Lake Eyre access for birdwatching 2022

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 12:04
ThreadID: 143425 Views:7696 Replies:6 FollowUps:6
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Hi
Does anyone have info on best access tracks to Lake Eyre for birdwatching? Travelling from Queensland (Sunshine Coast). Anyone visited recently or heard about water levels in March 2022?

Thank you
Peter Cook
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Reply By: Member - Warren H - Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 13:24

Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 13:24
There is now only one open public access route (PAR) to Lake Eyre. It's the track to Halligan Bay via William Creek, see the SA Nat'l Park site: Lake Eyre PAR.
Perhaps there are privately run bird watching tours that can access the lake via private station tracks? Other than that it's from the aircraft used for scenic flights. I understand you can book a private charter out of William Ck in an aircraft with the door removed for better photography, but this is subject to aircraft availability as the same aircraft is used for mustering. The birds can also just leave, we were there in late April 2019 when the lake was still filling but the waterbirds had left a few weeks before.
Best place for lake levels and general status is the Lake Eyre Yacht club site.
Perhaps the best place for bird watching isMuloorina Station Bore camp ground (access via the Level Post Bay track). I don't know whether the campsite is still open as the Level Post Bay track is closed, there's an earlier thread about Lake Eyre including the PAR closure.
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Follow Up By: Member - Barry P (VIC) - Sunday, Mar 27, 2022 at 20:16

Sunday, Mar 27, 2022 at 20:16
lake eyre, australian air safaris do flights out of moorabin to lake eyre with a night stopover at william creek phone 1300 206 130 bye barry
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Reply By: Member - galah28 - Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 17:54

Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 17:54
Thank you Warren. Very helpful.
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Reply By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 18:16

Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 18:16
Hi Peter,

Usually nothing out at Lake Eyre.

Have you thought about Kalamurina.

It’s on the Warburton on with all the water, should be lots of bird life there.

Here is a link to their site.

Australian Wildlife at Kalamurnina
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Follow Up By: Member - Warren H - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2022 at 09:53

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2022 at 09:53
Thanks Stephen that looks really interesting, a place for future investigation. Currently closed to everyone. It does appear that they only cater to Outback Spirit tour groups. I wonder if they have ever allowed individuals or small groups to camp there? Impossible to tell from the website why they are currently closed, Covid, weather,/flooding, policy change?
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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2022 at 13:19

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2022 at 13:19
I know years ago they did, but not sure how things are there now.

I should not see any reason why they would stop you.
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Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 19:55

Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 19:55
The spectacular breeding bird life, if it is at Lake Eyre when you are there, will be on islands that are totally inaccessible and not visible from shore.
Another suggestion (if the road is open) would be Coongie Lakes. Take a canoe or hire one from Innamincka.
Cheers,
Peter
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Follow Up By: Member - DOZER - Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 20:32

Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 20:32
Was there June 2017, all the trees had nests.
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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 21:53

Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 21:53
I was thinking about what Lake Eyre is famous for, like 10,000 breeding pelicans standing shoulder to shoulder. :)
Cheers,
Peter
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Follow Up By: Member - Warren H - Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 22:13

Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022 at 22:13
For the adventurous or foolhardy and or deep pockets for the rescue? Crossing-lake-eyre-by-kayak .
Belt Bay is 1.9 m deep atm according to the L Eyre yacht club site.
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Reply By: gke - Wednesday, Mar 23, 2022 at 08:36

Wednesday, Mar 23, 2022 at 08:36
Cuttaburra Crossing north of Birdsville has a great wetland area due to Eyre Creek. Camping and a toilet block. Recommend it if it fits your plans.

Graham.
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Reply By: 1392 - Thursday, Apr 07, 2022 at 15:13

Thursday, Apr 07, 2022 at 15:13
What ever you do, do not rely on the ABC for advice on water level or bird life! I did a few years back and said to my wife "I have to go - may never get the chance again!" The ABC news reported birds of all breeds and water as far as the eye could see.

Packed the vehicle and camper, loaded the dog and set off from Perth. Eventually got to Coward Springs and booked in for a few days. Next day set off for the lake.

Not a drop of water and saw one lonely seagull!! Lots of salt though.
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