About Elizabeth Springs Conservation Park

Park features

Elizabeth Springs Conservation Park is a small 101ha park that protects rare mound spring habitats and supports uniquely evolved wildlife. This park is distinctive from its surrounding dry desert environment because of permanent artesian mound springs.

Mineral-rich ground water from the Great Artesian Basin aquifer filters into the park producing mound spring formations. This flowing water deposits calcium and other salts onto the surface, which is the beginning of the mound. These deposits combine with wind-blown sand, mud and plant debris that settles around the outflow area, and mounds are formed that can reach two metres in height. They are often surrounded by dense vegetation of significant conservation importance including the salt marsh pipewort and endemic aquatic herbs and grasses.

Springs are a vital water source in this dry land—their continuous trickle morphs the harsh cracked soil into green habitats that provide refuge for local wildlife. Because of the area’s remoteness, some species evolved in isolation from other environments and developed features unique to Elizabeth Springs’ environment. Two of the park’s species—the Elizabeth Springs goby and a unique species of freshwater hydrobiid snail—are not found anywhere else in the world.

Because of the extraordinary natural and evolutionary qualities Elizabeth Springs Conservation Park possesses, it is registered on the Australian Natural Heritage List.

Looking after the park

Everything in Elizabeth Springs Conservation Park is protected, including plants, animals and heritage sites and artefacts. Please appreciate, respect and help care for the park’s outstanding natural and cultural values by leaving things as you find them, and encouraging others to do the same.

Do not walk on or touch the mound springs or nearby vegetation. Many plants and animals in Elizabeth Springs are rare, threatened or endangered. Please do not disturb their unique habitat.

Please read looking after parks in Central West Queensland.

Park management

Each park in Central West Queensland has unique attributes. They are managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) to conserve their natural condition and protect their cultural resources and values.

Tourism information links

Waltzing Matilda Centre
www.matildacentre.com.au
www.dinosaurtrackways.com.au
50 Elderslie Street, Winton
ph (07) 4657 1466
email waltzing@matildacentre.com.au

Diamantina Shire Council
www.diamantina.qld.gov.au
www.thediamantina.com.au
506 Herbert Street, Bedourie
ph (07) 4746 1202
email admin@diamantina.qld.gov.au

For information on road conditions contact:
Queensland Transport
Phone 13 19 40 for 24-hour road reports.

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.