Rising water in Menindee Lakes prompts increase in tourists and birds
Floodwaters from Queensland have been flowing from the northern basin catchments into the lake system for several months.
The lakes are dotted along the Darling River about 100 kilometres south-east of Broken Hill in far west New South Wales.
River Lady Tours owner Rob Gregory said tourist numbers in the area had risen on the back of the influx of water.
"Certainly a lot more people hanging around a bit longer, but our warmer weather has also hung on a bit longer too," Mr Gregory said.
"Normally [by] Anzac Day, it's starting to get down cool but it's taking sort of four weeks and it's still quite pleasant.
"[There are] a lot of different number plates [on vehicles in the area] … the occasional overseas tourist, as well."
In an update in April, WaterNSW said modelling suggested 800 to 1,200 gigalitres of water from the northern basin tributaries could be received into the lakes by late May or early June.
The lakes are sitting at 60 per cent capacity.
Mr Gregory said so much water had come through the Menindee Lakes, he had to move his tour boat along Wetherell Lake to a spot where he could "access it a bit easier".
"[Tourists] are seeing a few birds, water flows … around where we go, there is a bit of current there which is unusual to see in here because we're normally pretty placid," he said.
"Lots of the dead trees, scarred trees, a few fish surfacing.
"It's a good look."
Mr Gregory said when the lakes were at maximum capacity, the 500 square kilometres of water in the middle of the desert made it "one special region".
Tourists Bill and Jen Tom made their way to the Menindee Lakes on a five-week road trip.
Ms Tom is a keen birdwatcher and Mr Tom made sure to bring his bagpipes with him, which he played by the lakes.
"We live on the Murray at Cobram [Victoria], and it's nice to see the contrast in the [Darling and Murray] rivers," Mr Tom said.
"I'm also interested in seeing what's happening here at the lakes. It's beautiful to see, there's so much water coming down."
Menindee publican Deena Tangey said she had seen an uptick in the number of people around town, with people visiting from all around the country.
She said the pub's lunch service had "probably doubled" in the past three months.
"Meals have gone through the roof at lunchtimes," Ms Tangey said.
"In the summer, you might do eight or nine tables … now we're doing anywhere from 15 and above."
Ms Tangey said residents and tourists alike were having luck fishing — but as for where, she couldn't say.
"The fish are on, everyone's catching fish, and they're catching quite a big perch," Ms Tangey said.
"I don't know where because that's a big secret. 'In the water,' you get told."
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