Information about Mound Springs

Mound Springs are the natural outlet for artesian water – the surface manifestation of the great artesian basin in Outback Australia. Hundreds of mound spring vents occur along the southwestern edge of the basin and occur where tectonism has allowed water to escape to the surface through fault lines, or where fractures have occurred along the rim. The Oodnadatta Track follows the springs. The largest of the springs is Dalhousie Springs. The estimated outflow of all water from mound springs is 1500L/s. There are perhaps in excess of 700 vents in total. Some are mere seepages at the base of hills; others like the McLaughlin complex consist of sand and peat. Others are limestone. The oldest springs are extinct Pleistocene mounds, like Hamilton Hill, which are relics of when the Great Artesian Basin had a much higher hydrostatic head than at present. Since European settlement, many bores have been sunk, resulting in reduced aquifer pressure.
There are many plant and animal species endemic to Mound Springs. The flora is of great interest because of the large number of rare or relic species that can be found there, and there are fascinating micro fauna, some genera restricted to single springs!
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There are several species of small fish that are endemic to mound springs, as well as gastropods.

Prior to European settlement, Mound Springs were the only source of permanent water. They feature predominantly in Aboriginal mythology, and the dense lithic material surrounding most of the springs evidences the long-term Aboriginal visitation. Europeans exploration followed the mound springs north. Soon after came the Overland Telegraph Line. The ruins of two Telegraph Stations, Peake and Strangways are located on mound springs. The old Ghan railway followed the springs north to Alice Springs. An outstanding example of mound springs can be found in the Wabma Kardarbu National Park on the Oodnadatta Track.

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