Hay River Expedition

Summary
The floods in the northern Simpson Desert have enabled us to plan an ecological survey expedition along parts of the Hay and Plenty Rivers in the Northern Territory. Both these rivers have flooded south into the desert sands and our ecologist team will have a rare opportunity to document and observe the rejuvenation of not only the river floodplains but also the surrounding dunefields, as these too have received good rainfalls since late February.

It will be interesting to see the difference between the two river systems and compare the potential increase in flora & fauna, particularly the birdlife that has undoubtedly followed the floodwaters. We will be conducting a detailed bird survey as well as a botanical collection and trapping survey.

The expedition will be a journey of contrasts between the sometimes heavily timbered floodplain and the spinifex dominated sand dunes. The Hay River is the larger of the two systems with one main defined channel, sometimes splitting into two or three smaller channels. The vegetation on the floodplain can be quite thick with many small trees, an extensive deadwood environment and small sand ridges interspersed throughout the smaller tributaries.

In contrast, the Plenty River is less timbered with more 'shallow' channels - at least where we will see it. No one is exactly sure how far the floods have travelled down each river system - so this expedition could strike some remaining pools of water, which will certainly be beneficial for the camels and could provide a base camp from which to explore the surrounding area in detail.

Through the floodplain
Leading the camel team across the floodplain, 2009.

Brian Blaylock collects another specimen. The expedition carries two plant presses.

Expedition Details
Dates: August 16 to September 2 2010
Total days including transfers: 18 - 2 day transfer/14 days trekking/2 day transfer
Trekking days: 14 ...expedition itinerary
Grade: Moderate/Challenging
Departure point: Alice Springs
Finish point: Alice Springs
Maximum places: 13 - fully booked
Full tour price: $5950

Expedition ecologists:

Brian Blaylock, ADE Research Advisory Panel, - ornithologist and botanical collection
(As we have only just confirmed the itinerary for this newly released expedition, the remainder of the research team is yet to be finalised)

Home

The point is, this is a different kind of walking experience, one that’s a world away from pounding along with a big pack on a single-file track. Under the arch of the desert sky you’re free to be in the vastness of the dune spaces. More than that, though, we’re lifted into a continuum of experience.
Here the endless drift of the dunes and the steady swing of the camels stride seem to put us on the kind of trajectory no map can depict – an exploratory path alive with history and promise.

Click here to read the Wild article by Quentin Chester

It's a desert full moon on August 25th . . .

Into the full moon desert

Typical country between the Hay & Plenty Rivers
Typical country between the two river systems. Photo taken in 2009 during the drought.

Crossing one of the channels of the Hay River
Crossing the Hay River. The floodwater this year almost extended over the banks.

Northern Rivers Ecological Expedition