How often does Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre fill with water?
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre partly fills with water every few years, but it fills completely only a few times each century, such as in 1950 and 1974, after very heavy rains in Queensland.
The lake sits at the lowest point of the Lake Eyre Basin. Rivers such as the Diamantina, Georgina and Cooper Creek carry floodwater from Queensland, a journey that can take months.
Most of the water evaporates in the hot desert climate, so the lake slowly shrinks after each flood. A small flood may cover only part of the lake bed.
Recent floods
Significant water flowed into the lake in 2010-11 and again in later wet years, including 2019 and the early 2020s. These events attracted tourists for scenic flights.
When water arrives, fish, shrimp and frogs emerge, followed by huge numbers of birds such as pelicans, which breed on islands in the lake.
The Arabana people are the Traditional Owners. The lake's dual name was adopted in 2012.
Did You Know?
Lake Eyre's surface can turn pink after floods because of salt-loving microbes.