunice Campbell.

Wildlife refuges and corridors, spectacular sandstone formations, panoramic views, wildlife and bird viewing combine to make this an absolutely magical experience.

For more wilderness magic, visit Mount Moffatt. Camping is allowed in selected areas to give you time to view the great wonders nature has provided here. Mount Moffatt is part of the Carnarvon National Park and is 200km north of Mitchell.

High clearance or 4WD vehicles are recommended for the journey, as the top sections of the road can be rough. No fuel is available, so you must carry enough for the return journey and the 90km of park roads that can be traversed. The infamous bushrangers, the Kenniff Brothers, once roamed this area. (You can learn their story at the Kenniff Courthouse in Mitchell. The courthouse is open weekdays.)