Rare flooding transforms South Australia's dry Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre into an outback oasis for only 4th time in 160 years
At Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, an ‘inland tsunami’ is making a sea
The salty flats of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre are flooding for just the fourth time in the past 160 years.
When water fills the tourism hotspot in the northeast corner of South Australia, the dry lake bed turns into a temporary outback oasis with wildlife and vegetation all springing to life.
"Brine shrimp hatch from eggs in the 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," the SA Department for Environment and Water said.
The Department advised the best way to view the phenomenon is with a scenic flight tour, but added at least one camping spot on the shore offered irresistible access to the "spectacle".
"The best way to see the lake and the hundreds of species of birdlife that it attracts is from the air," DEW said.
"Many visitors will be keen to make the most of this rare event by camping at the Halligan Bay Point Campground."
Halligan Bay Point is an exposed, flat campground with limited facilities, including toilets and picnic shelters.
Alternative camping is also available at Muloorina Bore, north of Marree.
Campers will need to stick to "dedicated viewing points within the park".
Recreational water activities — such as swimming, driving off designated tracks, boating and landing aircraft on the lake — are also off limits under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.
Some people have expressed frustration with the restrictions, including boaties keen to take their vessels onto the lake's rarely seen waters.
But the lake management plan is designed both for public safety and to protect the sacred site, and keep people safe in the remote region.
Visitor numbers of about 5000 in a dry year can surge to about 25,000 in a flood year, DEW said.
The lake covers about 9500sqkm and is co-managed with the Arabana people, the native title holders of the lake which is considered in lore to be sacred and dangerous to visit without the guidance of cultural authority.
Arabana Aboriginal Corporation chairwoman Bronwyn Dodd called Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre a "a very special place" and said that its preservation also "preserves our way of life".
"We are proud to share this part of our Country, and the Ularaka (story) that belongs here," she said.
Nature-lovers have several months to check out a brimming Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.
"Water started to find its way into the north lake in early May and there will be varying water levels for up to six months," DEW said.
"The best times to visit would be between May and October."
