The natural phenomenon you must see in Australia this year
Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre is the largest salt-lake in Australia. This vast, dry expanse of glittering salt is part of the extensive Lake Eyre basin – one of the largest internally draining river systems in the world. On clear, cloudless days the land can appear to merge with the sky in a pink and blue mirage that crosses the horizon. Most of the time the Lake is dry, but on rare occasions it fills and becomes home to huge flocks of migratory water birds and gives life to a carpet of wildflowers.
This phenomenon is imminent as an enormous body of water is now flowing into the lake after extraordinary rainfall in the northern reaches of the Diamantina Catchment. Floodwaters inundated Birdsville and cut access to the town for six weeks. From there they crossed into South Australia and have travelled southwest into Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre, creating a vast and shimmering spectacle.
But if you still need further convincing, here is why you need to take a trip to the magical Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre:
The phenomenon only occurs once every few years
Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre is vast in size, spanning 144 kilometres long and 77 kilometres wide. The show stopper is never one to disappoint, with the lake featuring a stunning pink hue caused by pigment found within a specific type of salt-loving algae when the water level is at its lowest. But despite the lake glistening year-round, the best time to pay a visit is after the Outback has received a downpour of rain, flooding the lake with water.
Lake Eyre has filled to capacity only three times in recorded history, the last time in 1974. However, general floods happen more frequently and are just as spectacular. The last significant flood was in 2011 at the height of the La Nina weather pattern that brought flooding rains to more of Eastern Australia. The site also carries a deep and rich history for the Arabunna and other Aboriginal people, spanning over thousands of years. Seeing Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre in flood is a unique experience. The best way to appreciate the floodwaters and enjoy a bird’s-eye view, is by plane; followed by a 4WD adventure to the upper reaches of the Lake and the surrounding dunes and river systems.
Outback Spirit is Lake Eyre’s Number one tour operator. Their award-winning adventures have showcased the wonder of Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre to nearly 10,000 guests since 2009. In 2012, they took home South Australia’s premier tourism award for Major Tour Operators after the 2011 flooding of Lake Eyre. Outback Spirit is offering 6 and 7-day adventures from Adelaide to showcase this phenomenal natural event. Their tours include three scenic flights aboard state-of-the-art turbine aircraft, giving a stunning perspective of the region in flood.
Guests of Outback Spirit have exclusive access to visit Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary on the banks of the Warburton Creek. The sanctuary’s manager provides a fascinating explanation of the desert transformation following the arrival of the faraway floodwaters.
Kalamurina is owned and operated by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and is a property of exceptional conservation values. It encompasses a remarkable 1.7 million acres at the junction of the Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert, the Tirari Desert and Sturt’s Stony Desert. The sanctuary is characterised by rolling dunefields, freshwater and saline lakes and is a refuge for unique desert wildlife.
Travelling with an experienced and knowledgeable touring crew brings the landscape to life. Enthusiasm is infectious and Outback Spirit recruits and employ the best in the industry, requiring a minimum 10 years of heavy vehicle driving experience.
The rugged landscapes of this remote region can be travelled in comfort, aboard Outback Spirit’s 5-star All Terrain Mercedes Benz tour vehicles. With generous legroom, an on-board restroom, satellite communication system, a state-of-the-art P.A. system and on-board refreshment station, this is the most comfortable way to see outback South Australia and the wonders of Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre.
To find out more about the tours Outback Spirit has on offer to Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre, click here.
Scroll through the gallery above to take a look at the beauty of Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre.
This is sponsored content brought to you in conjunction with Outback Spirit.