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

Griggs, Peter (2013) 'Taking the waters': mineral springs, artesian bores and health tourism in Queensland, 1870-1950. Queensland Review, 20 (2). pp. 157-173.

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Abstract

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.

Item ID: 30994
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 2049-7792
Keywords: spa tourism; health tourism; artesian bores; mineral springs; Queensland history; Queensland tourism; Innot Hot Springs; Helidon; Muckadilla
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© Cambridge University Press 2013

Date Deposited: 12 Feb 2014 00:03
FoR Codes: 15 COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT, TOURISM AND SERVICES > 1506 Tourism > 150606 Tourist Behaviour and Visitor Experience @ 50%
21 HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY > 2103 Historical Studies > 210303 Australian History (excl Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History) @ 50%
SEO Codes: 90 COMMERCIAL SERVICES AND TOURISM > 9003 Tourism > 900302 Socio-Cultural Issues in Tourism @ 50%
95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9505 Understanding Past Societies > 950503 Understanding Australias Past @ 50%
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