Soak in naturally heated artesian geothermal baths on the banks of the Wooramel River, deep in the outback of Western Australia. A place that invites you to slow down, stay longer and settle into the quiet.

Wooramel River Retreat is one of the few places in Western Australia where you can soak in naturally heated artesian geothermal baths surrounded by nothing but river gums, red earth and open sky.

Set on a 1,430 square kilometre working pastoral station in the Gascoyne region — 120 kilometres south of Carnarvon — the retreat sits on the banks of the Wooramel River, beneath majestic gum trees that have stood here long before the first guests arrived. The landscape is vast, the skies are wide and the pace is entirely your own.

The artesian bore baths are the heart of the experience. Fed by the ancient Birdrong Aquifer at a depth of 240 metres below ground, the water flows at a constant 33°C and carries high levels of iron, salt and magnesium — reputed to ease tired muscles and quiet a restless mind. There are no crowds, no schedule. A sunrise soak, an evening soak as the light fades, and the kind of stillness that is genuinely hard to find anywhere else in WA.

Wooramel’s eco tents offer — a step up from camping that brings you closer to the landscape without losing the authenticity of a station stay. Combined with station rooms and spacious riverside campsites, there’s an option suited to every kind of guest.

Most people arrive planning to stay one night and leave wishing they had stayed for two or three. After a sunset soak, a slow morning river walk and an evening at the Upside Down Café, the rhythm of the place takes hold. The two-night experience is where Wooramel earns its reputation.

The Upside Down Café serves barista coffee and light meals from 8am, with nightly meals and bar service from 4pm — showcasing regional produce in a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. Beyond the baths and café, activities include a 5km riverside walking trail through the gum trees, a 70km self-drive 4WD station tour out to the coastline and the 100-year-old shearing shed, birdwatching on the river flats, and exploration of the historical tip — four generations of pastoral life left in the bush.

The night sky here is exceptional. The station sits well away from any light pollution, and the Milky Way overhead is one of the most reliable highlights of any stay.

Wooramel does not need to be dressed up. The pastoral character, the warm water and the silence do the work. This is restoration through place — honest, grounded and genuinely unlike anything else in Western Australia.

Highlights

• Naturally heated artesian geothermal bore baths fed by the Birdrong Aquifer — 33°C with high mineral content — open for sunrise, daytime and evening soaks.
• Eco tents, station rooms and spacious riverside campsites — suits couples, families, solo travellers and road trippers.
• 1,430 sq km working pastoral station on the Wooramel River with 60km of Indian Ocean coastline frontage — one of the most expansive and remote settings in the Gascoyne.
• Upside Down Café open April to mid-October — barista coffee, light meals and nightly dining with bar service showcasing regional produce.
• Activities include a 5km river walk, 70km self-drive 4WD station tour, birdwatching, and a historical tip walk through four generations of outback station life.
• Exceptional night skies — the station’s remoteness makes stargazing one of the most memorable parts of a stay.

What Guests Say

“Really enjoyed our stay at Wooramel River Retreat. The horse yard sites were spacious and close to all amenities. Loved the artesian baths which were greatly appreciated after the Riverside Walk. We went to the café/bar on both nights that we stayed. It was a perfect place to sit back, listen to some music and enjoy yummy food. Beef cheeks and the vege burgers were both huge hits. Highly recommend staying here!”
— Google Review

At a Glance

Why You Should Visit

You should visit Wooramel River Retreat if you’re ready to stop moving and actually rest.

The artesian geothermal baths are Western Australia’s best-kept wellness secret. There are very few places on earth where you can soak in ancient mineral water at 33°C, watch the Milky Way stretch overhead and hear nothing but the sounds of the bush. This is one of them.

What makes Wooramel genuinely special is that it doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is. It’s a real working station — warm, honest and quietly extraordinary. With eco tents alongside station rooms and campsites, there’s no reason not to stay at least two nights. Follow the rhythm: sunset soak, slow morning walk, an evening at the Upside Down Café under the stars. You’ll understand why people keep coming back.

If you’re looking for somewhere in Western Australia that offers true restoration through nature and place, Wooramel River Retreat belongs at the top of your list.

— Lisa Spencer, Founder, WA Wellness