Guests flock to Wilpena Pound while birds flock to Lake Eyre in flood.

A rare seasonal phenomenon is predicted for the South Australian outback in the coming months with Lake Eyre (officially known as Kati Thanda) set to flow with the waters from heavy monsoonal rainfall in Queensland and the Northern Territory, bringing with it flocks of unique birdlife.

Travellers can tick Lake Eyre off their list while the water levels continue to rise and enjoy a 2-night accommodation and scenic flight package with Air Wilpena from $1,165* per person per night in the stunning Ikara Safari Camp ‘glamping’ tents; or from $1,095* per person per night in a Resort Room. The package includes full buffet breakfast daily and a 4-hour scenic flight over spectacular Lake Eyre with Air Wilpena which departs from Wilpena Pound Resort’s dedicated airstrip.

Current estimates predict the lake is due for a bumper flow in 2018, providing a ‘bird’s eye’ view of an iconic Australian outback landscape from the scenic flights. When flooded, Lake Eyre supports major breeding events of the Banded stilt and Australian pelican, as well as over 1% of the world populations of Red-necked avocets, Sharp-tailed sandpipers, Red-necked stints, Silver gulls and Caspian terns.

Birds are drawn to a filled lake from southern coastal regions of Australia, and from as far afield as Papua New Guinea. During the 1989–1990 flood it was estimated that 200,000 pelicans, 80% of Australia's total population, came to feed and roost at Lake Eyre.

Wilpena Pound Resort is a haven of warm outback hospitality in the Ikara - Flinders Ranges National Park, 430km north of Adelaide. The resort blends beautifully into the landscape and provides a comfortable accommodation base from which to explore the Flinders Ranges. 


Book by 31 July 2018, valid for stays until 31 March 2019*. For bookings and further information visit www.wilpenapound.com.au, or phone 1800 805 802, or email reservations@wilpenapound.com.au

For information on scenic flights over Lake Eyre with Air Wilpena visit www.wilpenapound.com.au/do/flights-eyre


FIVE FAST FACTS ABOUT LAKE EYRE

It contains the lowest natural point in Australia, at approximately 15m (49 ft) below sea level (AHD), and, on the rare occasions that it fills, is the largest lake in Australia covering 9,500 km2

It has its own yacht club! Regattas for the Lake Eyre Yacht Club are few and far between however – the most recent being 2010

When the lake is full, a notable phenomenon is that the flat surface then reflects the sky in a way that leaves both the horizon and water surface virtually impossible to see. The commodore of the Lake Eyre Yacht Club has stated that sailing during this time has the appearance of sailing in the sky.

It turns pink: As the lake dries up and the water evaporates, its salinity increases and it often appears to turn 'pink'. This is caused by a pigment found within an algae species that lives in the lake.

The lake was named in honour of Edward John Eyre, who was the first European to see it, in 1840. The lake's official name was changed in December 2012 to combine the name "Lake Eyre" with the indigenous name, Kati Thanda. The native title over the lake and surrounding region is held by the Arabana people.

*Conditions apply. Valid for stays until 31/03/2019. A 2-night minimum stay applies. Consecutive night stays only. Block out dates may apply. Rates subject to change