Long soaks & howling Dingos Imagine the perfect bath temperature, then imagine a small lake (large pond) exactly at this temperature, yes that's right - its heavenly!
That is why I spent three whole days there!
Dalhousie Springs - what & where
Dalhousie Springs - Wikipedia
Dalhousie Springs are on the western edge of the Simpson Desert in the Witjira National Park.
Its a 60kms drive down a 4x4 access only bumpy sandy corrugated in places stony track to the springs - but if you haven't guessed already that is what ALL the TRACKS out here are like!
Camping at the Springs
The springs and the associated camp ground are one of the starting point/finishing points for the Simpson Desert Crossing and the camp ground sees all the vehicles making the crossing. My first day at the camp I was one of only 3 campers, but the site filled up with travelers for my remaining two days. Great facilities at the campground - toilets (long drop style as is normal out here) showers, some water in a rain water tank, ample flat parking area and of course the springs themselves.
Mixing at the pool Soaking in the springs is a great place to mix and mingle with other travelers, learn about the condition of the trail, the Dingos, & camels they spotted and the bloke broken down on the trail somewhere. Seriously though - get out of your bed early and be in the water for sunrise.
Hundreds of birds flock to the spring at that time, circling just above your head and if you are lucky you may also hear the dingo howling to greet the day - quite surreal to hear that sound while luxuriating in the springs.
Similar experience can be had in the evening too. Take your water bottle to the pool - the hot mineral water is such a perfect temperature that it is very easy to stay in it a long time.
Dehydration is a serious risk and quite a few bathers had to sit and regain their balance after they got out of the pool from having stayed in too long. 20-30 mins is a long soak, without cold water to rehydrate.
Exploring around the springs
The walks to the other springs are worth doing and very enjoyable,
You might even spot a Dingo, or perhaps just its footprints.
Cycle into the desert
After driving endless kilometers over the past few weeks it was also great to get my bike off and ride it. I managed to ride about 20kms up the track into the Simpson Desert before turning around when the sand became too hard to cycle through.
Aerial visitor
This amazing creature, Spotted Harrier (I think) spent a large part of the day circling the camp grounds, and even went as far as to swoop into camp in search of food.
I took about 300 photos, but will spare sharing them all with you here... instead here are some of my favourites.
Land Rover Defenders
I enjoyed meeting Laszlo & Maria in their brand new Defender.
Spent time learning about their car and love this pic of the old & new versions lined up together!
Note, getting this great picture above took fast timing - taking
the fly-head-net off in time to grab a picture without getting too many flies on your face requires skill and a lot of luck!
This is what a conversation out here really looks like, note the head covers, see below.
I also enjoyed meeting James & Eileen in their Defender and seeing the way they have their truck set up. Each one is so unique!
Do you have a gas cylinder for sale?
I had not expected to spend so long at the springs, but as soon as fell in love with it and decided to stay a few days, I realised I would need more gas for cooking with.
I pinned a note to the wall of the camp buildings asking if anyone wanted to trade some cash for a spare butane gas cylinder....
John M responded to my quest within a few minutes by selling me an entire gas cooker and cylinders! WOw. Great trade.
And in the end it become a bit of a joke between us as I ended up buying a few more goods off in before we parted ways.
John, an ex-cop, also shared with me his secret recipe for attacker deterrent. I hope to never use it, but I keep it handy.
The other trade secret he shared with me was a simple but incredibly effective fire starting solution: Polystyrene foam dissolved in petrol, it works amazingly and I have added to the ' brew' anytime I come across any polystyrene.
Thanks John!
Video shows the journey best
This little video below tells the story better than anything - listen out for the morning birds and the dingo howling. This video shows not only the springs, but the journey there from Oodnadatta.
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