Lake Eyre, located in South Australia, is considered the oldest on the planet. But tourists tend to see the reservoir not only for this reason. The lake is very "capricious", does not have a constant size and depth. In the dry season, it is covered with a salt crust, the crystals of which glisten in the sun. Around the reservoir - clay and sand, evoking associations with a science fiction film.
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| Lake Eyre |
Road to attractions
The closed ecosystem of an unusual reservoir prompted the creation of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, so those who want to look at the snow-white surface keep their way north, towards the state of South Australia. The entrance to the National Park is located there, 60 km from the settlement of William Creek, near the Oodnadatta Track. However, the path to it is not easy - it will be possible to drive only on an SUV.
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| Lake Eyre |
How the lake comes to life
The region where Eyre is located is considered the driest in the country. From April to October, tourists are greeted by the “disappeared” lake. At this time, instead of water, there is a salty crust, and the surroundings are deserted. Arid climate, lack of diversity of flora and fauna - all this does not contribute to the formation of settlements. Only the Arabana people live nearby - the indigenous people. But they didn't give the lake its name. The name is reminiscent of the famous explorer Edward John Eyre, who discovered this place to the world.
In the rest of the period, the lake is partially filled - the ambient temperature and the amount of precipitation affect the depth. Water comes along with rivers and seasonal streams, which are nicknamed "the scream". Diamantina is considered the main feeding river, but it does not bring its waters annually, but only during the rainy season. Lake Eyre, completely filled with water, is a unique phenomenon, because it happens about once every 80 years. During this period, it surpasses all others and is considered the largest in Australia.
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| Lake Eyre |
But even when the pit of the reservoir is not filled to the brim, this place is transformed. The desert turns into an oasis: the shores are covered with plants, birds fly in, frogs and colorful algae appear. Scientists are still puzzled over how pelicans learn about the "bloom period". They strive here from afar, making their way over the hot desert. Birds gather in noisy colonies, and many nests appear on the shore. In addition to pelicans, you can see ducks, cormorants, gulls, striped stilt.
Tourists are interested in looking at local plants. The surroundings of Lake Eyre are plains that alternate with sand dunes. Mitchell's herbs grow here, Kulaba eucalyptus, quinoa thickets are found. There are a small number of red mallies and native acacias.
But the "holiday" of life does not last forever - gradually the water dries up. At the same time salinity rises. The lake acquires a pinkish hue, and after the evaporation of water, only white salt crystals remain in its place. The area becomes almost uninhabited.