Upside-down rivers

On our way south we set up camp at the Finke River, central Australia’s longest river (around 650 km) and one of the oldest in the world. Some 650 million years ago sitting on its banks you could have witnessed how marine life made it onto dry land for the very first time.

None of central Australia’s rivers sees the ocean. In actual fact, most of them don’t even carry permanent water. The few times they get flooded — and after heavy rainfall they can become strong torrents — the water evaporates or disperses in huge floodplains where it then replenishes artesian water basins deep under the surface. These aquifers are actually the basis for all human settlements in the Outback.

Huge Ghost Gum trees line the banks of these rivers. A tell-tale sign that there is still some water buried under the sand — hence the local term “upside-down rivers”. Many animals survive here for many month. It leaves you lost for words how animals and plants have adapted to these harsh conditions.

Central Australia's longest river. River?!?

[Finke River Rest Area, 31. August - 1. September]