The Great Artesian Drive is a scenic route in New South Wales that runs through the heart of the Great Artesian Basin. This drive takes travellers through a region rich in natural and cultural history, showcasing the unique landscapes and heritage of the area.
The Great Artesian Basin is one of the largest artesian freshwater basins in the world. Covering an area of over 1.7 million square kilometres the basin lies underneath approximately one-fifth of the Australian continent, extending from Cape York to Dubbo. Artesian water is underground water confined and pressurised within a porous and permeable geological formation and here in the North West the waters are generally 38°C- great to soak away those aches and pains and rejuvenate your body!
Kamilaroi Aboriginal people used the natural springs from the Great Artesian Basin as a source of water in times of drought and European settlers realised the potential of accessing flowing waters when bores were drilled into the basin, near Bourke in 1878. The ensuing reliable water supply paved the way for developing rural communities, a valuable stock industry and enhancing the prosperity of agricultural production within the rich black soils of the North West NSW.
The towns closest to Burren Junction that form part of the Great Artesian Drive are:
- Burren Junction
- Pilliga
- Collarenabri
- Walgett
- Lightning Ridge
- Moree
- Mungindi
- Boomi
- Goodooga
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