As the water levels at Menindee Lakes continue to increase, we also see growing numbers of visitors and birds in the region.
Flooding waters originating from Queensland’s northern basin catchment areas are now moving through the region.
into the lake ecosystem for multiple months
.
The lakes speckle the landscape alongside the Darling River approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Broken Hill in the remote western part of New South Wales.
Rob Gregory, who owns River Lady Tours, mentioned that the number of tourists in the region has increased due to the surge in water levels.
“Definitely more folks sticking around for an extended period; however, our milder climate has persisted longer as well,” Mr Gregory stated.
Usually by Anzac Day, it starts getting somewhat cooler, but this year it’s taking about four weeks longer and remains rather pleasant.
There are many varied license plates on the cars around here… occasionally, you might spot one from an international visitor too.
In an update provided in April, WaterNSW indicated that their modeling predicted between 800 and 1,200 gigaliters of water from the northern basin tributaries might flow into the lakes by late May or early June.
The lakes currently stand at 60 percent full.
Mr Gregory mentioned that due to the large volume of water flowing into the Menindee Lakes, he needed to relocate his tour boat at Wetherell Lake to an area from which he could more easily reach it.
“The tourists are spotting some birds and observing water currents as we move through; there’s a noticeable flow in this area, which is quite uncommon since we usually experience very calm waters,” he explained.
Many fallen trees, marked ones, with several fish coming up to the surface.
“It’s a good look.”
Mr Gregory stated that when the lakes reached their peak volume, the 500 square kilometers of water situated in the heart of the desert created “a truly remarkable area.”
“It’s incredible for visitors, particularly as they travel away from Broken Hill and encounter vast expanses of dry land and savannah grasslands… and then we have this fantastic aquatic ecosystem.”
Travelers Bill and Jen Tom embarked on a five-week journey to the Menindee Lakes as part of their road trip adventure.
Missus Tom has a strong interest in bird watching, and Mister Tom ensured he brought along his set of bagpipes, playing them near the lake side.
“We reside on the Murray at Cobram [Victoria], and it’s pleasant to observe the difference between the [Darling and Murray] rivers,” stated Mr Tom.
I’m equally intrigued to witness what’s occurring at these lakes. They’re stunning to observe with all this water flowing through.
The publican at Menindee, Deena Tangey, mentioned that she has noticed an increase in the town’s population, as visitors have been coming from various parts of the nation.
She mentioned that the pub’s midday services have likely increased twofold over the last three months.
“Lunchtime meals have become extremely expensive,” Ms Tangey stated.
During the summertime, you could be handling around eight or nine tables… nowadays, we’re looking at anything from 15 and upwards.
Ms Tangey mentioned that both locals and visitors have been successful with their fishing efforts—but when asked about specific locations, she was unable to provide details.
“Fish are biting left and right; everyone’s landing some decent-sized perches,” Ms Tangey mentioned.
“I’m not sure of the location since it’s a closely guarded secret. You just hear ‘in the water,’” they say.
