Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest salt lake and the lowest point on our continent, is currently experiencing a remarkable transformation that occurs only a handful of times each century. The 2025 flooding event is turning this typically barren salt pan into a spectacular inland sea, creating one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena in Australia’s outback.
A Rare Natural Wonder Unfolding
This year’s flooding is being hailed as the most significant in at least 15 years, with experts suggesting it could be the largest fill event this century. Water began flowing into the lake in early May 2025, with substantial flows expected to continue over the coming months. The spectacle is expected to persist for up to six months, with deeper sections potentially retaining water into summer.
The flooding results from record-breaking rainfall and widespread flooding across inland Queensland, where the flood zone covered an area four times the size of the United Kingdom. These floodwaters have been making their slow journey southward through the vast Lake Eyre Basin, which covers an astonishing 1.2 million square kilometres—approximately 17% of Australia’s landmass.
The Geography and History of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is a sacred site of the Arabana people and sits 15 metres below sea level, making it the lowest point in Australia. The lake itself comprises two sections—the much larger northern lake (144 km long by 77 km wide) and the smaller southern lake, connected by the narrow Goyder Channel.
The lake’s basin is the fourth largest internal drainage system in the world, stretching north past Mount Isa, south to the Flinders Ranges, west beyond Alice Springs, and east past Longreach. This vast catchment contains dozens of creeks and rivers, all flowing downhill to the heart of the basin.
Despite its enormous catchment area, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is normally dry due to its location in Australia’s most arid region. The area receives just 150 millimetres of annual rainfall—a mere 12% of Sydney’s total—while experiencing an evaporation rate more than 20 times that amount. Since 1900, the lake has completely filled only three times, with the greatest depth recorded in 1974, Australia’s wettest year on record.
An Explosion of Life in the Desert
When floodwaters reach Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, they trigger an extraordinary transformation of the ecosystem. The usually salty crust dissolves, creating an inland sea that breathes new life into the desert.
Brine shrimp, which have remained dormant as eggs in the dry soil, suddenly hatch in their millions. These tiny creatures form the foundation of a rapidly developing food chain. Fish carried in the floodwaters spawn and feast on the shrimp, while millions of waterbirds—some migrating from as far away as China and Japan—flock to this temporary oasis.
Trevor Wright, an outback pilot who has flown over the region since 1992, describes the current event as “amazing in the sheer volume and speed at which the flood water is travelling over the countryside.” He notes that wildlife is already responding, with numerous bird species appearing and animals including camels, dingoes, and feral pigs heading towards the water.
The flooding creates a kaleidoscope of colours across the landscape. From the air, the water appears like dark ribbons moving across the desert, while aerial photographs reveal stunning patterns of blue, green, yellow, and silver as the water interacts with the salt pan.
Experience This Rare Event with SA Eco Tours
While this natural spectacle is captivating from any vantage point, the true magnificence of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre can only be fully appreciated from the air. SA Eco Tours offers the best Lake Eyre scenic flights that provide the perfect perspective to witness this rare event in all its glory.
Our 4-day Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges Outback tour combines the breathtaking aerial views of the flooded lake with exploration of the ancient Flinders Ranges. For those seeking a more comprehensive outback experience, our 7-day Adelaide to Lake Eyre Small Group 4WD Eco Safari offers an immersive journey through South Australia’s most iconic landscapes, culminating in the unforgettable sight of the flooded lake.
From above, you’ll witness the intricate patterns formed as water flows across the salt crust, the changing colours as salinity levels fluctuate, and the remarkable gathering of wildlife drawn to this temporary oasis. Our experienced pilots and guides provide insightful commentary on the geological, ecological, and cultural significance of this extraordinary event.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness one of Australia’s most spectacular natural phenomena. The 2025 flooding of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is a once-in-a-generation event that showcases the remarkable resilience and beauty of our outback environment.
For bookings and more information, contact Mick at SA Eco Tours:
Phone: +61 417 830 533
Email: info@saecotours.com.au
Book your tour today and be part of the fortunate few who witness this extraordinary natural spectacle firsthand.