Photographing Coward Springs
About Coward Springs
Coward Springs is one of the many old railway stations that were on the Ghan Railway line. Once the line was shut down, these springs fell into disuse. Now however, they have been purchased by a couple who are slowly restoring the area and running a eco-camp. Coward Springs is both a caravan park / campground, a small shop, a outback spa, and a museum rolled into one. It is a must-see destination on the Oodnadatta Track.
Viewpoints
The springs have several key features:
- The little shop. Considering that this is the only shop for a 100km or so, and its style, this is definitely a feature.
The park itself, consists of tracks, date palms, wooden toilets and wooden showers. Many photographic opportuniteis exist here.
The railway museum and railway. This is one of a few such buildings, but each of them is photogenic - an aging old building set against the desert.
The spa and springs. The spa is a welcome relief in the desert heat and luxurious even though rustic. The springs provide water and water plants against the desert backdrop.
How I photographed Coward Springs
What I took - what was in my kit
I took my LowePro Backpack loaded with Canon 5DSR body, Canon 24-70mm zoom, Manfrotto 190 Tripod, and of course a range of lens wipes, spare batteries, sunscreen and bug repellant. Given that the springs are only a few hundred metres square, I left most of my kit in the car and just walked with the camera hand held.
Techniques
The desert light is very strong. It is either full sun or full shade. There are no clouds or awnings or buildings to break up the light. I therefore simply shot ISO 100 (for fidelity) and f10 (for diffration). Exposure was to-the-right and set by shutter speed.
Other things to look out for
I suggest you see Oodnadatta Track for details of what is on this famous road.
Location
Coward Springs, Oodnadatta Track, South Australia (-29.4008, 136.81435)
Techniques used
Kit used
How to get there
The only way to get here is by vehicle. I would recommend your own car, but I think that there are various tour buses that do the trip.
Best time to visit
The outback is hot and dry - in winter. In summer it is hotter (cant be much dryer). The cooler months are the best time to visit.
Accessability
See Oodnadatta Track. The town - like the rest of the track - is essentially flat. No problems with access for anyone with wheel chairs or limited mobility. The town is not large, and it is pet freindly.
Where to stay
We stayed in the Coward Springs Campground. Apart from these campgrounds, there are some free-camps within the next few hours, but that is it. The campground seperates people via windy tracks and date palms, so that you appear to be alone. Thge campgrounds has toilets, showers (but you must light the heater first), and a shop that provides drinks and locally made date chutney.