Dalhousie Springs

The lush green oasis of Witjira-Dalhousie Springs stands in stark contrast to the barren sand dunes of the Simpson Desert and the Stony Plains that surround them.

The springs are an outlet of the vast Great Artesian Basin, which stretches under the aforementioned regions and much of central Australia. Water has been trapped underground for up to 3 million years before emerging through one of 80 mound springs. Mound springs form when water is funneled up through a fracture in the Earth's surface, depositing mounds of calcareous deposits. The water that emerges is a hot 100 to 109 degrees Fahrenheit and contains large amounts of minerals, while still being drinkable. The springs once flowed at over 6,000 gallons per second, however drilling across the Great Artesian Basin has slowed that to 4,500 gallons per second.

Far from any other bodies of water, unique species of wildlife have evolved in these springs — the most among any artesian spring in the world. Water snails, fish, crustaceans, and a frog call the springs home. Many species of animals also congregate here, especially during tough droughts.

Aboriginal Australians, specifically the Lower Southern Arrernte and Wangkangurru peoples, have long considered the springs spiritually and culturally important. They would come here not only for water but also to hunt and gather the native fauna and flora. The area was also associated with Dreamtime religious beliefs, with many ceremonies held here. There are still many Aboriginal archaeological remains, as well as artifacts from settler homesteads. Today, despite its remote location, visitors still come to Witjira-Dalhousie Springs to swim in its warm, 46-foot-deep pools.