Australia is a land of extremes and nowhere is that more evident than in the heart of the outback, where the vast, shimmering expanse of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre lies waiting for its rare moment in the sun.
Most of the time, this iconic salt lake is a blinding white desert, a place so dry and remote that it feels almost otherworldly.
But every so often, when the stars and the weather align, Lake Eyre is transformed into a living, breathing inland sea—and this year, it’s putting on a show for the ages.
A rare spectacle captured from above
Recently, a lucky group of sightseers aboard an Arid Air scenic flight were treated to a spectacle that few Australians will ever witness.
Senior pilot Tekin, with a keen eye and a camera at the ready, captured an extraordinary moment from above: a ‘serpent’ shape undulating beneath the lake’s surface, formed by a swirling mass of pelicans in hot pursuit of fish along the Warburton Creek inlet.
The image, shared online by Arid Air, quickly went viral, with viewers marvelling at the ‘amazing scenes’ unfolding in the heart of South Australia.
What’s behind this once-in-a-lifetime event?
It all comes down to water—lots of it. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is Australia’s lowest natural point, and it only fills when distant rivers like Cooper Creek, the Diamantina, and the Georgina deliver their precious cargo after heavy rains far to the north.
This year, a record-breaking convergence of rainfall across all three major catchments has sent a torrent of water surging into the lake, a phenomenon not seen since 2010-11, and possibly even longer.
In fact, this is just the fourth time in 160 years that the lake has filled to such an extent.
‘It’s just such a rare sight,’ says Talia, an outback pilot who’s witnessed the transformation firsthand.
‘Only the people who book these air tours can see it. It’s an extremely remote area of extremely dry conditions. They call it a “dry flood” because there’s been no local rainfall in that area at all… so to see this lifeblood of water descending, trickling through the desert and knowing what it’s going to leave behind—the greenery along the floodplain—it’s just a once-in-a-lifetime, spectacular opportunity. You feel very privileged to see the rare sight that it is.’
The staggering scale of water flowing in
South Australia’s Department of Environment recently reported that between 600 and 1,000 gigalitres of water are flowing into Lake Eyre from western Queensland, following a 2,000-kilometre band of rain that swept across the country in March.
The deluge left parts of the Queensland outback underwater, with some residents cut off for weeks.
Now, that water is breathing new life into the salt lake, which has only filled to capacity three times in the past century and a half.
A remarkable transformation
When the floodwaters arrive, they trigger a remarkable transformation. The lake’s crust, usually barren and lifeless, erupts with activity.
Dormant plant species burst into bloom, and wildlife flocks to the area in spectacular numbers.
Most notably, hundreds of thousands of birds—including the iconic Australian pelican—descend on the lake to breed, feed, and take advantage of the bounty.
The sight of these birds, especially when they move in coordinated formations like the ‘serpent’ captured by pilot Tekin, is nothing short of breathtaking.
How to experience the wonder safely
If you’re tempted to witness this natural wonder for yourself, you’re not alone.
The rush to see Lake Eyre in flood has sparked a surge in tourism, with scenic flights booking out months in advance.
But before you pack your bags, it’s important to note that access to the lake is strictly controlled.
According to the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, the best way to experience the spectacle is from the air, as the new management plan for Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park restricts recreational access to the lakebed itself.
Walking, swimming, driving, boating, and even landing aircraft on the lake are all off-limits, in order to protect the fragile ecosystem and respect the site’s cultural significance.
For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, there are dedicated viewing points within the national park where you can take in the vastness of the lake and the incredible birdlife it attracts.
But whether you see it from above or from the shore, one thing is certain: witnessing Lake Eyre in flood is an experience you’ll never forget.
Australia’s environment never ceases to surprise
Australia’s environment is full of surprises, and events like this remind us just how dynamic and resilient our landscapes can be.
Have you ever seen Lake Eyre in flood, or do you have a favourite memory of Australia’s wild places coming to life?
We’d love to hear your stories and see your photos—share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also read: Viral video captures the true Australian spirit—see if you agree
The article fails to mention that the SA government has banned most, except aboriginal people from “walking, swimming, driving, boating…”
The boating club that uses the lake sparingly now has no rights to use what was once public land.