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Rain sparks 'magic' desert transformation

An Indigenous elder in Queensland's far south-west says Birdsville is greener and lusher than it has been in more than 60 years.

Don Rowlands, the ranger in charge of the Simpson Desert National Park, says there has been massive transformation of the countryside after big rain and flooding in the region.

The national park was due to reopen this week but Mr Rowlands says it could be the end of May before tourists can get in.

He says the desert wildflowers later this year will be "magic".

"Some big swamps or lakes that haven't been filled for a long time are brimming," he said.

"There are even places where I haven't seen water before and I've been here for 60 plus years - so there's a fair chance that nobody's ever seen some of these places filled with water.

"That in itself is an amazing thing to see."

- ABC

© ABC 2010

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