VISIT Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre, located in South Australia, is the largest salt lake in the country and one of the lowest points on the Australian continent. It is a crucial part of the Lake Eyre Basin, a vast inland river system covering over a million square kilometers. The lake is normally dry and salty, creating a stark white landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. However, during rare periods of flooding, it transforms into a spectacular sight, attracting tourists and wildlife alike.

Geographically, Lake Eyre's existence is a tale of ancient geological shifts and a unique hydrological system. Formed by a downfaulting of the Earth's surface around 30,000 years ago, it became a vast, shallow depression. Its water levels are dictated by the infrequent but immense deluges in its vast catchment area, which spans over a million square kilometres, with rivers like the Diamantina and Cooper Creek occasionally delivering life-giving flows from distant Queensland.

The flooding of Lake Eyre is a rare but incredible event that brings life to the surrounding desert landscape. When heavy rains occur in its vast catchment area, the channels and rivers flow towards the lake, filling it with water. The transformation is dramatic, turning the once barren salt flats into a teeming wetland ecosystem. The flooding can trigger mass breeding events for bird species such as pelicans, banded stilts, and other waterfowl that flock to the area to take advantage of the temporary oasis. The 2025 flooding of Lake Eyre is the most extensive in 20 years.

The fauna and flora around Lake Eyre are uniquely adapted to its extreme conditions. In times of drought, only the hardiest plants like saltbush and samphire can survive in the arid environment. However, during floods, the area bursts into life with vibrant wildflowers and lush vegetation providing food and shelter for an array of wildlife. Birds from all over Australia migrate to the lake to breed and feed on the abundant fish and crustaceans that flourish in its temporary waters.

SA Eco Tours will show all these marvels and more. Experience Lake Eyre with the help of our qualified tour guides. See the Lake from the air on an extended light plane scenic flight over this awe-inspiring land. Learn about the indigenous culture that has existed here for thousands of years. It's truly a life-changing experience!