Slow down and discover the natural features, plants and wildlife of this part of the Australian outback. Experience the extremes of the arid zone. See intense daylight, subtle dawns and dusks, expansive star-filled nights. Learn about the significance of the area for local Aboriginal people, their history and mythology.

Understand how water from the nearby mound springs was critical in early European exploration and later decided the route of the Overland Telegraph and then the Ghan Railway.

AT COWARD SPRINGS

The wetland

Coward Springs has a permanent wetland originally caused by a free flowing bore sunk for railway use in 1886. It has become a critical water source, feeding and breeding area for a wide range of birds.
The bore was rehabilitated in 1993 by the Department of Mines and Energy and now flows at a controlled rate to maintain the wetland with its diverse vegetation and fauna. In February 1996 the 200hectare wetland area was conserved under a Heritage Agreement with the State Government.

Bird-watching

So far 126 birds of the 187 recorded for the Lake Eyre South region have been recorded at Coward Springs. There is a diversity of habitats ranging from the wetland through low open shrubland with sparse taller shrubs, to dense Acacia shrubland and then the more open stony gibber flats. Permanent water and shelter attracts a wide range of birds including waterbirds, bush birds and nomadic and migratory birds.
Regular sightings of resident spotless crakes are made close to the camping area. Nomadic birds such as yellow-billed spoonbills and black-winged stilts are fairly common. And occasionally sightings such as the pied honeyeater, peregrine falcon or the seasonal appearance of rainbow bee-eaters keep birdwatchers entranced. A current bird list is displayed at the campground and visitors are asked to record any new or unusual sightings to be added to the list.

The "natural spa"

Soak amidst the rising early morning steam or under the starry night sky.

Sheltered by wetland rushes and a wall of railway sleepers, water from the Great Artesian Basin flows through the bore into the spa and then into the wetland. Water temperature is a fairly constant 29degrees C - warm on a cold day or refreshingly cool in the heat. The minerals from the artesian water are revitalising and soak away the tension of driving.

Relax.....
.....in the spa or in the shade and shelter of the campground trees.
Many campers extend their stay to explore the area at a relaxed pace.

RAILWAY HERITAGE
Explore what remains of 100 years of railway history

The old Ghan railway was completed to Marree in 1884 and to Oodnadatta in 1891. Coward Springs Siding was once the most western point on the line. At the turn of the century, as at railway towns, camel teams transported goods to pastoral stations to the west and to the goldfields at Tarcoola. The line closed beyond Marree in 1981.
There are two railway buildings remaining at Coward Springs - the Station Masters House and the Engine Drivers Cabin. Both buildings were listed under the State Heritage Register in 1998.

Use the historical map provided to discover the details of Coward Springs both during railway days and to the present.

Most of the railway buildings in the area are in disrepair or are already ruins. We have restored the two heritage-listed buildings at Coward Springs.
The Stationmasters House is our home and therefore private. Original building plans are displayed in the Engine Drivers Cabin.
The Engine Drivers Cabin is open for campers and day visitors to browse displays that give a sense of place in detailing the natural and cultural environments.
Read the stories:
  • stories and memories of many people give you a glimpse into the past
  • a photo album relives the building restoration process
  • artwork for sale
  • and much more...

PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY

Wabma Kadarbu Conservation Park

6 km to the south-east of Coward Springs

Blanche Cup and The Bubbler mound springs

This park conserves the unusual natural features known as mound springs. Here water seeps to the surface from the Great Artesian Basin, a huge natural underground reservoir of water. Sand and minerals deposit to form mounds that stand above the surrounding flat, salty landscape. Lush green reeds and other plants grow around the spring and its overflow, the "tail". This permanent water supports a variety of life including birds, fish and aquatic invertebrates - some of which are found only in these springs. Blanche Cup and The Bubbler mound springs are well known as "showcase" mound springs.

Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre is an immense usually dry salt lake covering an area of over 8000square kilometres. In 2000 it was covered with water, an event that happens randomly and dependent on widespread outback rains. For current information on the area (Desert Parks Bulletin) and Lake Eyre National Park visit www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/lakeyre/visit.html

Lake Eyre is an astounding sight for its seemingly endless landscape. Views of the lake can be seen from:

the Oodnadatta Track about 40km south of Coward Springs

ABC/Halligan Bay, an unrushed day trip from Coward Springs, 80kms along the Oodnadatta Track towards William Creek, then 64kms (4WD only) in to the Lake.

Muloorina Station, off the Birdsville Track 94kms from Marree (2WD not recommended).

the air. Wrightsair Scenic Flights operate from William Creek and Marree - www.wrightsair.com.au

Take a tour

Local Arabunna guides run exceptional tours of the Lake Eyre region and often spend a night at Coward Springs.
Contact jwhyte797@hotmail.com - (08) 8675 83351

With Desert Camel Treks operating from Coward Springs Campground

Other Useful Links