Step into Goodooga for a steamy soak under an epic sky! Our visit to the Goodooga Artesian Baths lined up with the dazzling Supermoon on October 7, 2025—what timing! The main pool steamed at a toasty 40°C, which was a tad warm for us. That moonrise? It was brilliant. but we were only able to see it for a short period due to cloud cover
Why Goodooga Artesian Baths Rock
The Goodooga Artesian Baths are a true oasis in outback New South Wales. We arrived in the middle of a very hot day, already feeling the day’s heat in the air. As the sun dropped, the warm mineral water welcomed us, its temperature ever-inviting for a night soak.
Open 24 hours, the baths offer shaded seating, electric BBQs, showers, clean toilets, and a dump point for caravans. Accessibility is top-notch, with ramps throughout and fully accessible bathrooms. Pets must stay in the parking area, but there’s plenty of space for everyone to unwind. Free camping makes it even more enticing; no bookings needed, just roll in, park the van, and settle under the stars.
Free Camping and Caravan Options
We loved camping right next to the pool—seriously, waking up and strolling straight into the hot spring is pure outback luxury. There’s no power, but water is at hand along with those necessary dump points for vans. It’s totally free, with a suggested donation if you feel like giving back. Facilities include:
- Showers and accessible bathrooms
- Shaded pool area
- Hybrid outdoor gym
- Barbecues and picnic areas
The area to camp on has now been bituminised making it unpractical to secure awnings or other screens.
You’ll see all sorts of rigs: campers, buses, even a fifth-wheeler or two. When we were at Goodooga in 2024, the place was packed – this time in October 2025, there were only about a dozen vans.
Soak and Stargaze: Supermoon Night
Our real treat was that glorious Supermoon. We watched the moon rise, huge and golden over the flat horizon. before it being obstructed by cloud cover.
Want night photography tips? Bring a tripod and use a low ISO to capture that glowing moon. Magic happens in the soft twilight right after dusk, when the moon’s close to the horizon for those epic, enlarged shots. Don’t miss photographing the baths themselves with steam rising, or the reflections in the water as moonlight glows across the surface.
More Experiences Around Goodooga
While the artesian springs are a star attraction, outback adventures abound. Take bushwalks along local tracks, try some birdwatching, or have a yarn with fellow travelers around the camp BBQ. Don’t forget delicious country bakery pies and classic outback sights in nearby Lightning Ridge, where opal hunting adds extra sparkle to any road trip. We did see Ibis and egrets flying over the wetlands area adjoining the Baths.
Practical Tips from Our Trip
- The water is HOT—limit soaks to about 10 minutes at a time
- Bring plenty of drinking water and food—shops are sparse
- Early morning or late evening are best for both photography and a more refreshing soak
- Pack a sunhat for day, and something warm for cool outback nights
- Visit in the tourist season (March-November) for all facilities
Summary
Goodooga Artesian Baths offered us outback magic—steaming pools, endless stars, and a jaw-dropping Supermoon. We left with happy bones, new friends, and wild stories to tell. This is a must-visit for any Aussie adventure, combining relaxation, nature, and a dash of astronomy.
