Dalhousie OR Purnie Bore

Russ,

I would not and do not camp at either. Dalhousie is great for a swim but can get very crowded, and Purnie Bore they are trying to regenerate the area I think.

I would go into the desert if travelling east and stop before Purnie Bore if going west.

Wayne

Russ we stayed at both but I guess it depends on how much of a hurry you're in. We arrived fairly late at Dalhousie so didn't stop at the ruins. Next morning we enjoyed a warm dip in the springs and went back to the ruins then returned and on to Purnie Bore. We were there for lunch. There's a hot shower at Purni Bore and a hide for watching birds. Dalhousie has more facilities and the springs. If I had to choose I'd go Dalhousie but I'd recommend both if you have time.

Well Russ there's a fair spread of opinion above for you .... Both and Neither! Gues you'll just have to make up your own mind!!

Thanks 2 U all, I guess there will be more replies, but I guess it answers my question at this stage. None is better than that other. All depends on the time of day.

Appreciate your responses.

Russ.

Russ. The differences are: Dalhousie: Toilet and shower facilities are pretty new. The swimming pool is huge and with a 1 KM walk can find private clear pools. Dalhousie ruins near by. Look out hill near by. Park style campsites can be wind swept and dusty if it's blowing but give plenty of room even for groups. Can get very busy (have seen 40 + cars) Firewood must be carried in.
Purnie Bore: No formal camp sites just flat ground out of the wind between the dunes. Toliet and shower pretty ordinary. Arteisen (spell check) water a bit hard. Bird hide overlooks the pool with alot of animal life about.
Alot of people look around Dalhousie then camp at Purnie to dodge the crowds.
For my money the Main springs camp at Dalhousie has much more to offer and is worth a 2 day stop to look around but only if you don't mind the occational generator going till 10. Craig.....................................

"Better" - everyone has their own opinion of what that is...

Actually, just east of Dalhousie Springs there is a camp along a creek. Took a look last time, lovely and quiet, whilst at the established spring itself (5mins drive back) it sure is crowded after 3pm - 9am but then empties out again as everyone moves off. You've got to stop for a swim there - no doubt about it. The evening sunsets are really special too. There is some amazing birdlife, including spoonbills.

Now that I've told you about the creek campsites, please contact the ranger and find out some more about it, as I honestly don't know the regulations on camping there, but I THINK its just that people don't know about it, so I guess I've just let the cat out of the bag. I think you are allowed to camp there, but please please don't quote me, please check.

As for Purnie Bore - there is a wildlife hut there, designed to let you get up close with the animals at dusk and during the night. For many it is too close to Dalhousie Spring (no more than an hour's drive) to warrant stopping for a 2nd night that's why its a choice. You could do both if you stopped the night and half the next day at Dalhousie and then moved onto Purnie. There isn't much to do/see there until dusk really so its a place to get reflective, get out your water colours and unleash the artist in yourself if you are so inclined... or occcupy yourself as you will. The other option is to base camp at Purnie on the 2nd day, and setup off down the Rig Road to see the Lone Gum Tree etc and then head back at the end of the day to Purnie Bore. It of course would involve some backtracking and fuel use, but you could do it. Just a suggestion?

Thanks Crackles ad Michelle.

Appreciate your replies.

Russ

Can't resist. I always find that after a decent jaunt in the back blocks eg. the Simpson, being cast into the likes of Dalhousie with 20 - 30 double differs, all a bit much. We had our swim and followed the fence NW for a few k's and camped in a lovely little grove of small trees just off the track. That's the beauty of these trips - options and freedom.

Miker.