Salt Lakes and Ancient River Systems

Article | Updated 7 years ago

Kalgoorlie is centered on an array of old river systems that originally drained eastward to the sea in the area that is now the Nullarbor Plain.

These drainage systems originated when the land was uplifted in the Eocene [56–34 million years ago]. During this time, the climate was wetter, and rivers cut their channels into the land surface.

Vast salt lakes are what remain of the ancient river systems. These fill up and even flood during heavy rainfall that occurs every few years. This gives rise to a plethora of life, such as invertebrates and fish, which in turn attract large colonies of waterbirds who breed while food and water resources are plentiful.