'Taking the waters': mineral springs, artesian bores and health tourism in Queensland, 1870-1950

Between 1870 and 1950, thousands of Australians engaged in a very ancient practice known as 'taking the waters'. They consumed and/or bathed in water high in mineral content that was associated with mineral springs or particular artesian bores. This paper identifies six places in Queensland which were visited by persons seeking relief from various medical complaints, including tuberculosis, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, insomnia and digestive problems. At each locality, a variety of infrastructure such as hand pumps, bathing pools, bath-houses and accommodation houses were built to cater for the visitors. Interest in 'taking the waters' wanes in Queensland after 1945. However, continued belief in the healing power of water high in mineral content has ensured that the spa era has never really ended in Queensland