Goyder Lagoon, South Australia

In the far northeast of South Australia, where the outback stretches endlessly to the horizon, lies one of the most extraordinary wetlands in the Australian arid zone—Goyder Lagoon. Fed by the slow, meandering flow of the Diamantina River, this ephemeral oasis comes to life only in times of flood, transforming the desert into a vast, shimmering expanse of water, wildlife, and wonder.

The Diamantina River is part of one of the largest inland drainage systems in the world. Originating in western Queensland, it descends gradually southwards through remote country, gathering water during monsoonal summers before reaching Goyder Lagoon, a low-lying basin near the border of South Australia. Here, the river fans out into a broad floodplain—an ecological marvel that supports an intricate web of life.

This stretch of the river is part of the Diamantina River Wetland System, recognised in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia for its exceptional hydrological and ecological values. It is a rare example of an unregulated arid zone river, with intact natural processes, relatively pristine vegetation, and no major dams or diversions.

When the waters finally arrive at Goyder Lagoon—sometimes after travelling hundreds of kilometres—the transformation is profound. What is normally a mosaic of cracked earth, dry channels, and saltbush plains becomes a mosaic of lakes, marshes, and billabongs. This transient abundance is a beacon for birdlife.

The lagoon lies within a 2,684 square kilometre Important Bird Area (IBA) designated by BirdLife International, due to the staggering number of waterbirds it supports during flood events. Aerial surveys have estimated as many as 170,000 birds, including species such as pelicans, cormorants, herons, and migratory waders, flocking to the area to feed, breed, and thrive in the flooded wetlands.

Despite its remoteness and harsh climate, Goyder Lagoon is a fragile environment. Its ecological rhythms depend entirely on the flow of water—unpredictable, seasonal, and increasingly sensitive to climate change. Yet its isolation has also been its protector. The surrounding floodplains remain largely uncultivated, and the lagoon continues to function as it has for thousands of years.

This pristine wilderness is more than just a haven for birds. It is a living memory of Australia’s ancient inland seas, a natural refuge that pulses with life after rain, and a reminder of the subtle but powerful forces that shape our desert landscapes.

Access to Goyder Lagoon is limited, and it lies well off the beaten path, far from major roads or towns. For those seeking to experience it, timing is everything—flood events can be rare, and travel is only possible with careful planning, local knowledge, and respect for the traditional owners and fragile ecosystem.

For most, however, the story of Goyder Lagoon is best appreciated from above — a symbol of nature’s resilience, and as a testament to the quiet grandeur of Australia’s inland rivers.