Big summer monsoonal rain across western Queensland

& the Lake Eyre Basin.

 

All the major rivers that feed into Lake Eyre from the headwaters of  the Lake Eyre Basin are in moderate to major flood 14/03/2010.

The Georgina River, Eyre Creek,  Diamantina River as well as the Thomson, Barcoo & Cooper Creek.

Reports from Bedourie are saying it is the largest Eyre Creek flood in twelve years. Comments from Innamincka on the Cooper Creek flood are claiming it is the largest flood since 1990.  Possibly the highest flood level since 1974.

The Cooper Creek flood this year is expected to cross the Birdsville Track mid May and possibly make it to Lake Eyre.

 

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT 

BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY SOUTH AUSTRALIA REGIONAL OFFICE.

FLOOD ADVICE FOR COOPER, STRZELECKI AND WARBURTON CREEKS  

Issued at 1:40 pm on Friday, 12 March 2010 

In the 24 hours to 9 am, Friday 12th March the Cooper Creek at

the Innamincka causeway had risen approximately 1.6 metres to 

around 10.2 metres. 

Water continues to flow into the Strzelecki Creek. 

It is expected that the river will not exceed 11 metres. 

Levels are expected to remain high throughout the coming week. 

DIAMANTINA-WARBURTON SYSTEM

The Diamantina River at Birdsville remains at moderate flood levels.

A height of 8.0 metres was reported for 8 am, Friday 12th March.  

The river is expected to remain at moderate flood levels over the coming days.

Flows through to the Warburton River in South Australia continue.

What does all this mean?

Lake Eyre will see a significant flood event this year. 

As a tour operator that has operated Flinders Ranges & Outback South Australian 

Tours to Lake Eyre since 2000 and seen first hand the 2000 event and the 2009 event,  

I am predicting the level of Lake Eyre to be between the 2000 and the 2009 level.

That is 50% to 75%  depth. i.e. 1.5 m—2.00 m deep at Belt Bay.

I expect Lake Eyre level to peak sometime between mid June to mid July.

Floodwater photo update click on this link to 
  Wrightsair website. 

Expressions of interest.

During a Lake Eyre flood event accommodation at William Creek on the Oodnadatta tack is in short supply & high demand. 

This is not a sales pitch, last year we had to turn away many people because we could not secure accommodation.

Are you considering a tour to Lake Eyre this year?

To save disappointment book early with an expression of interest.

Normally we charge a $100 cancellation fee but as an expression of interest this will not apply for 2010 Lake Eyre tours.

Under our conditions of supply if you cancel your tour more than 30 days prior to departure your deposit is refunded.

30 days prior to departure will give you a good idea of just how much water is likely to be in the Lake Eyre.

Once the water starts to flow into Lake Eyre, I expect in two or three weeks time there will be a rush on accommodation at William Creek. 

SPECIAL ADDITION to our tours for 2010

As well as our regular established tours (minimum 2, maximum 4 persons).

The 5 Day “Coober Pedy, Lake Eyre, Arkaroola & Wilpena” tour.

& The 4 Day “Coober Pedy, Lake Eyre & Wilpena” tour.

 

We are introducing a once in a generation floodwater special tour.

Because of the flight content this tour is for 4 persons minimum.

Tour info for couples— >>>> Click here.<<<<

Drive, Fly, Drive. 5 days

“ Coober Pedy, Lake Eyre, Innamincka, Arkaroola 2010 Floodwater special”

Includes all meals:

Morning tea, lunch, accommodation (twin share), breakfast (continental)

main course evening meals (menu selection)

4hr. 4WD Arkaroola Ridge top tour & William Creek to Arkaroola scenic flight (4 share).

 

Day 1

DRIVE by 4WD Nissan Patrol station wagon from Adelaide to Coober Pedy via Port Augusta &  Woomera (Lunch and short tour of the town open air museum) o/n Coober Pedy.

Day 2

Local tour of Coober Pedy (lunch) before departing for William Creek across Anna Creek Station, visit Lake Cadibarrawirracanna (longest placename in Australia, Lake Caddi for short) Look around William Creek o/n William Creek Hotel or Caravan Park cabins.

Day3

 FLY, from William Creek over Lake Eyre to the Warburton Creek / Groove (see floodwater entering Lake Eyre),  overfly Mungerannie on the Birdsville Track, across the Strzelecki Desert and the Cooper Creek Valley (floodwater & wildflowers) to Innamincka for lunch at the Innamincka Hotel. 

After lunch FLY from Innamincka down Strzelecki Creek (possibly in flood), over Lake Blanche, Lake Callabonna & Lake Frome to Arkaroola in the Northern Flinders Ranges. o/n at Arkaroola.

Day4

DRIVE this morning, with your feet back on the ground you join the famous Arkaroola Ridgetop tour for a spectacular 4 hour 4WD experience as the tour takes you over some of the most awe inspiring country in Australia. After lunch at Arkaroola we are off on a scenic tour to Rawnsley Park Station (Wilpena Pound) via The Old Copper Mining town of Blinman & the Flinders Ranges National Park. o/n Rawnsley Park ensuite Cabins.

Day 5

DRIVE Rawnsley Park (time for an optional 30 minute scenic flight) to Hawker via Bunyeroo Valley / gorge, the Aroona Valley & Brachina gorge (morning tea) and on to Hawker for lunch.

After lunch we travel back to Adelaide via Orroroo, Jamestown & Care Valley.

Arrive Adelaide approx 6.30pm.

 

 Click link below for more detailed itinerary.

  “Coober Pedy, Lake Eyre, Innamincka, Arkaroola 2010 Floodwater special”

(Continued on page 2)

Aussie Heritage Tours

4WD Aussie Outback Adventures.

Lake Eyre flood tour 2010