Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre Conditions
Regular updates on Lake Eyre water levels, bird life, road conditions and more.
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre Information
Water Levels: 2026: Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is experiencing a major, potentially historic filling event, with significant water from extensive monsoon-driven river inflows reaching the lake, promising one of the highest water levels in 50 years. Water levels are actively rising, with Belt Bay reaching 1.3 meters in mid-February, creating a rapidly growing inland sea expected to peak in early June.
As of April 2026:
- The lake is almost covered with local rainfall that has occurred since Christmas and we are waiting another 3 to 4 weeks before the main water out of Queensland in the Northern Territory arrives down from Gordon Lagoon and the Warburton Creek. This should flow for months given the amount of water behind it.
- The Simpson desert is looking incredible with just about every sand Gene Lake full and an incredible amount of dense green vegetation on top of that the lake now has thousands of nesting pelicans
- Experts suggest this could be the most significant fill since 1974, with the largest expanse expected in early June 2026.
- The surrounding landscape is transforming into a, green, thriving ecosystem, attracting wildlife and birdlife.
Coopers Creek - February 2026
Coopers Creek crossing Birdsville Track - February 2026
Bedourie - February 2026
Bedourie surrounded by water - March 2026
Greening the Outback April 2025
Flood patterns April 2025
South of Birdsville April 2025
South of Birdsville April 2025
Birdlife - Channel Country
Birdlife is frequently seen by air but not all bird types may be found on every flight (we cannot guarantee viewing of birds).
Currently, May 2026, Mainly on Hughes and Delhunty Islands as well as grading waiting birds and black ducks and teal as well as Swans up the Delta area of the lake besides that there are hundreds of banded stilts which looked like they could be nesting soon overall the lake is looking the best in decades and surrounded by lush vegetation and sound dune lakes.
Currently, whilst in flood, Pelicans, Swans, Cormorants, Ducks, Terms & Seagulls can also be found here and throughout the Channel Country.
Wildflowers and Vegetation
May 2025: The wildflower should be out in abundance by the end of May June and we are expecting a record number of them considering the amount of subsoil moisture in the ground.
Wildflowers are often seen at the Anna Creek Painted Hills after rainfall! - book your flight with a ground tour here
Road Conditions
Our office cannot provide road guarantees.
General information and warnings for outback roads can be found on the South Australian Department of Transport website:
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