As Moree swelters through the current 40-plus degree heatwave currently gripping much of the state, many people have sought relief at the pool.

MAAC chief operating officer Julie Rushby said numbers have been “pretty consistent”.

“During the really hot part of the day, people take respite at home, but the morning crowds have been great,” she said.

“We’ve had lots of visitors.”

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While many of the MAAC’s “traditional” visitors, including European and Asian tourists, don’t come back to Moree until February, Ms Rushby said January is a time when they’re more likely to see local families, children visiting grandparents, and people travelling north and south through Moree.

One of these families is the Moxey family from Forbes, who stopped in Moree overnight to come to the MAAC on their way home from the Gold Coast.

Another visitor from Brisbane said the drive to Moree is a “much more pleasant option than travelling south to Byron Bay or north to the Sunshine Coast and facing traffic”.

Urbanville couple Graham and Michelle visit the MAAC wellness centre every six weeks or so for some rejuvenation and revitalisation.

The couple run the Mission Serenity charity, which helps restore broken lives through deep healing and recovery. As a gesture of thanks, they shouted their volunteers, and friends, Ian and Kim, a trip to Moree.

“I am a huge advocate of hot springs,” Graham said.

“The therapeutic benefits are enormous – from easing body tensions to aiding adrenal burnout, I couldn't live without a good regular artesian spa soaking.

“Previously, we travelled to New Zealand a few times a year for spa therapy but then we discovered this facility in Moree, only five hours away. Needless to say we were ecstatic - it's a lot more convenient!”

Graham recently had two knees replaced and, fresh out of surgery, had very specific therapy needs.

“I had a massage with Karen and she was amazing, one of the best massages I've had, particularly considering my surgery,” he said.

This was Brisbane couple Ian and Kim's first trip to the centre, and they admitted the facility was “better than they ever expected”.

“We've had a lovely few days relaxing,” they said.

“We had the perfect facial with Karen, went to the Royal Hotel for dinner one evening and Cafe Omega for breakfast. It's a wonderful town and I can feel the tension in my body easing as we speak.”

And Graham is certain he and Kim will continue to “sneak over to Moree for a few days” as often as they can, and introduce this hidden treasure to even more of their friend and volunteers.

“It's a privilege to soak in these waters and this really is a national gem, you are very lucky Moree,” he said.

Meanwhile, the MAAC’s five-day intensive Learn to Swim program proved popular over the past week, with numbers up on last year.

A total of 95 children enrolled in the five-day program, which ran from Monday, January 14 to Friday, January 18.

This week the MAAC has also trialled pool-side pampering, with pool guests provided an opportunity to indulge in 20-minute massages or mini manicures on Wednesday and Thursday.

Ms Rushby said they’ll look at doing it again in February, and potentially offer the pool-side pampering on a more regular basis.

The MAAC will likely remain busy over the coming weeks, continuing into February with the start of swimming carnivals.

The first swimming carnival for 2019 is set for Thursday, February 7, with one or two a week to be held throughout the month.

Moree will also host the Diocesan primary carnival on February 21.