
Stunning photograph captures 'once-in-a-lifetime' transformation in Australian outback
Channel Country, in the state's south-west, has turned into a green wonderland with locals calling it a 'once in a lifetime opportunity' for tourists to experience.
The region suffered months of flooding following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in February and Tropical Cyclone Dianne in March.
Some parts of Queensland's interior received more than double their average annual rainfall in March alone.
Floodwaters are expected to flow through the Channel Country's intermittent waterways to reach the Lake Eyre basin in June.
Images from the air showed rivers and streams crossing the land, surrounded by bright green grass.
Pelicans were spotted flying over the inland region, thousands of kilometres from the sea.
Locals said the natural spectacle was an extraordinary sight that should not be missed.
'Mother Nature has put on this great show for us,' Quilpie Shire Mayor Ben Hall told 7News.
'The country looks absolutely amazing. It is something to behold,' Murweh Shire Mayor Shaun Radnedge said.
He said it was a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity to see the region cloaked in green.
Tourists have already begun travelling to the region, and interest in flights over the area is surging.
Outback Queensland Tourism has urged visitors to see nature's display while it lasts.
'The outback's open. the roads are ready. The towns are waiting. And Mother Nature is putting on the show of a lifetime,' CEO Denise Brown said.
The region's event calendar is packed over the next few weeks with opera in Winton and Longreach, fishing competitions, and dozens of race meets.
Ms Brown said some of the events had been postponed during the wet period, but none had been cancelled.
In March, more than 13 councils spanning more than 500,000sq kilometres across Queensland had flood warnings or watches in place.
Many areas were evacuated by land and helicopter as floodwaters surrounded entire towns.
Much of the region was cut from power and internet connection.
Locals and business owners shared images of roads completely submerged, with residents walking in water up to their knees.
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