The Great Artesian Basin: Australia’s Hidden Wonder Beneath Our Feet
We already live in one of the luckiest countries in the world, but having access to the Great Artesian Basin takes that luck to another level. This vast underground reservoir is one of Australia’s most precious natural resources. It’s not just water. It’s life-giving, nutrient-rich, mineral-loaded water that supports communities, agriculture, and ecosystems across inland Australia.
What is the Great Artesian Basin?
The Great Artesian Basin is one of the largest underground freshwater reservoirs in the world. It spans over 1.7 million square kilometres, covering parts of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. The water in the basin originally fell as rain more than a million years ago and slowly filtered through layers of porous sandstone. It is now stored under pressure beneath layers of rock and clay, creating artesian conditions where water can flow naturally to the surface.
And that process is what created the magic that lies beneath!
For many rural and remote communities, the Great Artesian Basin is the only reliable water source. It supplies more than 60,000 people and thousands of farms and properties with vital drinking and agricultural water. Without it, much of inland Australia would be uninhabitable.
(Side note: have you ever seen the proposals for bringing an inland ocean into the middle of Australia? Check it out if you haven’t – interesting stuff!)
What Makes the Water So Unique?
Unlike surface water from rivers or dams, artesian water has been naturally filtered for thousands of years. During that time, it picks up a unique mix of minerals that make it incredibly valuable for human health, livestock, and soil.
Some of the key minerals found in Great Artesian Basin water include:
Calcium – Strengthens bones, teeth, and helps prevent osteoporosis
Magnesium – Supports nerve function, muscle health, and energy production
Sodium – Aids hydration, blood pressure regulation, and cell function
Silica – Helps with joint strength, skin health, and connective tissue
Potassium – Supports cardiovascular health and muscle contraction
Bicarbonate – Balances pH levels in the body and aids digestion
This combination of minerals can help improve overall wellbeing, support metabolic function, and even enhance the health of livestock and crops.
Better for People, Better for Livestock
Water from the Great Artesian Basin doesn’t just quench thirst. It nourishes. For people living on properties that draw from the basin, it provides a natural source of daily minerals with every glass. For livestock, it means stronger bones, better hydration, and higher productivity. Many landholders report improvements in livestock health and condition when switching to artesian water sources.
Why It Matters
Many water sources across Australia, especially surface water from rivers and catchments, are vulnerable to drought, evaporation, and contamination. These sources often have lower mineral content, and they fluctuate in quality and availability. Artesian water is stable, reliable, and naturally fortified.
Protecting the Great Artesian Basin is critical for the long-term survival of regional and rural Australia. Drilling bores that are properly maintained and capped ensures sustainable access to this incredible resource, without wasting pressure or water through open drains or uncontrolled flows.
Tapping into Ancient Power
The Great Artesian Basin is more than a water supply. It’s a slow-moving underground legacy of Australia’s ancient climate. Every time we drill into it, we’re tapping into something that has taken hundreds of thousands of years to form. And that’s something to respect, protect, and be proud of.
If you’re fortunate enough to live above it, and you’re thinking about drilling a bore, you’re not just accessing water. You’re accessing one of the greatest natural gifts this country has to offer.
