Redbank Waterhole

Owen Springs ReserveAttractions Redbank Waterhole Fauna Flora

The Redbank Waterhole at Owen Springs Reserve is one of the popular spots for those wanting to do a spot of camping. Camping is allowed between the signposts within Lawrence Gorge and near Redbank Waterhole (this is a temporary waterhole which will dry up if the river has not flowed for some time).

In addition it is one of the few parks and reserves to permit dogs, although this is only in the area south of the Waterhouse Range. Pets are required to be kept under control for the safety of other people and the local fauna.^{1, 2}

After significant rain in the area, the Hugh River can be found flowing through the reserve, with some of the water ending up in waterholes along the river length, including Redbank Waterhole.

These waterholes do eventually dry up, unless there is more rainfall to replenish them.

Rain in the Central Australia region (early in the year 2022), saw a significant amount of water fill the normally dry rivers, with the water flowing southward.

So much water fell in the region that water overflowed river banks, sweeping everything before it, from sand, rocks, trees, shrubs and other debris.

In the following photo of a young river red gum, you can visualise how high the the flow of the river water reached. The tree itself was no more then 3 metres high, and was growing high on the river bank. The water hole was about 5 metres lower then where the tree was growing. You can see the debris of grass and other dried plants swept up against the main trunk of the young tree. The highest grass debris caught in the branches was reaching two metres up in the tree.

Height of the flood water through the Hugh River, Redbank Waterhole — Height of flood water from the Hugh River, Redbank Waterhole

This attractive stretch of river, with its broad sandy banks, are lined with shady River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis).

These River Red Gums vary in size and ages, that provide a haven for many fauna, both birds, insects and reptiles.

Don’t forget to keep your eyes out for some of the wonderful flora to be found in the area including the Fork-leaved Corkwood, Long-leaved Corkwood, Poached Egg Daisy, White Paper Daisy, Broad-Leaf Parakeelya and many more.