A lifestyle in Australia's outback.

To many people, the thought of the Australian opal fields evokes images of a rough life and a harsh environment.  There is another side to the rugged outback, one of beauty and tranquility, that can be fully realized when experiencing the remote outback.  Coloured stones are not the only attraction to Mintabie, the colour of the country is inspiring, as life blooms in the middle of the desert.  

Mintabie Lake:

The lake at Mintabie is fed by many small surrounding creeks.  In the past 15 years, it has been filled twice.  The first time was in 1988, when higher than normal rainfall filled the lake to capacity.  Although the rainfall returned to normal,  the lake retained water for approximately three years.  Rains in 2000 again filled the lake  Today the lake has once again dried up awaiting another big rain.

Mintabie residents take advantage of the lake by introducing fish stocks.  The lake also carries large numbers of yabbies.   Past activities at the lake have included boat races using home made boats constructed using corrugated iron.  A fun day was had by all.  

Mintabie Sunsets:

Outback Sunsets are unrivalled in their beauty and tranquility.  

Sunset over Mulga:

A view of  the sun setting over the mulga trees in Mintabie is a scene unique to the far North of South Australia.  

Cloud filled sunset:

Clouds fill the sky in the desert.  This type of view is a daily gift for the people of Mintabie.