Lara Wetlands
Getting into hot water
26km south of Barcaldine on the Landsborough Hwy, is the turn off to Lara Wetlands, part of Lara Station. An area of wetlands on the station has been opened up for bush camping with spacious sites surrounding a lake that teams with bird life. Open from April – October each year, facilities include unpowered sites, toilets and showers, a camp kitchen and a dump point. There are also kayaks you can borrow if you fancy a paddle on the lake and bikes to explore the area. Campfires are welcome if you bring your own firewood.
After turning off the highway there is 13km of red dirt road to navigate before you reach the camp area. This road can become impassable in wet weather and if the forecast is for rain guests are warned that they many have to stay longer than they intended.
We arrived just on sunset, after the office had closed. I had let them know that we would be a bit late and as we drove through the gate the manager came out to meet us and show us around. She and all the staff we met were lovely. After setting up and making a little fire to sit next to while we had dinner, we headed over to what was the highlight of our stay.
Just a few days ago we were soaking in the artesian pools in Moree, but for me the hot pool at Lara was a much more enjoyable experience. The pool here is more low key, with a sandy base and grass coming right up to the waters edge. There were four people in the pool when we arrived but very shortly they bid us goodnight and headed off. We then had the pool to ourselves. The hot artesian water comes out of the ground at the deep end and standing near the outlet was very hot, but laying in the shallows and staring at the Milky Way was beautiful.
Bookings are not required at Lara Wetlands and a site for a van will set you back $15 per person or $25 for a couple. And you will need cash.
A fabulous, relaxing camp site. We would have loved to stay longer if we had had the time. Next time we travel through this way we will definitely stay again.
