Lake Eyre filling up for the first time in 10 years – wildlife spectacle
03/03/2009 13:43:40
Lake Eyre, which spends most of its life as a dry salt pan, is currently flooding for the first time in 10 years. Credit SATC
See One of Australia's Most Spectacular Sights As Floodwaters Breathe Life into South Australia's Dry Lake Eyre
March 2009. The world's largest salt lake, Lake Eyre in South Australia is once again bursting into life as Queensland floodwaters flow along normally dormant creeks and rivers to reach Australia's lowest point, 15 metres below sea level.
Only fills up every 50 years on average - becomes Australia's largest lake
Located 700 kilometres from Adelaide, Lake Eyre, which has only filled to the brim three times in the last 160 years, last saw water in 2000 when it became half full. Normally inhospitable to wildlife, when flowing with water Lake Eyre is transformed into Australia's largest lake, a wildlife oasis brimming with flora and fauna. Pelicans, gulls and terns follow the water, whilst camels and other wildlife are drawn by the water's scent.
Fish reappear
Yellow-bellied fish and fingerlings have started to appear providing birds with a feast. Plants are springing up around the water's edge and should Lake Eyre become 80% full it is likely that 85 different species of birds will descend on the area making this one of the most spectacular places to visit in Australia in the next couple of months.
Nature loving travellers have the rare and unexpected opportunity of seeing a lake reborn as numerous local operators offer a selection of tours, expeditions and flights to witness this rare phenomenon which is expected to last for another two or three months before the lake turns back into a saltpan:
Click here for operators that can take you to Lake Eyre.
Water flowing into Lake eyre - march 2009
local tour operatorsWrightsair (http://www.wrightsair.com.au/ ) has charter flights affording fantastic views of the prehistoric river systems that enter the lake, forming a magnificent pattern of colour. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary (http://www.arkaroola.com.au/ ) in the Flinders Ranges has two daily, four-hour aerial tours that include flying over the Marree Man. Wilpena Pound Resort (http://www.wilpenapound.com.au/ ) itself located next to a natural phenomenon, Wilpena Pound - a natural amphitheatre 17kms long and 7kms wide - has a range of flights to Lake Eyre including a four-hour tour with lunch at William Creek - South Australia's smallest town, and a two-day tour with an overnight stay in Birdsville. Customised flight options are available on request. Rawnsley Park Station (http://www.rawnsleypark.com.au/ ), offering award-winning eco-villa accommodation in the Flinders Ranges, has a five-hour 'Lake Eyre Explorer' tour. | Chinta Air Tours (http://www.chinta.com.au/ ) has a two-day 'Outback Experience' tour that starts and ends in Adelaide and includes a night at Coober Pedy's Desert Cave Hotel, William Creek and Ceduna - Australia's oyster capital. Banksia Adventures (http://www.banksia-adventures.com.au/ ) has a three-day tour from Adelaide that includes the Clare Valley wine region, the Flinders Ranges and a one-day scenic flight to Andamooka, William Creek and Lake Eyre. Two nights are spent at Wilpena. The Prairie Hotel (http://www.prairiehotel.com.au/ ), Parachilna (population seven) has a variety of trips, both overland and aerial. Heading Bush Outback Adventures (http://www.headingbush.com/ ), established by 5th generation South Australian Mick Murdoch, has overland expeditions from Adelaide. |
Lake Eyre is dry for most of the time. Photo credit SATC.
Read the comments about this article and leave your own comment
I think you should try taking pictures of the animals if do go there.
Posted by: Christina .B. | 05 Aug 2009 14:28:14
Explanation: sea kittens are what I call fish, also XD is supposed to look like a sideways smiley face.
Posted by: Christina .B. | 05 Aug 2009 14:25:40
All the birds and sea kittens are coming back!!!!! XD
Posted by: Christina .B. | 05 Aug 2009 14:22:06
seeking suggestions on where best to see the huge flocks of birds (ideally pelicans) and schools of fish from the ground. There vare plemty of fly over air tours but that doesn't seem as involving as walking along the lake side. Anyone any suggestions
Posted by: keven diggens | 23 May 2009 02:32:54
I am having trouble finding out where the fish come from when flood waters fill Lake Eyre. Do they bring the fish with them or are the fish eggs waiting for the water?
Posted by: anton jarrett | 03 May 2009 00:43:31
Has anyone actually seen the fish and birds or is it just hope? How can the average aerial tourist get up close and personal?
Posted by: Jack | 22 Mar 2009 12:43:51
Posted by: Jack | 22 Mar 2009 12:39:50