Lake Eyre ( /ˈɛər/) is the lowest point in Australia, at approximately 15 m (49 ft) (AHD) below sea level, and, on the rare occasions that it fills, it is the largest lake in Australia and 18th largest in the world. It is the focal point of the vast Lake Eyre Basin and is found in South Australia, some 700 km (435 mi) north of Adelaide. The lake is named after Edward John Eyre who was the first European to sight it in 1840.
The traditional owners of the lake, the Arabuna, are seeking to restore the lake's traditional name, Kati Thanda, and to ban boating on the lake (effectively closing The Lake Eyre Yacht Club).
Read more about Lake Eyre: Geography, Floods, Yacht Club, Land Speed Record Attempts
Famous quotes containing the words lake and/or eyre:
“Such were the first rude beginnings of a town. They spoke of the practicability of a winter road to the Moosehead Carry, which would not cost much, and would connect them with steam and staging and all the busy world. I almost doubted if the lake would be there,—the self-same lake,—preserve its form and identity, when the shores should be cleared and settled; as if these lakes and streams which explorers report never awaited the advent of the citizen.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Balance is the enemy of art.”
—Richard Eyre (b. 1943)