The Artesian water story turns a bit muddier a further 68 kilometres west in Eulo. Enormous underground pressure from the Great Artesian Basin has forced century old mud through fissures in the ground resulting in Eulo’s Artesian Mud Springs. An enterprising local has turned this ancient mud into a modern-day beauty therapy at the Artesian Mud Baths. Speaking of the earth’s gems, do you like opals? Spend time exploring Yowah’s ‘living gallery’ with its distinctive opal galleries dotted around town. The main attraction for this area is the unique Yowah Nut. If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at fossicking while in town then continue your drive to Thargomindah. ‘Thargo’ as the locals call it, was the first town in Australia, and third in the world, to produce hydro-electric power for street lighting. A ‘smart cookie’ came up with the idea to use the water pressure from the Artesian Basin. You can discover the story for yourself courtesy of a self-tour Code Card from the Visitor Information Centre. This nifty card will give you access to the Hydro Power Plant, Old Hospital and Leahy House. Once inside the attractions, use the card to activate some really interesting videos and life-like holograms – you really feel as though you are part of the story. Overnight Thargomindah