About Us

Coward Springs Campground was once a station on the old Ghan railway line. The site was constructed in 1888 and abandoned before the line was closed in 1980. It is in the Middle of Wabma Kadarbu mound Springs conservation Park and its Ethos is centered around conservation, reducing recycling and reusing!

In 1998 the site (which includes two houses, two in-ground rainwater tanks, a bore, date palms and athel pines) was added to the South Australian Heritage Register.

Now, new owners Scott and Barb have been lucky enough to take over the reigns and are excited to experience Coward Springs alongside their guests.

Facilities and Features

Coffee Shop

 Enjoy a Freshly brewed coffee, farm fresh dates and our tasty home grown Date products including scones and icecream featuring Coward Springs Dates! We also have a great range of Merch available!

Camping

Campsites are in the shade and shelter  of historic  Tamarisk trees  and Date Palms, other Sites are amongst more recently  planted Native trees. Fees apply, $18 per adult and $8 per child 5-15 years.

Date Farm

Coward Springs  is also  a working  Date Farm  with some of the plantation descending from the Afghan Cameleer days! More recent plantings have been established  with the valuable assistance  of the Reilly family from Gurra Downs in the SA riverland.

Fireplace

Each site has its own fireplace. Please bring your own firewood. There is no firewood collection at, or within 10km of, Coward Springs. We have small firewood boxes for sale.  Please note NO FIRES BETWEEN END OF OCTOBER AND APRIL.

Attractions

Coward Springs is a great base to explore local attractions with Wabma Kadarbu conservation Park, Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre National Park, Strangways Springs and William creek all close by.

Showers

Showers are for campers only and wood is supplied to heat the donkey. 

FAQ’s

Do I need to book?

Yes, you can easily book through our request form here

Can I extend my stay?

Of course you can, simply come into the office and we’ll sort it out.

is Coward Springs Campground pet friendly?

yes pets must be on a lead and cleaned up after at all times.

Are sites powered?

no we are an eco camp, all our campsites are unpowered.

Can I use a generator?

No, sorry, we are an Eco Camp

Is Firewood available?

There is no collection of firewood or kindling allowed at Coward Springs Campground or inside Wabma Kadarbu conservation Park, there are small ecolog fire kits available for sale.

Do you have to book to use spa?

No even in busy times you won’t have to wait long, everyone gets a go!

What are the road conditions like?

Road conditions vary so it is best to keep an eye on local road reports. A good place to check is the Transport SA Outback Roads Hotline 1300 361 033 or the DPTI’s website. It’s also good to take note of weather conditions of the area as well.

What size is the property?

234 hectares 180 of which is leasehold and under a native vegetation agreement with the SA government.

Am I able to visit Coward Springs without camping?

Yes, day visitors are welcome strictly between 9am & 4pm, a $3 fee per person applies, this assists with water costs and the preservation of historic railway buildings.