Dalhousie Springs, Artesian springs complex in Witjira National Park, South Australia.
Dalhousie Springs is a system of more than 60 natural springs in Witjira National Park that discharge mineral-rich water from the Great Artesian Basin, with temperatures ranging from 38 to 43 degrees Celsius. The complex spreads across a large area with several distinct spring groups, each contributing to the overall landscape and water flow patterns.
The springs received their English name from surveyor Richard Randall Knuckey in 1870 during work related to the Overland Telegraph Line in the region. This naming coincided with the broader European exploration and development of the remote outback area.
The springs have been a gathering place for Indigenous communities for thousands of years, as shown by archaeological sites with stone tools and camp remains throughout the area. People continue to recognize and respect this connection when visiting today.
Access requires a four-wheel drive vehicle due to unsealed roads, particularly during rainy periods when conditions can worsen significantly. Camping facilities located near the water sources allow visitors to stay overnight and explore the multiple areas at a comfortable pace.
Three fish species exist only in these waters, having adapted to the specific mineral content and high temperatures found nowhere else. The Dalhousie catfish, hardyhead, and goby are remarkable examples of how life evolves in isolation within extreme environments.
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