As you’re floating in a 40-degree pool of natural hot springs surrounded by wildflowers in an outback oasis, it may be hard to believe you’re still in South Australia.
In fact, you’d be forgiven if you’d never before heard of this little-known nirvana that sits tucked away on the outskirts of the Simpson Desert.
Dalhousie Springs is the name given to a group of over 60 natural artesian springs that lie within the Witjira National Park just under 1200km from Adelaide. And while that like quite the distance to travel, we think that this one is well worth the trip. Plus, who doesn’t love a good road trip?
Rising through cracks in the earth’s surface, the large pools are part of the Great Artesian Basin and are thousands, if not millions of years old. On average, the waters within the hot springs bubble away at anywhere between 38 and 43 degrees and are rich in minerals such as calcium and salt making it drinkable, but not pleasant to do so.
Dalhousie Springs, also known as the Witjira-Dalhousie Springs, is part of the Australian National Heritage List due to its strong Indigenous ties, playing a major role in the tradition of First Nations people from northern South Australia.
Used by First Nations people for thousands of years as a source of food, shelter and medicine, the springs are also sacred to the Lower Southern Arrente and Wangkangurru people.
Admittedly, these hot springs aren’t the easiest to get to, but once the inner-desert oasis appears out of the dry depths, the memories of the 8 hour-long drive will vanish and be replaced with those of an outback escape. Camping spots in the area are well equipped with showers, toilets and barbecues.
This bucket-list place is a truly unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. But, it’s a decent drive to the hot springs, so plan a road trip and get your playlist sorted!
Dalhousie Springs is located at Witjira National Park on the western fringe of the Simpson Desert.
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