If you’re planning a Flinders Ranges and Outback adventure in South Australia with a search of the most stunning natural wonders, chances are you have stumbled upon Lake Eyre. There is something about a shocking pink body of water that boggles the mind, you have to see it to believe it! With the right balance of salt, sun and some hardworking micro-organisms, here is a guide to Lake Eyre, one of Australia’s iconic pink lakes with dreamlike hues.
Lake Eyre
Photo credit: South Australia Tourism
The top banner image: Lake Eyre, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, credit: Grant Hunt Photography (Australia Tourism)
Lake Eyre, officially named Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, is one of the largest dry land river systems on our planet. It is the lowest point below sea level on the Australian continent at 144 km long and 77 km wide! And for that makes it the biggest salt lake in Australia.
Given its remote location, this magical lake gets extremely few visitors. It is a treacherous, unpredictable, inland sea of shifting winds, crunchy mud, deep salt beds, and rarely shallow water. Lake Eyre is quite a special one where it sees water only every 3-10 years. Most of the time the lake is dry and it is not as easy to visit. When the lake’s water level is low, its glittering crystalised surface stretches as far as the eye can see. Approximately, a small one-and-a-half metre flood occurs every three years and a large four metre flood occurs every ten years, usually in winter. The lake only fills entirely three times every 160 years. This is when the real magic happens! The lake bursts to life as the water transforms the lakes parched and salty interior into a thriving ecosystem. For those fortunate souls who are able to see the lake with water, you’ll witness one of the most incredible wonders of the avian world! Waterbirds descend in their thousands including pelicans, silver gulls, red-necked avocets and gull-billed terms. Fish converge in channels, wildflowers blanket floodplains and colourful algae painting unique canvas of blue, white, red, yellow and pink hues. A spectacular show that has to be seen to be believed!
Where is Lake Eyre
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is in South Australia’s outback, located 647km north-east of Adelaide and getting there is an adventure in itself. It is an 8-hour drive or 1.5-hour flight from Adelaide.
Lake Eyre is located in one of the most remote and potentially dangerous places in Australia making its accessibility quite difficult. If you’re thinking of travelling to see Lake Eyre, then you’ll need to be fully prepared and self sufficient. You’ll need a four-wheel drive vehicle, and in such a dynamic landscape, it’s essential to check that roads and tracks are open.
How To Visit Lake Eyre
Photo credit: South Australia Tourism
Fly and Drive
Scenic flights over Lake Eyre are the best way to see Australia’s largest inland lake. It puts it into perspective of just how enormous the lake is and you’ll appreciate just how magnificent this outback wonder really is. From the air, water salinity variations can be seen as remarkable swirling current patterns experiencing the lake in all its glory. If you don’t have a 4WD or don’t have a lot of time to spare, then flights over Lake Eyre is a perfect fit! Charter flights are available from several places including William Creek, Marree, and Wilpena. You’ll be captivated beyond the lake’s edge where sandy dunes and smatterings of mulga, acacias and cane grass boast.
You can experience Lake Eyre in two ways. Fly from Adelaide to South Australia’s underground opal town, Coober Pedy, spend a couple days exploring then hit the skies for a tour over Lake Eyre with local tour operators like Wrightsair. The Lake Eyre, Flinders Ranges & Coober Pedy Outback Adventure makes a perfect roadtrip.
For the avid four wheel drivers, fly from Adelaide to Coober Pedy, hire a car then drive about 2 hours to William Creek for a scenic Lake Eyre flight. The drive to William Creek is an idyllic outback roadtrip in itself. Be taken away by the gigantic Anna Creek Station, the world’s largest cattle station, and onwards to exploring sections of the famed Oodnadatta Track.
Access
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park is located 60km east of WIlliam Creek and 95km north-west of Marree. It is accessible by two pastoral tracks known as the ‘public access routes’ that are only accessible by 4WD. Located in such a dynamic and remote landscape, it is essential to travel in convoy and ensure reserves for fuel, water and food.
From William Creek: venture on Oodnadatta Track for 7km then onwards to Halligan Bay Track. This route is closed from 1 Dec to 15 March due to temperatures soaring at its highest up to 50 degrees celsius
From Marree: The access track turnoff is 3km west of Marree and journeys 84km to Level Post Bay via Muloorina Station
When To Visit Lake Eyre
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is a showstopper year-round, but the best time to visit is when Outback rains have flooded it with water. And so the best time is between April and October. If summer monsoon rains provide floodwaters locally or from Queensland, you are more likely to see water in the lake during these cooler months. If your mission is to see water in Lake Eyre, make sure you research Lake Eyre's current water level.
Like most places in this part of the outback, Lake Eyre experiences extremes of temperatures that can soar from 50°C in the summer, to below 0°C in the winter.
Travel Advice
- Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park is part of a harsh, desert environment. The summer heat can be dangerous, and rain can quickly change the environment making the terrain difficult to navigate
- Do not visit during summer, December to March, as temperatures can soar up to 50°C and many of the tracks in lake Eyre are closed
- Camping is permittable at Halligan Bay Point Campground for bush camping while Muloorina Station has campgrounds with basic toilets and facilities
- Ensure you have a Desert Parks Pass or day entry permit before visiting. These are available at the Maree Store/Roadhose, William Creek and Coober Pedy or purchased online
- Vehicles are not allowed on the lake's surface
- No mobile coverage in the park
Places To See Around Lake Eyre
Photo credit: South Australia Tourism
William Creek Outback
South Australia’s William Creek is one of Australia’s most remote towns. Situated along the sprawling Oodnadatta Track making it a perfect roadtrip stop. While here, be sure to stop by the loved Williams Creek Hotel famous for its front bar decorated by hundreds of notes, memorabilia and mementos; a crowd favourite.
The Anna Creek Painted Hills
Is only accessible by plane and boasts a stunning outcrop of deep orange sunbaked mountains that emerges suddenly from a flat desert landscape. Wrightair offers a scenic flight to the Painted Hills with an exclusive opportunity to land and explore the magnificent gem by foot.
Coober Pedy
A journey to Australia's opal capital and underground town of Coober Pedy is worth a visit. Escape into a world beneath the earth uncovering a labyrinth of underground houses, hotels and shops.
Outback Stations
An immersive experience is staying at luxury accommodations combined with traditional farm life across the outback. For a truly unique journey, stay on a sheep or cattle station in a shearer's quarters. Top picks include Rawnsley Park Station, Alpana Station and Beltana Station. Elevate it to a more luxurious experience with Arkaba Homestead boasting a 60 000-acre regenerated sheep station for an indulgent retreat like no other.
