Lake Eyre Facts & Worksheets

Lake Eyre, also called Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, is a significant South Australian landmark. It is Australia’s biggest lake, and its water levels fluctuate dramatically. When filled with water, it is an important nesting place for waterbirds and provides a unique and diversified environment. 

See the fact file below for more information on Lake Eyre, or you can download our 27-page Lake Eyre worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

GEOGRAPHY

• Lake Eyre is in Australia’s central region inside the Lake Eyre Basin. It is located around 700 kilometers north of Adelaide, South Australia’s capital city.
• When complete, Lake Eyre is Australia’s largest lake by surface area, encompassing around 9,500 square kilometers. However, it is primarily a dry salt pan, and its size varies greatly depending on rainfall.
• Rivers flow through the Channel Country during the rainy season from the northeast section of the Lake Eyre Basin in the outback (southwest and central) Queensland to the lake. The average amount of rain that falls during the monsoon season affects whether or not water reaches the lake and, if it does, how deep the lake becomes. The average annual rainfall at the lake is 100 to 150 millimeters (3.9 to 5.9 in).
• The Goyder Channel connects Lake Eyre’s two portions. Lake Eyre North is 144 kilometers (89 km) long and 65 kilometers (40 mi) broad, whereas Lake Eyre South is 65 by 24 kilometers (40 by 15 mi). 
• The salt crusts of Lake Eyre North’s southern Belt Bay, Jackboot Bay, and Madigan Gulf sub-basins are the thickest, reaching up to 50 cm (20 in).
• Lake Eyre has high salt levels because of the evaporation of water during dry periods. When the lake dries out, the salinity can reach levels many times higher than saltwater.
• Since 1883, attempts have been made to flood Lake Eyre with seawater transported to the basin through a canal or pipeline. The goal was to increase evaporation and, thus, rainfall in the region downwind of an enlarged Lake Eyre. Due to the basin’s low elevation below sea level and the region’s high yearly evaporation rate (between 2,500 and 3,500 millimeters (98 and 138 in), such schemes have always been regarded ineffective since salt deposits would quickly block the constructed channel.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

• Lake Eyre’s history began around 60 million years ago, during the Paleogene period when the Australian continent was undergoing tectonic activity. The region experienced uplift and subsidence, resulting in the Lake Eyre Basin. The sediments eroded from the surrounding areas, progressively filling the basin.
• Aboriginal peoples have lived in the Lake Eyre area for thousands of years. Among the indigenous communities with a solid relationship to the site are the Arabana, Dieri, and Wangkangurru. They have maintained a sustainable lifestyle by relying on the lake and its surrounding for resources.
• The earliest known European exploration of the Lake Eyre area was in the early nineteenth century. Edward John Eyre, an English explorer and colonial administrator of South Australia, was the first European to come across Lake Eyre. Eyre led an expedition to Australia’s central region in 1840. He discovered Lake Eyre while searching for an inland sea. The lake was named after him in recognition of his contributions to the area’s exploration.
• In the late 19th century, in search of pastures for their animals to graze on and deposits of salt, gypsum, and oil shale to mine, pastoralists and miners came to the Lake Eyre region. However, in the early 20th century, the region’s severe environmental conditions and limited resources presented difficulties for pastoralism and mining, which led to a decline in these industries.
• The mid-20th century saw increased scientific interest in Lake Eyre, leading to expeditions and studies investigating its hydrology, sedimentation processes, and distinctive ecosystem.
• The Lake Eyre Basin was recognized as a critical ecological system in the 1950s, prompting conservation efforts and the development of national parks in the region. 
• In 1974 and 1989, a significant flood event occurred in Lake Eyre, filling the lake to its maximum capacity and attracting national attention, tourists, and media coverage.

FLORA AND FAUNA

FLORA

• Many plant species in the area have acquired adaptations to live in saline environments due to the extreme salinity of the lake and its surrounding soils. Halophytes are salt-tolerant plants that can tolerate and even use excessive salt in the ground.
• The area is home to several native grass species, including Mitchell grass (Astrebla pectinata) and Windmill grass (Chloris truncata). During seasons of extensive rainfall, these grasses provide grazing possibilities for animals.
• Other shrubs and tiny trees can be found in the Lake Eyre region in addition to saltbush and samphire. Mulga (Acacia aneura), a hardy and resistant to drought tree that offers animal habitat and food supplies, is one of these.

FAUNA

• Lake Eyre is well-known for its birdlife, particularly during flooding seasons when it serves as an important nesting and feeding area for waterbirds, including Australian Pelicans, Banded Stilts, Red-necked Avocets, Pied Herons, and other duck species.
• A wide range of reptiles inhabits the dry region surrounding Lake Eyre. The Thorny Devil (Moloch horridus), Central Netted Dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis), Sand Goanna (Varanus gouldii), Western Brown Snake (Pseudonaja nuchalis), and several skink and gecko species are also part of this group.
• While the diversity of mammals is limited in the Lake Eyre region compared to other ecosystems, numerous species can be found: the Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus), Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus), Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), and several bat species.
• Lake Eyre usually is a dry salt pan, but during rare periods of significant rainfall and flooding, it can briefly support fish populations. Native fish species such as Lake Eyre Hardyhead (Craterocephalus eyresii) and Spangled Perch (Leiopotherapon unicolor) can quickly populate the lake and its temporary streams.

LANDSCAPES

• Salt Pan: When the lake dries up, it reveals a large salt pan, a notable feature of the region. The salt pan spans the lake’s surface and can reach the lake’s margins. It results in a flat, white exterior that gleams in the sunlight.
• Sand Dunes: The lake is surrounded by dunes that are part of the Simpson Desert and the Tirari Desert. These dunes, known as longitudinal or parallel dunes, run north-south and add to the stunning environment that surrounds the lake.
• Floodplains: During rare periods of severe rainfall, the lake can fill with water, changing the surrounding land into temporary floodplains. These floodplains are distinguished by lush flora, temporary wetlands, and mudflats that starkly contrast the desert terrain when the lake is dry.
• Red Earth and Desert Plants: Red Earth and desert plants dominate the landscape around Lake Eyre. Due to iron oxide deposits, the soil frequently has a unique reddish tint. Drought-resistant species, including saltbush, samphire, and native grasses, dot the terrain adding greenery to the arid surroundings.
• Mesas and Plateaus: Mesas and plateaus, high flat-topped formations, dot the terrain around Lake Eyre. The Painted Hills and the Breakaways, for example, enhance the visual appeal and reveal panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• Channel Country: The Lake Eyre region is part of the Channel Country and is characterized by a network of braided river channels. During periods of rainfall, the movement of water from the surrounding catchment regions towards Lake Eyre forms these canals. The waterways generate beautiful patterns on the terrain that can be seen from above.

TOURISM AND RECREATION

• Lake Eyre is in a remote location, and getting there can be difficult. The most common route is through the town of Marree in South Australia. From here, visitors can go to the lake by 4WD vehicle through the Oodnadatta Track or by scenic aircraft from Marree or other neighboring towns.
• A scenic flight over Lake Eyre is a popular and highly recommended way to appreciate the lake’s vastness and beauty. It provides tourists with a unique perspective of the enormous salt pans, streams, and surrounding landscapes. There are several airlines that fly from Marree, William Creek, and other adjacent communities.
• Lake Eyre is spectacular throughout the year, but the ideal time to visit is when the Outback rains fill the river. The ideal months are April through October. Lake Eyre, like other sites in the outback experiences extreme temperatures ranging from 50°C during summer to 0°C during winter. 
• Camping is a popular way to enjoy the tranquility of Lake Eyre’s surroundings. There are camping spots along the Oodnadatta Track. However, amenities may be limited. Alternatively, adjacent towns such as Marree, William Creek, and Oodnadatta have accommodation options ranging from camping sites to cheap hotels.
• There are Aboriginal cultural tours available, which will teach tourists about the indigenous protectors of the land and their strong relationship with Lake Eyre. Stories, trips to cultural places, and opportunities to interact with Aboriginal guides who will share their knowledge and customs are all possible on these tours.
• Lake Eyre is in a remote and harsh environment; therefore, visitors must exercise caution for their safety since mobile phone connections may be limited in some regions. Visitors should bring adequate water, food, and fuel supplies, check weather conditions, and prepare for harsh temperatures.

Lake Eyre Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Lake Eyre across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Lake Eyre. It is Australia’s biggest lake, and its water levels fluctuate dramatically. When filled with water, it is an important nesting place for waterbirds and provides a unique and diversified environment. 

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Lake Eyre Facts 
2. Unveiled Treasure
3. Fact Check
4. Word Wheel
5. Time’s Revelations
6. The Changing Face
7. Living Wonders
8. Into the Wild
9. Problems to Tell
10. Discovering Solutions
11. Peel the Fruit

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lake Eyre located?

Lake Eyre is located in the central part of Australia, specifically in the state of South Australia. It is situated in the northern part of the Lake Eyre Basin, which is one of the largest internally draining systems in the world.

How big is Lake Eyre?

Lake Eyre is the largest lake in Australia in terms of surface area when it is filled with water. It has a total surface area of around 9,500 square kilometers (3,668 square miles). However, it is mostly a dry salt lake and only fills with water on rare occasions, such as during significant rainfall events.

Is Lake Eyre always dry?

No, Lake Eyre is not always dry, but it is usually a salt pan with minimal water. The lake only fills with water when there is substantial rainfall in its catchment area, which covers an extensive region. These filling events are relatively rare and can occur several years apart. When the lake does fill, it transforms into a significant inland sea.

What wildlife can be found in and around Lake Eyre?

Lake Eyre and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of wildlife. When the lake fills with water, it becomes a vital habitat for numerous bird species, including migratory waterbirds such as pelicans, swans, ducks, and many others. The lake also supports fish species, crustaceans, and algae. In the surrounding arid regions, you can find animals like kangaroos, emus, reptiles, and small marsupials.

Is Lake Eyre a popular tourist destination?

Lake Eyre is indeed a popular tourist destination, especially during the rare occasions when it fills with water. People are drawn to the unique opportunity to witness the transformation of a vast salt lake into a stunning inland sea. Many visitors enjoy scenic flights over the lake to observe its expansive beauty. It is advisable to check the current conditions and access to the lake before planning a visit, as it can be inaccessible or lack water during dry periods.

Link/cite this page

If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source.

<a href="https://kidskonnect.com/geography/lake-eyre/">Lake Eyre Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com</a> - KidsKonnect, June 28, 2023

Link will appear as Lake Eyre Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, June 28, 2023