I suffer from Arthritis and Scoliosis and have a lot of pain in particular when rising from bed in the morning. I do feel a bit better when I have had a long hot shower and some painkillers. Heat and hot water soothes the back. So I am constantly searching for remedial treatment. Hot springs are known in Moree in the central north of New south Wales.
Research on the internet revealed very little on personal information, so I decided to drive to Moree and experience it first hand.

In Europe there is a custom especially in the Southern European countries, whereby the doctor suggests a visit to
a hot mineral bath.(In Germany it is known as "Im Kur") There are literally hundreds of Sulfur baths-Mineral baths-Hot springs- Arterial hot springs etc.etc.in Europe. Some are spectacularly beautiful, like the ones on the Lipari Islands off the coast of Italy.
In the Balkans it is known as "taking the water" Most visits to these establishments are paid for by the health insurance in these countries. The population in the poor areas seem to attach a religious attitude towards these Spas and many drink the water as it comes out of the ground. In any case they believe that it is good for the body.

We arrived in Moree after a comfortable 6.5 hours drive from Tweed Heads. Not knowing which motel to go to, we looked first of all for the Baths. Right across the road from the Baths is the Maria Motel. We inquired at the motel and were met by a lovely lady by the name of Vera. We wanted to stay for two nights to try the spa, She however suggested we should stay for a week to have any results on my Arthritis. It was nearly half price to stay for a week , so we did not hesitate and booked. The room looked good, it had everything one needed. So off with the clothing and on with the swim suit and across the road we walked to the baths. A once only visit cost $ 5,- and a multy daily visit pass cost $7,-
We were amazed at the size of the baths and at the multitude of people, the biggest shock was a cultural shock. It was like the Tower of Babel, every body spoke a different language, we heard Greek, Bosnian, Italian, Hungarian, Yugoslavian, Albanian, and many many more different languages. Most of them were limping, crippled, bent over. They were all there for a purpose. After inquiries we heard that most of them were repeat visitors, some had been coming there for forty years. A whole bunch of them have purchased houses in Moree and live there permanently. Even Vera the owner of the motel came originally 26 years ago to recover from a serious motor car accident and stayed.
We found an Australian couple from Gloucester, the man had had a stroke he comes regularly but I could not notice that he had had a stroke. Every body was very friendly and willing to talk and did not mind being interviewed.
There are two Baths, one is 41 degrees the other 39 degrees. One is required to shower before entering the Baths. It is suggested that you stay in for no more then 5 minutes and then get out and cool down before reentering. The adjoining 50 meter lap pool is ideal for the cooling down process and also for muscle building doing laps. We went on an average of 4 times a day, before breakfast, before coffee time , before lunch time and siesta and around six at night.

My final analysis is that my ankle feels better, but there is very little improvement on my back. The people that go there must know more than we do. First of all it is a very cheap holiday @ $37,- a day. Macdonalds and the Colonel, a Chinese and a Thai restaurant, are within a short walk.
I saw a lot of smiles while there, particular from the women who stood for long times in front of the underwater jets.

Their home page was made by me free of charge for the benefit of those who suffer like I do.
Do not forget to visit the Information center in Moree.
John.

Pictures and Information on the Maria Motel