In view of many recent queries about water, birds, access, etc, I thought I might offer some observations, based on very recent experiences.
I have just returned from
Marree, where I/we took a 1.5 hour flight in a 5
seat Cessna over the Lake, at 7.30 am on Tuesday May 19th. It was $ 250 a
seat.
Points of note:
1. Fuel load limits smaller aircraft to the southern half of the lake (we did not get as far north as the mouth of the Cooper).
2. I saw about 10 silver gulls in Madigan Gulf - no other species observed.
3. The town is operating at maximum limit - beds, food, resources etc. I suggest you confirm a day before every booking you have made, or send a deposit. (For example, I observed about 15 people arrive late - after dark - & fail to find a bed.)
4. Due to failure to show up for flights and accommodation from bookings made, some operators are selling that seat/bed to a individual that they are face to face with - and I can't fault that.
5. Pilots are just that - do not have unreasonable expectations of them being professional tour guides. Prepare yourself by doing your own research. I found it very rewarding to have an idea of what I might actually see, in terms of landmarks, topography, etc.
6. The raised building on the northern end of town houses the
Lake Eyre Yacht Club. I suggest you tie up to
the wharf there. The sailing on L Eyre & feeder rivers is even more newsy than water in the lake. They are also running the beaut website. This operation is, lMHO, likely responsible for many in the town earning a decent income at present. Even though not a sailor, I gave an un-asked for donation.
7. It can be hard to see the water - colour can be the key more than you'd expect.
8. I enjoyed every minute of the road trip from
Adelaide to
Marree and my time in the town. Drive down every street if you can, and imagine yourself living there. There are "real" characters in the district if you take the opportunity to greet them.
9. Enjoy yourselves.
Cheers