Crossing the Australian Outback 2011: Day 10-12 Oodnadatta Track

After airing down our tyres through the Flinders Ranges and navigated through some very rocky tracks, we continue our journey westwards to Lake Eyre, the biggest salt lake in the World, when it has water to the brim, that is!

On the average, Lake Eyre only has water once every 7 year or so. But the big wet the Australian Eastern coast experienced in the latest weather cycles, meant that Lake Eyre has been alive for the last 2 years. Actually the surrounding deserts had seen 4x4ers driving through meter high "lakes"

Since the big flood in Queensland at the beginning of the year, water has finally reached Lake Eyre, brought it into life, birds, mice and all. In 2009, we went there in a little Honda Civic, to Marree, and took a 'copter out to see the shallow blue water, but not reaching it via land.

So this time, with a 4x4, we want to reach the water, which could well be a once in a life time thing. Lake Eyre spends 95% of its life as a big dry salt pan.

It took us two days and 500Km along the Oodnadatta Track to finally walk on the water of Lake Eyre..........In doing so, we have to navigate our way through rocky tracks, loose sands and openning and closing the Big Dingo Fence lines.

We stopped at Coward Hot Springs, which used to be a bathing place for rail passengers. An old couple now look after the historic station, turn it into a museum and a camping ground for us tired wayfarers to enjoy, all for $10 per night. The dreaded desert mice made their small appearance around the campsite, but in reality, it wasn't too much of a fuss.

Coward Springs - a natural hot spa

We reached the outskirt of the famed Coober Pedy, for its Opal mining and underground dwelling cultures. One certainly can't go pass an underground camping, can one?

So here we are , sharing our photos of the Lake Eyre region..........

You are invited to view David's photo album: 2011 Outback trip ( Lake Eyre )