Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park

Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park is one of the classic stops on the Oodnadatta Track. National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia puts it about 498 km north of Port Augusta, with access via the Oodnadatta Track.

The springs

National Parks SA says the springs are natural artesian springs. Water from deep within the Great Artesian Basin filters to the surface and forms mounds and bubbling ponds. There are two main springs.

• Thirrka (Blanche Cup). One of the two best-known springs, with a main pool ringed by lush green sedges.
• Pirdali-nha (The Bubbler). Its European name comes from the regular bubbles that pop to the surface as the water wells up.

Overflow from the springs creates wetlands that provide habitat for waterbirds. Nearby is Wabma Kadarbu, or Mount Hamilton, an extinct mound spring. National Parks SA says the name translates as "snake's head" and that the site is central to the Arabana creation story for this place.

National Parks SA describes this as a fragile, arid environment. Swimming is not allowed at the springs.

Arabana Country

The Arabana Parks Advisory Committee welcomes visitors to its traditional lands and encourages them to learn about Arabana stories and culture. The committee says visitor numbers in the area range from about 5,000 in a dry year to around 25,000 in a flood year. It is seeking culturally appropriate ways for people to experience the parks, especially the lake bed of Kati Thanda and the mound springs, which have high conservation and cultural values and are sensitive to visitor impacts. Don't touch or remove anything, and take all your rubbish with you.

Fees and rules

• Entry. National Parks SA lists vehicle entry at $14.40 per vehicle, paid before you enter.
• Camping. Not permitted in the park. The nearest option is Coward Springs, a privately run campground with separate fees.
• Fires. Wood and solid-fuel fires are banned all year. Gas and liquid-fuel stoves are allowed except on total fire ban days.
• Dogs. Not permitted, except accredited assistance dogs.
• Fire danger closures. The park closes on Catastrophic Fire Danger days and may close on Extreme days.
• Driving. Standard road rules apply. Stay on designated tracks and observe "No public access" signs.

Before you go

National Parks SA asks you to check the latest Desert Parks Bulletin before visiting, and the Outback Roads Report (1300 361 033) for road closures and warnings. The park is open daily. In an emergency, call 000. The Port Augusta park office is on (08) 8648 5300.

Along the Oodnadatta Track

Wabma Kadarbu pairs well with Marree to the south-east and William Creek to the north-west. Further north, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park is reached from William Creek or Marree. For the wider story of the springs and bores of inland Australia, see our Great Artesian Basin guide.