Dalhousie Springs

## Overview Dalhousie Springs is a remarkable collection of natural artesian hot springs located within Witjira National Park in the remote far north of South Australia. The park contains over 100 mound springs, of which approximately 80 remain active, fed by the ancient waters of the Great Artesian Basin — one of the largest underground freshwater reservoirs in the world. The main Dalhousie Springs pool is the star attraction: a large, warm pool where water temperatures typically range between 40°C and 43°C (104–109°F), making it an extraordinary place to soak beneath the vast outback sky. The springs hold deep cultural significance for the local Aboriginal people, particularly the Lower Southern Arrernte and Wangkangurru peoples, who have known and used these waters for thousands of years. The name "Dalhousie" was given by European explorers, but the springs' indigenous heritage is an integral part of the landscape. The mound springs of the Great Artesian Basin are also ecologically significant — several species of fish, invertebrates, and plants found in and around the Dalhousie Springs complex are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else on Earth. Witjira National Park sits at the edge of the Simpson Desert, making Dalhousie Springs a popular starting or finishing point for adventurers crossing Australia's arid interior. The surrounding landscape is quintessential outback: flat, arid plains punctuated by the lush green oases that the springs create, offering stunning contrasts and unforgettable views — especially at night, when the absence of light pollution reveals a breathtaking canopy of stars. ## Directions 1. Dalhousie Springs is located in Witjira National Park, approximately 300 km north of Oodnadatta in far northern South Australia. 2. The most common access route is via the Oodnadatta Track. From Oodnadatta, head north on unsealed roads toward the park. The roads are remote and unsealed, so a **4WD vehicle is essential**. 3. A Desert Parks Pass is required to enter Witjira National Park. Passes can be purchased online through the South Australian Department for Environment and Water, or at select outback roadhouses and visitor centres before you arrive. 4. Fuel, water, and supplies should be stocked up in Oodnadatta or earlier, as there are no services within the park. 5. GPS coordinates for the main Dalhousie Springs pool: **-26.460849, 135.52293**. 6. Road conditions can vary significantly with weather. It is strongly recommended to check current road conditions before departure, as roads may become impassable after rain. ## What to Expect The main Dalhousie Springs pool is large enough for a comfortable soak and is easily accessible from the nearby campground. The water is naturally warm year-round, with temperatures between 40°C and 43°C, making it especially magical during the cooler desert nights and early mornings. The pool has a sandy bottom and is surrounded by reeds and palms — a striking oasis in the otherwise arid landscape. Keep an eye out for the unique wildlife that calls these springs home. Several species of small fish and aquatic invertebrates found in the Dalhousie Springs complex are endemic and are not known to occur anywhere else in the world. Birdlife around the springs can also be impressive, drawn to the permanent water source in an otherwise dry environment. The Dalhousie Springs campground offers basic but recently upgraded facilities, including: - Toilets - BBQ pits - Hot showers - Laundry services Camping reservations are required — you must book ahead before arriving, as the park is remote and managed to protect the fragile spring ecosystems. The campground is well-suited for 4WD touring and overlanding, and recent upgrades have improved vehicle access and amenities. Beyond the main pool, the wider park contains dozens of other active springs and mound formations scattered across the landscape. Exploring them requires some travel across the park's wilderness terrain, but the reward is experiencing one of Australia's most unique and ancient natural wonders in near-total solitude. Dalhousie Springs is a true outback gem — remote, pristine, and unlike anywhere else on Earth.