News & Adventures
-
2010 Lake Eyre Status
Just in case you were curious to see if Lake Eyre will be filling with water again this year.
Updated 24th February 2010
There have been some considerable falls of rain in central and eastern Australia since the Christmas/ New Year period. Although water is flowing down a number of creeks and rivers that feed Lake Eyre, it is too early to speculate how much of an influence this will have on Lake Eyre.
Rain around the Oodnadatta area and further north into the Northern Territory around Christmas and New Year has created flows in the Macumba and Neales Rivers. This has led to water entering Lake Eyre and has moved down the Warburton Groove. There is currently some water on Lake Eyre mainly from this flow.
Water has ceased flowing from the Macumba River into Lake Eyre, while water from the Neales River is due to stop flowing soon. There are areas of this water in the Warburton Groove that are starting to become separated so evaporation and soakage of the water is exceeding inflows. Water has also been pushed across some sections of the lake and as these areas are quite shallow, the water will evaporate quickly.
There are minor flows coming down from the Diamantina and Georgina catchments however unless considerable follow up rains, this will not have much of an impact on Lake Eyre. Areas around Clifton Hills to Kalamurina have also received rain in the last two weeks and will create some flows into the Warburton River which may reach Lake Eyre, but this will not be the major flows as seen in 2009.
The Cooper Creek is still much of an unknown as to whether it will reach Lake Eyre. The Innamincka area has received frequent and considerable rains, causing the Innamincka causeway to be closed. The floodwaters upstream from the Longreach area may have just reached Innamincka but is hard to determine due to the amount of local rain. The water in Cooper Creek will be monitored as it makes its way towards Lake Eyre.
Good rains can still occur in March and even as late as April, as a result of tropical depressions coming down from northern Australia. If there are good follow up rains, then the impact of inflows on Lake Eyre will be reassessed. If no follow up rains occur, then there will be minimal impact on Lake Eyre in 2010.
For more information on Lake Eyre's current status please call the Desert Parks Information Line 1800 816 078 (within Australia only) -
Magpie Geese!
Banksia Adventures recommend getting in quick on a Coorong or Bird Watching experience.
For the first time since 2004, magpie geese are breeding in the state’s south east. Randall Johnson from the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) said magpie geese are returning to Bool and Hacks Lagoon in large numbers as a result of favourable weather conditions. “Recent heavy rainfall has resulted in much needed water reaching Bool and Hacks Lagoon,” he said.
A full run down can be viewed here.
.jpg)
-
Barossa Valley & Flinders Ranges
New tour as of the 1st of April 2010. Spend 3 days touring through South Australia's wine producing regions with wildlife and more.
Day 1 - Barossa & Clare Valleys
Visit such wineries as Jacob's Creek, Saltram Wines, Peter Lehmans and Sevenhill Cellars. Overnight at the Clare Country Club, with fine dining and an incredible selection of local wines selected to perfectly compliment your meal.
Day 2 - Flinders Ranges
This morning the legendary lilac haze of the Flinders Ranges looms ever closer in the distance. You are now in the habitat of Australia's famous wildlife, including not only kangaroos and emus in abundance, but also many species of birds and reptiles.
Day 3 - Wilpena Pound to Adelaide
Our journey today takes us through the Bunyeroo, Brachina and Parachilna Gorges, over hills and ridges, along river beds and through gullies. The Prairie Hotel is an historic "outback pub" situated along the original Old Ghan Railway Line at Parachilna. It's well known internationally for the cuisine served.
Price for this 3 day wine, outback and food experience is $1195 pp twin share.
Departs Adelaide Tuesdays and Fridays 8:30am - finishes 6:00pm.
-
KI scenic flights!
Banksia Adventures and Renaissance Air are proud to present a range of new and interesting scenic flights around Kangaroo island.
Banksia Adventures and Renaissance Air have begun scenic flights of Kangaroo island. Flights depart from Vivonne Bay, voted Australia's best beach. Seeing such sights as Flinders Chase National Park, Remarkable rocks, North & South Casuarina Islets or Admirals Arch all from the AIR!
Bookings are not essential, but if you wish to make a booking or have any queries please feel free to contact Banksia Adventures on PH: 1300 133 662.
Prices start at $215 pp for a 30 minute flight, $315 pp for a 45 minute flight or $590 pp for a 1 hour 35 minute flight.
Our scenic flights brochure can be downloaded here.
