Dalhousie Springs Campground - Witjira National Park SA

Since the late 1990s, new camping facilities have provided a nice area to camp and relax within the Witjira National Park. It is a very popular spot, particularly with those venturing in from the Simpson Desert passing through Pedirka and Mt Dare. A ranger, located at the springs (channel 10) can provide helpful advice and a Desert Pass.
The Dalhousie Springs is a place where modern travellers can experience the same simple joys of bathing in a desert pool just like the early explorers, including Ernest Giles, who passed through here in the 1870's before the artesian basin had been extensively tapped by pastoralists.
Dalhouse Springs is an enormous natural spring-fed billabong at 38 degrees in natural surrounds. It is a carefully managed area that allows tourism, with minimal impact. Day visitors may enter from the western edge of the Desert, however a Day Pass from the Ranger will be required if camping. Note - those travellers doing a desert crossing will be covered for camping here within the full Desert Parks Pass.
Comments
12 Jun 2009 19:09 Patrol03
We stopped in on there on the way back from Finke this is a excellent place to stay
29 Aug 2007 13:52 ExplorOz - David & Michelle
An excellent place for a one or two day stop over. Witjira National Park, established in 1985 on land comprising the former Mount Dare pastoral lease, covers 7,770 km2 of gibber, sand dunes, stony tablelands and floodplain country on the western edge of the Simpson Desert in the far north of South Australia. It is truly spectacular country with vast landscapes including many areas of considerable archaeological, biological and geological interest.
The attraction of the Dalhousie mound springs, combined with some delightful camping spots and upgraded visitor facilities, make Witjira one of the most popular Desert Parks, particularly with family groups.
The need to protect and rehabilitate the 70 or so thermal springs in the Dalhousie complex was one of the main reasons for the establishment of Witjira National Park. The springs are home to unique species of fish such as the Lake Eyre hardy-head and other rare aquatic life. They are also a haven for arid-land birdlife.
The park is part of the lands associated with the Lower Southern Arrernte, Wangkangurru, and Arabunna people who in 1989 formed the Irrwanyere Aboriginal Corporation, which manages the park jointly with us. The joint management agreement, the first of its kind in Australia, provides the advantages of a shared approach to the land which accommodates traditional Aboriginal uses together with environmental management, tourism and recreational activities
Details of the Park Management agreement.
To camp in the park you must be in possession of a current Desert Parks Pass.

REGION: > SA > Witjira National Park

Contact and Location
Dalhousie Springs Campground
Track N off Public Access Route No 8
Witjira National Park SA 0
P: 1800 816 078
GPS:-26.42342,135.503026
GPS:S26 25 24,E135 30 10
GPS:S26 25.4052,E135 30.1816

Location of Dalhousie Springs Campground.
Location of Dalhousie Springs Campground.
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