Imagine a lake with no water, rather a pink tinted salt pan stretching to the horizon. It’s surreal and best viewed aerially. The easiest way to get to one of Australia’s top bucket list Outback destinations is a trip on the Oodnadatta Track to William Creek.
Kai Thanda-Lake Eyre is usually dry, a salt pan glittering with hues of pink, crystal white and shimmer of grey. Water arrives between April and October issuing an invitation for thousands of water birds, pelicans, banded stilts and gulls to create an ideal breeding site. The bird species are saline tolerant.
The lake, 15 metres below sea level is a catchment area for water flow from three states and the Northern Territory. The lake territory is enormous, over 144 km in length and 77 km wide.
On average the lake fills once every eight years. The lake has filled to capacity three times in the last 160 years.
The lake is surrounded by red sand dunes and mesas. The lake is a perfect DARK SKY location for the intrepid tourist.
The best way to view the lake is aerial. Budget for a flight of your lifetime. The sheer immensity of the lake surface is shown in its full glittering glory.
CAMPING
Halligan Bay Point Campground and get ready for the night show. The park is accessible via two pastoral tracks, known as ‘public access routes’. Both are suitable for 4WD vehicles only.
You should travel in convoy and carry reserves of fuel, water and food. It is best to avoid travelling in the hotter months, from November to March.
Lake Eyre Tours & Activities – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
William Creek has various accommodation options for overnight visitors.
From William Creek: Travel south-east on the Oodnadatta Track for 7 km to the access track to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park. Travel along this track to Halligan Bay Point via Armistice Bore and ABC Bay.
This public access route is closed from 1 December to 15 March. Check the latest Desert Parks Bulletin and the road condition report for current access before you leave. Check your Park maps.
Campgrounds with toilet and shower facilities are also located at Marree, William Creek, and at Coward Springs, 130 km west of Marree on the Oodnadatta Track.
The best time to visit Lake Eyre is winter, between April to October. In summer, temperatures in the area can soar to more than 50 c.
KATI THANDA-LAKE EYRE NATIONAL PARK LOCATION
If we have accidentally used your photograph without your permission, we are sorry and will remove the photograph as soon as possible. Any use without permission is an oversight… for more information regarding our Terms and Conditions check HERE.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE