Paralana Hot Springs. Are they safe to swim in?

All the asvice I've read including signs at the siute say NO. Usually now other water at Arkaroola. Some water in the southern flinders - Brachina, Aroona etc.

Peter

All the advice I've read including signs at the siute say NO. Usually now other water at Arkaroola. Some water in the southern flinders - Brachina, Aroona etc.

Peter

Fab,

Its strongly recommended to us when we went that you don't swim in the springs due to the level of radioactivity in them and the surrounding rocks. It was also advised that you don't go walking through the gorge they are situated in until late morning/afternoon so that the wind has had time to disperse the steam etc that has gathered overnight.

But this may have changed. I was there back in 2002.

cheers,
Sam.

When I was there a couple of years ago there was no way you could 'swim' anyway - it was a rather muddy, stagnant affair - now.....some of the other pools at the Ark would be great to swim in if it were allowed. Even Chambers Gorge was fast flowing and great fun. I found the punctures in an air bed in one big pool there.

Fab the Paralana Hot Springs are not safe to swim in as they are radioactive. There are plenty of signs warning people off and the Arkaroola staff will firmly advise you of the risks as well. Apart from that the track out there is about the roughest section of road in the North Flinders so allow plenty of time to get out there and back.

Interestingly enough the springs were originally developed as a "health spa" to treat TB sufferers. But they were closed down once it was realised the "spa water" was in fact a health risk.

If you do go to the site then have a good look around and think about how far the place is from civilisation and the fact that people actually developed it such a long time ago. But do not play in the water or drink it

Enjoy Arkaroola and if you have the time take a good look around the Gammon Ranges themselves

Rob

Like others have said the springs are not swimable.

In Sept '05 it was a more like a shallow creek with lots of slime. Probably 12" deep at the deepest.

Don't let the kids 'accidently' step in it as the shoes and socks have to be thrown out ( ask my son how we know lol).

The only bubbling part we found was along to the left a short distance.

Mrs Slave

the springs are extremely beautiful to look at and experience and you can swim in them if you want to go home with an extra head and no sperm. they are heated by radioactive decay and are recommended only if you do want your future unborn children to have two heads and three arms.

if you hadnt noticed i am being fasciscious and under no cicumstances should you swim in them.