Lake Eyre Basin’s flood water boost brings tourist flocks to South Australia’s Far North

The floodwaters flowing south from the devastating Queensland flood has rejuvenated South Australia’s Far North as tourist scramble to see the Lake Eyre basin brimming with new life.

Lake Eyre Yacht Club hosts a regatta on the Warburton River. Picture: Bob Backway

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Business is booming in the state’s Far North as tourists scramble to see floodwaters breathing new life into Lake Eyre.

William Creek publican Trevor Wright says his town, 170km east of Coober Pedy, has seen a huge increase in interest since the lake began filling up after floods that hit Queensland in January and February.

“William Creek was like Rundle Mall the other day, which is really unusual for a place with a population of about 30 at the best of times,” he says.

“We’re putting in extra accommodation and making sure we can service the industry and tourism demands.”

Mr Wright owns the town’s campsite, where he is installing an extra eight cabins, on top of the 60 already on the property.

“It’s a lot for a little place in the middle of nowhere,” he says.

An aerial view of Lake Eyre. Picture: Bob Backway

The area’s “last decent flood” was in 2012, and Mr Wright’s Outback flight and tours company was also benefiting from the extra tourists heading north.

“Water is spreading out … and we’re starting to see a lot of birdlife,” he says.

“In the Channel Country, you’re just starting to see a build up of the wading birds and an increase in vegetation.

“People are wanting to experience it either by land or air.”

Lake Eyre Yacht Club commodore Bob Backway says tourists visiting the region are turning up at his Marree-based club, seeking advice on the best way to see the floodwaters.

His club last week held a regatta at the Warburton River, which runs into Lake Eyre, and hopes that around June the lake will contain enough water to sail in its deepest parts.

“When you go down the (Warburton) River, where the river hits the lake, you can sail onto the lake … then you run aground and have to come back again,” Mr Backway says.

“The lake will peak in the middle of the year and we’re hoping it will be deep enough to sail on.”

“It’s looking good at this stage.”

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