subject: Lake Eyre - Outback Australia by:Lyndon Sparrow [print this page] A salt lake (dry lake) in the middle of an Australian desert might not sound like a nature-lover's ideal travel destination. So why are so many people flocking to Lake Eye at the moment? It's because currently this lifeless area is teeming with water, plant and wildlife.
When there is significant rainfall further north in Queensland the river systems of Cooper Creek, Diamantina and Georgina flow through to transform Lake Eyre - this happens on average only once every 10-12 years. When Lake Eyre is in flood it becomes a breeding ground for water birds especially pelicans. The explanation of the migration of birds to the area during the floods has many theories but none that are definitive. During the floods frogs, microscopic crustaceans and a wealth of plants and algae also spring up where previously there was only salt, sand and dust.
There are 3 public access points if you have a 4wd: Lake Eyre South - Oodnadatta; Lake Eyre North - Level Post Bay; and Lake Eyre North - Halligan Bay. However, by far the best way to appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of Lake Eyre in flood is from the air. There are flights available from the towns of Williams Creek, Marree, Cooper Pedy and Wilpena Pound (Flinders Ranges). Plus if you are looking for a pub lunch, a chat with the locals or a longer stay, each of these towns offers their own unique outback experience.
With the Oodnadatta, Birdsville and slightly further afield Strzelecki tracks, it is easy to continue exploring the outback regions from Lake Eyre. The Birdsville track runs from Birdsville in Queensland some 517kms south to Marree near lake Eyre; the Oodnadatta track runs from Marree across to Marla (via Oodnadatta) along a 620km unsealed track; and finally the Strzelecki track, which runs along the Cooper Creek to Innamincka near the borders of South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Don't miss the truly spectacular Australian outback experience of Lake Eyre in flood - no matter which way you choose to travel you'll enjoy it all.
