South Australia’s Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is starting to fill up for just the fourth time in the past 160 years, offering grey nomads and other travellers the chance to witness one of the country’s rarest ecological events.
Floodwaters from southwest Queensland and northeast South Australia are making their way to the lake, transforming the dry salt bed into a spectacular outback oasis.
The SA Government says that full inundation of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre will rejuvenate the salt lake’s crust, the wildlife and the surrounding vegetation.
It says that when the waters rise, a huge variety of species, many of them rare, spring to life or are attracted to the lake.
South Australia’s Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is starting to fill up. PIC: SA Government
As the lowest point in Australia (15 metres below sea level), the lake covers about 9,500 square kilometres and is co-managed with the Arabana people.
Brine shrimp hatch from eggs in the dry soil, millions of waterbirds and breeding birds from as far as China and Japan migrate to the lake, and fish that are in the floodwaters will spawn and eat the shrimp.
Experts says the best way to see the lake and the hundreds of species of birdlife that it attracts is from the air, but visitors can witness the spectacle of the lake from dedicated viewing points within the park.
Grey nomads keen to make the most of this rare event can camp at the Halligan Bay Point Campground. Located on the shores of the lake, the campground is an exposed, flat campground with limited facilities, including toilets and picnic shelters. Alternative camping is available at Muloorina Bore, north of Marree.
The SA Government says a new park management plan ensures visitors can enjoy the lake safely while helping to conserve and protect its environmental and cultural values.
Recreational activities including swimming, driving off designated tracks, boating and landing aircraft, are restricted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and have been since 1985.
Zoe Bettison, SA’s Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs, said the spectacle of Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre coming to life with floodwaters was a must-see event.
“From amateur astronomers seeking to catch a reflection of the Milky Way on the lake’s still surface, to bird and wildlife watchers catching a glimpse of rare species, to those travelling to see the carpet of wildflowers that will bloom around it, this is an event that has to be seen in person,” she said. “South Australia’s outback is always spectacular … In these extraordinary years when the lake is full, the outback offers something unique.”
NPWS District Ranger, Travis Gotch, said anyone heading out to the lake should plan ahead, drive to the conditions, and make sure they have enough food, water and resources.
“Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is a special place, it deserves to be seen but also to be preserved,” he said. “Visitors can help by staying on marked tracks, taking all litter home and respecting the cultural significance of the lake and surrounds.”
Experts say there will be varying water levels in the lake form now for up to six months.
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No, last time Lake Eyre filled campers were overwhelmed & driven out by a huge outbreak of Bush Rats
There will be an explosion of bird life, and when the lake dries up there will be many chicks dying, as we have seen before, a sad sight.
Considering the below sea level height, I’ve often thought that a pipeline should be set up to siphon sea water from Pt Augusta to maintain some water in the lake.
Yachting is now banned on Lake Eyre.
Moat viewing platforms are now off limits.
Not allowed to go in or near the water.
Just to name a few of the “cultural restrictions” now in place with more to follow in the future.
Have heard that as well,sad,
So sad, we can’t see these in our own country.
To many restrictions by the “owners” to be bothered viewing my own country, will drive past..
As far as I’m aware I think you’ll find that the only thing banned is going onto the lakebed. You are meant to have had a permit to go onto the lakebed since 1985. This was ignored by many and is one reason for the total ban.
You can still go out to the lake and camp at the designated campsites which are located at the viewing platforms.
Yachting was only ever practical for the Maree Yacht Club due to the distance.
Why anyone would want to go into super saline water is beyond me, but I suppose to each their own.