description Lake Eyre Overview
Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre is a vast endorheic salt lake located in the deserts of northern South Australia. Its basin represents the lowest natural point in Australia, sitting approximately 15 meters below sea level. Normally a dry saltpan, the lake only fills completely during rare, massive flood events caused by heavy seasonal rainfall in Queensland and the Northern Territory. When flooded, it transforms into a temporary habitat that attracts massive flocks of waterbirds, including pelicans and silver gulls.
insights Ranking position
Lake Eyre ranks #86 of 214 in the Lake ranking, behind Lake Toya, ahead of Lake Shkodër.
help Lake Eyre FAQ
Where is Lake Eyre located and what is its elevation?
Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre is a vast endorheic salt lake located in the deserts of northern South Australia. Its basin represents the lowest natural point in Australia, sitting approximately 15 meters below sea level.
How often does Lake Eyre fill with water?
Normally a dry saltpan, the lake only fills completely during rare, heavy monsoonal rains that flood down from Queensland. A major flood event that fills the entire basin only occurs a few times a century.
What happens to local wildlife when Lake Eyre floods?
When the lake fills, it triggers a massive biological boom, drawing millions of migratory birds like pelicans and banded stilts to breed. Fish and invertebrate eggs that lay dormant in the dry salt crust for years quickly hatch and multiply in the temporary waters.
Why does Lake Eyre have a dual name?
In 2012, the lake was officially dual-named Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre to honor the indigenous Arabana people who are the traditional owners of the land. 'Kati Thanda' is the original Aboriginal name for the basin.
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