A straggle of gaunt coolibah trees, their stripped branches reaching starkly skyward cluster on a small sandy spit extending like a finger into the still lake waters. Every spare hollow in these well-worn trees is occupied by a couple of raucous corellas or their more resplendent cousins the pink-breasted galahs. Scavenging mobs of crows glide in effortlessly to occupy the higher branches and add their mournful cries to the early morning chorus.

A nearby, two metre high hedge of lignum bushes form a latticed maze of leafless stems, a safe home to the armada of swamp hens busily working the shores. Myriads of other water birds dot every cove and sand spit in sight. On a sandy island a cluster of pelicans regally observe their domain.

It’s easy to see why this very special place in the Lake Eyre Basin was designated as a protected area and a wetland of international significance. It is also easy to see why so many people are flocking here and to the rest of the Outback with its rich array of natural and cultural assets.

Visitor numbers to key destinations in the Basin are increasing as more people have the means and desire to experience the magic of the Outback. The unfortunate downside to this is the increasing impact on the most accessible and desirable spots such as Coongie Lakes or the many waterholes along the Cooper around Innamincka.

Poor camping practices, especially litter, fires and basic hygiene, tend to affect the immediate environment and the quality of experience of those campers who find a great spot desecrated. The resources of land managers and local landholders are often severely limited to control and rectify these problems. In short, the onus has to be on the responsible and caring visitors who outnumber the ignorant few.

In essence each traveler has to take on a personal management role that not only minimizes their impact but also takes on the responsibility of clearing up the mess they come across, rather than complaining about it and moving on to carve out a new pristine site for themselves. If we are to have any hope of protecting, managing and enjoying the fantastic heritage we have in the Lake Eyre Basin then those of us who visit have to do our bit.

I wonder how many share these sentiments and will take up the challenge?