Oodnadatta Track Day 2

 Today we travelled 85km north from Curdimurka to Warriner Creek with lots of great spots we explored including a couple more sidings, some mound springs, abandoned town and Coward Springs.

After a walk to the old Ghan bridge over Margaret Creek we returned with the drone to get some shots of the 2nd longest span along this now disused railway line from Port Augusta to Darwin built in the late 1880’s. 

We popped in to Margaret Siding.

Further along we ventured off the track to have a look at the Mound Springs - The Bubbler and Blanche Cup. These are natural outlets for the waters of the Great Artesian Basin. The name reflects the mound that has been created over thousands of years due to the precipitation of the salt and minerals, along with surrounding erosion. 

Next stop was Coward Springs campground that also allows day visitors for $2 each to use the artesian spa and look at the museum in the restored guards house. We have heard that it can be very busy but as we drove in there was only one other car in the carpark and a couple of campers.So we quickly got changed and headed for the water. We got lucky and had the place to ourselves for at least 20mins. The water is about 29° and the pipe inlets give you a great massage. What a beautiful oasis.

Before we left Mark had date scones and I had a date and coffee flavoured icecream. Both made here from the palm dates grown on the premises from trees planted by the Afghan cameleers.

Beresford Bore Railway Siding

The birds have taken over the abandoned buildings and other structures 

Next we drove into have a look at Strangways Springs offering walks around an old pastoral settlement built for the Overland Telegraph Repeater station (1 of 11 between Adelaide and Darwin used from 1872-96) and to various mound springs.

We finished the day parked up next to another Ghan bridge at Warriner Creek with another amazing sunset.