Brisbane, QLD


Sunday, November 7, 2010

LAKE EYRE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Lake Eyre is 15 m below sea level and is the lowest point in Australia. It was named after the explorer Edward John Eyre. It is the terminal point of one of the largest internal drainage systems in the world called the Lake Eyre Basin and it covers one sixth of Australia's area. There are parts of it in 4 states: Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and NSW.
Lake Eyre Basin
Lake Eyre is mostly empty of water and is covered with 45cm/18in of salt crust but occasionally it fills with water, usually when we have a La Nina weather pattern, ( like now) which brings more rain than usual to Australia especially Queensland and the Northern Territory. The rivers in these states flood and wash down through the channel country into Lake Eyre. This turns the desert into a wetland and brings thousands of birds, fish and other animals. The last time this happened was in 1974 and now in 2009/2010.
We are going on a tour of the area to see this amazing phenomenon. 
Our tour map. 
We fly to Adelaide then take a 4wheel drive small coach. It also includes a scenic flight over the lake and rivers.

13 comments:

  1. I bet you can't wait. That sounds like another wonderful trip Diane.

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  2. How interesting, Diane.... Glad you are going to visit this phenomena soon... I'm sure you will come home with lots of pictures to share with us...

    Have a wonderful day.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  3. That seems an interesting trip, I remember a salt lake "Cadi Dor" when I was there in 2004.

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  4. Well written up Diane.
    Hope to see you in Sydney before we both go off to different places.
    Watch out for snakes whilst you are in the wetlands for heaven's sake. It is death adder country. Looking forward to your report on this Australian adventure.
    Cheers
    Colin (HB)

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  5. Your camera will be a'clicking like crazy. Have a wonderful trip!

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  6. What fun! And of course, I want to follow you along. Vicariously I suppose. *sigh*

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  7. Oh how I wish I was going with you!!! Sounds like a marvelous excursion! I've read books about early exploration through that part of the country.

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  8. This sounds as if it is going to be a fascinating trip. I hope you'll enjoy it and bring back lots of pictures to share.

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  9. Oh, be safe and have a glorious trip! I am soo glad you take us with you (by way of your amazing photos and words!) Have FUN!

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  10. I can't wait either -- to see your bird pictures. Sounds like a great trip.

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  11. This sounds like a once (or twice) in a lifetime adventure! I'm sure you will capture photos of many wonderful things!

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  12. Sounds like another great trip, Diane! Make sure you take lots of photos to share with us.

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  13. It must look quite amazing full of water and birdlife... I've only seen it dry. Have a great trip.

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