News & Adventures
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2010 Lake Eyre - New Flights
Lake Eyre tours are all go at Banksia.
At last Banksia Adventures has flights and tours to Lake Eyre. Choose either a single day scenic flight or stretch your legs with a three day Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges experience. There is also the popular two day option, with flights over the flooded Cooper Creek.
UPDATE!!! - Due to popular demand Banksia Adventures has decided to put on three extra flights for our 2 Day Lake Eyre Scenic Flight tours. We have flights scheduled for Saturday 24th of July, Sunday 25th of July and Saturday the 21st of August. All flight dates can be found on our updated brochure.
Check out our Lake Eyre brochure. -
Flinders Ranges Photographic Safari
This Flinders Ranges (Wilpena Pound) based safari is about enjoying your photography and aimed at teaching you how to “Communicate” through your photography in a relaxed and creative environment.
The Safari
The Flinders Ranges is an unspoiled wilderness area brimming with wildlife in its natural state, displays geology and fossils of world-class importance and has some of the most spectacular scenery in Australia. It is a place where those with an eye for capturing stunning landscapes, gorges, ridges and magnificent gum trees must go…..
A real opportunity to learn, enjoy and experience in such a wonderful environment.
The Stars
The safari will provide an innovative and educational photographic opportunity with two world class and prize winning photographers, Mike Langford and Jackie Ranken sharing their experience and knowledge with you. Mike and Jackie have extensive experience not only creating amazing images across the globe; they have run many classes in many different locations, styles and formats.
You can see some of their work at http://www.qccp.co.nz/
You will enjoy the company of other like-minded people on this adventure and you are encouraged to be open and relaxed in this environment. Mike and Jackie have extensive experience in working with people with a wide range of photography experience so you should feel comfortable working with them.
The schedule will provide plenty of opportunities to create your own images in the gorgeous Flinders region with support and guidance from both Mike and Jackie. This is a great opportunity to learn, enjoy and explore the possibilities of your work with “the best in the business”.
All participants will edit their images from each photographic session down to around twelve files.
These edited images will be downloaded onto Mike’s computer and will be ‘data projected’ for the group to see, review and discuss. The edited images will become part of a self published book we will make at the end of the workshop1.
The workshop will have between 8 and 12 participants and the schedule, accommodation, tuition, transfers all meals during the safari are included. All drinks will be at your own cost.
The Travel
Whilst Jackie and Mike will provide the instruction and lead the workshop, Banksia Adventures a leading South Australian tourism group will provide or arrange all logistics, accommodation, meals and other arrangements you may have.
You may choose to ‘tag along’ with your own vehicle or relax and enjoy the comforts of Banksia’s 4X4 vehicle.
The Schedule
Dates – 22nd November 2010 thru to 27th November 2010
We will gather in Adelaide on Monday 22nd November (4pm) for a meet and greet discussion, establishment of experience levels, expectations and confirm the finer details of the workshop. Participants will be invited to bring five photographs which will form the basis of introductions and be critiqued as the learning begins!
Accommodation is provided at the Majestic Roof Top Garden Hotel in Adelaide city. Dinner at your own cost.
An early start on Tuesday 23rd November for the Flinders (via Quorn) with various photo opportunities along the way. A late lunch at Hawker with further photography en-route and a late arrival into Wilpena for dinner.
Wednesday 24th through to Friday 26th will be filled with reviews of previous days work, composition and class room sessions and various location shoots at optimum times of the day.
Saturday 27th will be a half day session culminating with the preparation of the self published book of your work. Return transport to Adelaide is included in the package. Banksia Adventures we be pleased to arrange accommodation in Adelaide on your return or you may wish to stay or take another direction from the Flinders. ETA in Adelaide will be 6pm.
Tariff
An all inclusive cost ex Adelaide of $3,590 per single participant (inc GST) applies. This includes all transport from Adelaide and return, accommodation, all meals (excluding the first night) and tuition whilst on the safari. All personal drinks are at your own cost.
Should you choose to ‘tag a long’ with your own vehicle a UHF radio fitted to your vehicle is preferred so you can maintain regular contact with the ‘mother ship’ whilst on safari.
The price above assumes a minimum of 8 participants and we reserve the right to cancel should we not achieve this minimum within 6 weeks of the safari departing.
Booking Arrangements
All enquiries should be directed to John Beurle on +61422001924 john.beurle@optusnet.com.au and bookings will be made via Banksia Adventures on Phone +61 8 8285 5033, Fax +61 8 8285 2621 or email info@banksia-adventures.com.au
A 20% deposit is required on booking (fully refundable should we not make the required minimum 8 participants) and full payment is due on or before Friday 8th October 2010. Incidentals will be due on consumption.
What you should bring?
Five landscape photographs for the first gentle critique session on the Sunday afternoon, prints or digital files are fine.
Your camera gear, sturdy tripod, camera charger, spare memory cards, laptop or a transportable hard drive to download to is required. Wireless internet connection is available at Wilpena Resort.
The temperatures should be between 21 – 27 degrees most days so bring comfortable clothing including walking shoes and a hat.
Contact
Banksia Adventures Pty Ltd
By Phone: (+61) 08 8285 5033
By Fax: (+61) 08 8285 2621
By Email: info@banksia-adventures.com.au
Lic No TTA 159294 ABN 47 08 5334 729
By Post: PO Box 9, Salisbury South, SA 5106
In Person: 8 Kings Road, Parafield Airport SA 5106
Just click the link for a printable PDF of the Flinders Ranges Photo Safari. -
Grey-headed Flying-foxes sighted in the South East
Fruit bats sighted in the South East near Kingston & Naracoorte.
The Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) is asking South East residents to report sightings of Grey-headed Flying-foxes, sometimes referred to as fruit bats, to help the department better understand and conserve the species.
Grey-headed Flying-foxes are protected in South Australia, where they are listed as a rare species under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. At the national level they are considered threatened and listed as a vulnerable species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Steve Bourne from DEH’s Mount Gambier office said several Grey-headed Flying-foxes were sighted last week in Kingston and Naracoorte.
“It’s unusual to see Grey-headed Flying-foxes in our region so early in the year, so we’re expecting to see quite a few in the South East over autumn and early winter,” he said.
“Grey-headed Flying-foxes have undergone a substantial population decline over their traditional range in the past 15 years, decreasing by about one-third.
“They were first sighted in the South East of South Australia in 1998.
“We’re not quite sure why the Grey-headed Flying-foxes have been coming to the South East over the past decade or so, but it’s probably because of limited food sources elsewhere across the core range of the species.
“The diet of the Grey-headed Flying-foxes consists mainly of nectar, pollen and fruits, so food availability can be affected by changes in plant flowering patterns as well as climatic changes and habitat clearance and degradation.
“We’d like to find out more about the distribution, movements and food preferences of the species, so if people spot a Flying-fox, we ask them to contact DEH’s Mount Gambier Office on (08) 8735 1177.
“The information we’re asking people to record when they see a Flying-fox is, if possible, the species, the date, time, location, number of individuals observed, what the species was seen feeding on at the time, where it was roosting and the presence of any young.
“Grey-headed Flying-foxes can be distinguished from other Flying-fox species by the leg fur, which extends to the ankle.”
Mr Bourne advised people not to handle Grey-headed Flying-foxes.
“If you find a sick or injured Grey-headed Flying-fox or one trapped in fruit-netting, please do not touch it,” he said. “Instead, call DEH’s Mount Gambier Office and we’ll send someone to pick up the animal.
“If you find a sick or injured Grey-headed Flying-fox or one trapped in fruit-netting, please do not touch it,” he said. “Instead, call DEH’s Mount Gambier Office and we’ll send someone to pick up the animal.
“There’s no need to be frightened of Flying-foxes, but it’s important to avoid physical contact with them.”
A fact sheet about Grey-headed Flying-foxes is available on the DEH website at http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/biodiversity/southeast-bcp/pdfs/flying-fox.pdf.
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Innamincka, Coongie Lakes and Lake Eyre status update
Visitors planning a trip to Innamincka, Coongie Lakes or Lake Eyre over the Easter break and school holidays are advised to seek further information before travelling to these areas.
Many parts of Innamincka and Coongie Lakes may be closed due to flooding, and at this stage it is too early to tell if floodwaters will reach and fill Lake Eyre. Below is the current status for these locations.
Innamincka Regional Reserve and Coongie Lakes
• Innamincka and Coongie Lakes visitor sites will not be open over Easter due to flooding in the area.
• Coongie Lakes National Park will be inaccessible until at least July.
• Ongoing rain that has fallen around Innamincka and floods in the upper catchments of Cooper Creek have flooded all visitor sites along the Cooper Creek at Innamincka Regional Reserve.
• At this stage, the Innamincka Causeway will be closed until at least late April.
• All visitor sites along Cullyamurra, 15 Mile (including Policemans, Ski Beach and Minkie campgrounds) and the Innamincka Town Common will be unavailable for use.
• Accommodation will be open within the Innamincka township but access to park visitor sites, including the Burke and Wills sites, will be closed.
• Once floodwaters have receded, sites will only be reopened when they have had a chance to dry out and flood damage is repaired.
For current information, contact DEH’s Innamincka office on (08) 8675 9909 or www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/innamincka/innamincka-status.html. Visitors can check road conditions at www.transport.sa.gov.au/quicklinks/northern_roads/northern.asp or on 1300 361 033.
Lake Eyre National Park
• Rain that fell across central and eastern Australia since the Christmas and New Year period has flowed down a number of creeks and rivers that feed into Lake Eyre.
• It is too early to speculate how much water will reach Lake Eyre as there are many variables to how much water enters and then remains in the lake.
• Lake Eyre will receive some flows, but unless there is considerable follow up rains in March and April it is highly unlikely that Lake Eyre will fill and the migration of birdlife to the lake will be minimal.
• Lake Eyre has only ‘filled’ three times in recorded history – the last time occurred in1974-75.
For up to date information about Lake Eyre, contact the Desert Parks Hotline on 1800 816 078 or www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/lakeeyre/lake-eyre-status.html -
2010 Lake Eyre Status
Just in case you were curious to see if Lake Eyre will be filling with water again this year.
Updated 24th February 2010
There have been some considerable falls of rain in central and eastern Australia since the Christmas/ New Year period. Although water is flowing down a number of creeks and rivers that feed Lake Eyre, it is too early to speculate how much of an influence this will have on Lake Eyre.
Rain around the Oodnadatta area and further north into the Northern Territory around Christmas and New Year has created flows in the Macumba and Neales Rivers. This has led to water entering Lake Eyre and has moved down the Warburton Groove. There is currently some water on Lake Eyre mainly from this flow.
Water has ceased flowing from the Macumba River into Lake Eyre, while water from the Neales River is due to stop flowing soon. There are areas of this water in the Warburton Groove that are starting to become separated so evaporation and soakage of the water is exceeding inflows. Water has also been pushed across some sections of the lake and as these areas are quite shallow, the water will evaporate quickly.
There are minor flows coming down from the Diamantina and Georgina catchments however unless considerable follow up rains, this will not have much of an impact on Lake Eyre. Areas around Clifton Hills to Kalamurina have also received rain in the last two weeks and will create some flows into the Warburton River which may reach Lake Eyre, but this will not be the major flows as seen in 2009.
The Cooper Creek is still much of an unknown as to whether it will reach Lake Eyre. The Innamincka area has received frequent and considerable rains, causing the Innamincka causeway to be closed. The floodwaters upstream from the Longreach area may have just reached Innamincka but is hard to determine due to the amount of local rain. The water in Cooper Creek will be monitored as it makes its way towards Lake Eyre.
Good rains can still occur in March and even as late as April, as a result of tropical depressions coming down from northern Australia. If there are good follow up rains, then the impact of inflows on Lake Eyre will be reassessed. If no follow up rains occur, then there will be minimal impact on Lake Eyre in 2010.
For more information on Lake Eyre's current status please call the Desert Parks Information Line 1800 816 078 (within Australia only) -
Magpie Geese!
Banksia Adventures recommend getting in quick on a Coorong or Bird Watching experience.
For the first time since 2004, magpie geese are breeding in the state’s south east. Randall Johnson from the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) said magpie geese are returning to Bool and Hacks Lagoon in large numbers as a result of favourable weather conditions. “Recent heavy rainfall has resulted in much needed water reaching Bool and Hacks Lagoon,” he said.
A full run down can be viewed here.
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Barossa Valley & Flinders Ranges
New tour as of the 1st of April 2010. Spend 3 days touring through South Australia's wine producing regions with wildlife and more.
Day 1 - Barossa & Clare Valleys
Visit such wineries as Jacob's Creek, Saltram Wines, Peter Lehmans and Sevenhill Cellars. Overnight at the Clare Country Club, with fine dining and an incredible selection of local wines selected to perfectly compliment your meal.
Day 2 - Flinders Ranges
This morning the legendary lilac haze of the Flinders Ranges looms ever closer in the distance. You are now in the habitat of Australia's famous wildlife, including not only kangaroos and emus in abundance, but also many species of birds and reptiles.
Day 3 - Wilpena Pound to Adelaide
Our journey today takes us through the Bunyeroo, Brachina and Parachilna Gorges, over hills and ridges, along river beds and through gullies. The Prairie Hotel is an historic "outback pub" situated along the original Old Ghan Railway Line at Parachilna. It's well known internationally for the cuisine served.
Price for this 3 day wine, outback and food experience is $1195 pp twin share.
Departs Adelaide Tuesdays and Fridays 8:30am - finishes 6:00pm.
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Innamincka Regional Reserve
Innamincka Regional Reserve reopens after flood
The Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) has announced that approximately half of the visitor facilities at Innamincka Regional Reserve have reopened after floods left all sites under water earlier this year.
District Ranger Tony Magor said that even though the flood waters had started to recede, visitors still need to be careful in the area and do their research before travelling.
“Over summer the Cooper Creek flooded to levels not seen in almost 20 years,” he said.
“This resulted in visitor facilities in Innamincka Regional Reserve being under water and the Innamincka Township itself inaccessible by road.
“While most camping areas have reopened, there are still some restrictions in place and we advise people to be extremely cautious when travelling through the area and be mindful of road hazards, closures and speed limits.
“They will also need to do their research before travelling to avoid disappointment as not all campsites are open yet. Some campsites will not be open until late August or September as they are still drying out and will need repair work undertaken before re-opening.
“Coongie Lakes National Park will continue to be closed for the 2010 visitor season due to the floodwaters.”
Mr Magor said that despite the inconvenience, the flood waters had made a significant environmental impact.
“Now that the flood has receded, it’s obvious how beneficial the water has been, such as filling the Coongie Lakes and flowing down the Strzelecki Creek – both incredibly important eco-systems in the area,” he said.
“Coongie Lakes in particular is listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International importance due to its significant feeding, resting and breeding site for numerous migratory birds.
“In addition, the water continues to flow downstream towards Lake Eyre, although we are unsure what the long-term impact here will be.”
