While the exceptionally heavy rains in Central Australia may have presented some logistical problems for travellers, grey nomads and others are also being treated to some spectacular scenery.
The ‘greening’ of the Red Centre has left many caravanners and motorhomers in awe.
At Curtin Springs Station, 360 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs, the ABC reports that the record-breaking rain late in December has transformed the landscape.
“It’s so green it hurts your eyes,” Lyndee Severin from the station told the ABC. “Everything is growing, everything’s got fresh growth on the tips … it doesn’t matter what sort of bush you’re looking at.”
All of which has been a huge treat for visitors.
“I’ve been telling people at the moment that they’re incredibly lucky, that they’re actually seeing the desert in her party dress,” said Amee Porter, also from Curtin Springs Station. “They’re going to have the photos that nobody else they know will ever have.”
While most people have been enjoying the unexpected lushness of such a normally harsh landscape, challenges still lay ahead. There is, of course, the added fuel load which presents bushfire threats, and then there’s the damage all of the rain has caused to the roads.
And then there are also the creatures which tend to emerge in greater numbers after a decent deluge. The Stuart Highway town of Tennant Creek has already had more rainfall this year than Darwin, which is in the middle of the wet season. And the wettest start to a year on record has also seen residents reporting seeing more snakes, rats and scorpions.
Long-time Tennant Creek resident Roddy Calvert told the ABC that the water also attracted other unloved visitors.
“I have noticed now that the mozzies are going to start,” she said. “There is always a downside!”
· Have you been enjoying the ‘Green’ Centre? Have you been noticing more creepie crawlies than ususal? Comment below.
