Desert Wetland on the Edge of the Simpson

Unexpected, Remote and Teeming with Life

Purni Bore is a surprising oasis at the western edge of the Simpson Desert. Originally drilled during oil exploration in the 1960s, the bore was left flowing for decades, creating an artificial wetland in one of Australia’s driest regions. Today it’s a popular stop for travellers heading east from Dalhousie Springs, offering a rare chance to see desert wildlife up close.

Quick Facts

  • Location: Witjira National Park, South Australia
  • Access: 4WD only via Dalhousie Springs
  • Camping: Basic bush campsite with toilets and hot showers
  • Facilities: Bird hide, bore-fed shower, no fuel or supplies
  • Best Time to Visit: April to September

Find Your Way to the Purni Bore

Getting There: Purni Bore is located around 7 km east of Dalhousie Springs along the French Line. The track is sandy and remote — suitable for high-clearance 4WD vehicles only.

Permits & Park Info: Entry fees apply for Witjira National Park. A Desert Parks Pass is required for travel beyond Purni Bore into the Simpson Desert. Facilities are minimal so bring all supplies and respect the fragile desert environment.

From Bore to Wetland

Purni Bore was drilled by a French petroleum company in the 1960s as part of exploratory work in the Simpson Desert. When operations ceased in the 1980s, the bore was left uncapped, allowing hot artesian water to flow freely. Over time this created a large wetland that attracted birds, reptiles and mammals to an otherwise barren landscape.

The site is now managed as part of Witjira National Park. A bird hide has been installed by Friends of the Simpson Desert and the bore water is used for a basic shower — an unexpected luxury in the outback.

Desert Life at the Bore

Purni Bore is one of the best places in the Simpson Desert to observe wildlife, especially birds drawn to the water.

The bore’s overflow has created a microhabitat that supports life in a region where water is scarce. It’s a living example of how even artificial changes can shape desert ecology.

Flora

  • Salt-tolerant grasses and reeds
  • Desert wildflowers after rain
  • Spinifex and low shrubs surrounding the wetland

Fauna

  • Birds: Over 80 species recorded including galahs, budgerigars, pelicans and raptors
  • Reptiles: Sand goannas, bearded dragons and desert skinks
  • Mammals: Red kangaroos, dingoes and small marsupials