Mount Isa Photography by Jemloco Images: Fountain Springs Loop - Part 2 Trafalgar Mine Site and Spring Creek {Mount Isa}

Spring Creek (Waterhole) and Trafalgar Mine (Abandoned)

If you are travelling between Mount Isa and Cloncurry along "The Overlander's Way" (Barkly Highway); you come to the Fountain Springs Rest Area. Here you can stop for a short toilet break and stretch your legs, or - if you are equipped to do so, you can stay the night before continuing your journey.

This rest area is also across the road from the entry to one of the best 4 wheel drive tracks open to the public in the Mount Isa region.

The Fountain Springs Loop, also known as The Ballara Mining Heritage Trail, is located on Private Property, and as such as NO ENTRY signs should be adhered to. Also, leave any and all gates as you find them, beware of stock on the track and most importantly TAKE YOUR RUBBISH with you.

WARNING: During the Wet Season (or periods of rain) the road can be impassable. The track is not recommended for caravans at any time.

Part 1: Bulonga Town Site and Rosebud Dam can be found here.

Spring Creek - an old Cobb and Co Coach Stop

The turn off for Spring Creek is approx 5km from the highway and to the left (the track to the right will take you to Bulonga and Rosebud Dam). There is another, and less challenging track to Spring Creek further along and before you reach Ballara.

Spring Creek was once a rest stop for the Cobb and Co Coaches as they travelled from Cloncurry to Ballara. Here you will find another great spot for a picnic or camping, and if there has been a good rain fall, Spring Creek will be full and teeming with fish or birds. Further upstream, and over the ridge you will find a natural spring, that has created an almost swamp like environment. The water is cool and again, there is plenty of fauna and flora to see.

We have visited Spring Creek quite a few times of the last few years, and it has been amazing to see it transform form from a barren and desolate spot, to one teeming with life.

Spring Creek was looking very sad after a failed wet season in December 2013

BEFORE: December 2013, Spring Creek Waterhole

AFTER: March 2016. What a difference a Wet Season makes - even a below average Wet Season

BEFORE: December 2013, looking towards the swamp (away from the Spring Creek Waterhole)

AFTER: March 2016. What a difference a Wet Season makes - even a below average Wet Season

BEFORE: December 2013, looking from the top of the ridge to the swamp area

AFTER: March 2016. What a difference a Wet Season makes - even a below average Wet Season

Looking at the waterhole from the top of the ridge, the swamp area is to the right of frame

Little fish swimming in the swamp

Getting close to where the natural spring is located. The water here is cool, and it is a great spot for a picnic, although a bit of a walk

The swamp area is quite overgrown.

Taken on the eastern side of Spring Creek, the ridge can be seen slightly to the right of centre in this image

Taken from the eastern side of Spring Creek, looking towards the ridge (and behind is the swamp)

Taken from the eastern side of Spring Creek and looking away from the ridge (and swamp)

Corella Dam Wall (back end of Clem Walton Park)

During a prolonged dry season, it is possible to continue on from Spring Creek and find yourself at the back end of Clem Walton Park - and view the back of the Corella Dam. Not a view seen very often.

During a good wet season - this area would be under water (December 2013)

Corella Dam wall can be seen to the left of centre, with the overflow on the right.

The water level was very low at this visit, December 2013

The overflow area - I am not one for heights - so I will just imagine it looks amazing down below.

The Corella Dam wall and overflow

Some beautiful, yet teasing clouds, showing off with some crepuscular rays

Trafalgar Mine (abandoned Copper Mine)

Depending on which route you take to get to Spring Creek, you will come across Trafalgar Mine first, an abandoned copper mine that would recover copper via a leaching process; for the rock hunters you will find some fabulous examples of malachite (green copper carbonate) still lying around.

The track to Trafalgar Mine is rough and there is one particular spot that is quite steep and covered in broken rock and shale. You will also find some new "bush pin striping" on your paintwork as the surrounding bush can be overgrown, especially after a decent wet season.