The attraction of the
Dalhousie mound springs, combined with some delightful ruins of old stations and railway sidings make this a must-do trek if travelling in this vicinity.
This trek note paves a typical route for travellers either commencing or ending a trip across the
Simpson Desert but also enables those of us that are less adventurous to soak up the outback ambiance without venturing too far into the red desert.
This trek involves numerous small creek crossings and terrain varies from stoney to sandy in patches but does not involve the crossing of any major sand dunes.
How to Use this Trek Note
If you'd like to download this Trek there are two options:
- Purchase our app ExplorOz Traveller. This Australian-made GPS & Navigation app will allow you to download all the ExplorOz Treks to your GPS enabled smartphone/tablet/iPad or laptop and enable active route guidance along the route as per the Directions shown on this page. The app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. The app also allows you to edit/customise the route. Viewing the Trek in the Traveller app also includes all the words, images and POIs exactly as on the website (excludes Wildflowers). For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage.
- Alternatively, if you already have another raster mapping software program (or an HN7 device) you can try downloading the route line data files via the Download Trek button shown below the map on this page (OR purchase EOTreks Route Files). Be aware that this doesn't include maps or text just the route line.
TIP | To purchase our maps for offline use, you will need to purchase an EOTopo map licence (available either in App Version, or Raster Version). |
Environment
Dalhousie Springs form the largest complex of artesian springs in Australia and the rehabilitation and protection of this internationally significant area was one of the main reasons for the establishment of the Witjara National Park, named with the aboriginal word for the paperbark trees "Melaleuca glomerata" fringing
the springs.
The origin of the date palms in the area surrounding the
Dalhousie Ruins is still being debated. Romantics believe the trees were planted by Afghan cameleers, but there is firm evidence that dates were planted by the Lewis family who took over the lease of
Dalhousie in 1896.
History
For thousands of years before Europeans discovered them,
Dalhousie Springs provided water, shelter, food and medicines for the desert Aborigines. The ancient springs had a mythological significance too for the Aborigines and are featured in many tribal myths and songs. The Park also has an extensive European history.
Dalhousie Springs served as a refuge and base
camp for
Simpson Desert crossings by early
explorers, as well as today's many adventurous 4WD travellers.
The first pastoral lease in the area, which later became part of the Mount Dare property, was taken up by Ned Bagot in 1872 with the
Dalhousie Homestead, stockyards and outbuildings constructed in the following decade. Sheep were the initial mainstay of pastoralism, but the focus shifted to cattle by the turn of the century. Although many bores were sunk on Mount Dare station,
Dalhousie Springs remained vital for the survival of stock.
The land was marginal pastoral country and, during the brief history of the industry, various leases were abandoned, particularly from the start of the century until just prior to the First World War. Evidence of white habitation remain at the
Dalhousie ruins and in the form of
old stockyards and agricultural equipment in the area.
More than a century of grazing by sheep and cattle ceased in 1985 with the declaration of Witjira National Park. Mount Dare
Homestead now operates as a private enterprise and provides fuel, meals, supplies and accommodation for visitors.
TrekID: 139
