Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre National Park

Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre National Park covers the lake and surrounding country on the Country of the Arabana people, whose native title over the lake was recognised in 2012. The lake lies about 15 m below sea level and is the terminus of a vast inland drainage basin covering about a sixth of Australia.

When the lake fills

Most of the time, the lake is a dry salt pan. After heavy monsoon rain in Queensland, water flows slowly down the Diamantina, Georgina and Cooper systems towards the lake. When it arrives, the lake can attract enormous numbers of waterbirds, including pelicans that breed on islands. The best way to see it is from the air.

Access

• Halligan Bay — on Lake Eyre North, reached by 4WD from William Creek.
• Lake Eyre South lookout — on the Oodnadatta Track near Marree.
• Muloorina — station access to Lake Eyre North from Marree.
• Scenic flights — from William Creek, Marree and Coober Pedy.

Driving on the lake bed is prohibited.

Seasons

April to October is best.

Australia's lowest point

Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre is Australia's largest salt lake and its lowest point, at about 15 m below sea level. It has two parts, Lake Eyre North and Lake Eyre South, joined by the narrow Goyder Channel. The lake sits at the bottom of the Lake Eyre Basin, one of the world's largest internally draining river systems, which collects water from parts of Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia and NSW. Most of the water that enters the basin evaporates long before it reaches the lake.

A lake that comes and goes

In dry years, Kati Thanda is a vast, glaring white salt crust. When floodwater arrives, it spreads slowly across the lake bed over weeks or months, turning parts of the lake into shallow water tinted pink, blue or green by algae and salt. Birds arrive in huge numbers. Banded stilts and Australian pelicans breed on islands and shorelines, and the surrounding desert blooms. Floods may cover only part of the lake, so check recent reports before planning a trip around a flood event.

Scenic flights

Because access is limited and the lake is so large, a scenic flight is the best way to appreciate it. Flights leave from William Creek, Marree and Coober Pedy. Some include the Marree Man geoglyph, the Painted Hills or Anna Creek station, one of the largest cattle stations in the world.

Land speed history

In 1964, British driver Donald Campbell set a world land speed record on the salt of Lake Eyre North in his car Bluebird CN7. Interpretive material at Halligan Bay and in Marree tells the story.

Arabana Country

The Arabana people's native title over the lake and surrounding country was recognised in 2012. Kati Thanda is the Arabana name for the lake. The lake and its surroundings hold deep cultural significance, and some areas are restricted. Please respect signs and park rules, and see our visiting Country respectfully guide.

Camping

Bush camping is available at Halligan Bay and at other sites within the park with a valid permit. There are few or no facilities: bring all water, food and fuel, and take all rubbish out. Muloorina station, north of Marree, also offers camping by permission.

Getting there

Halligan Bay on Lake Eyre North is roughly 100 km from William Creek via a 4WD track. Lake Eyre South can be seen from lookouts beside the Oodnadatta Track. All access roads are unsealed and close after rain. Check South Australia's outback roads page before setting out, and carry satellite communications. Read our remote-area travel safety guide.

Safety

Never drive on the lake bed. Beneath the crust, the mud can be soft and vehicles quickly become bogged, and driving damages the surface. Summer temperatures are extreme; visit between April and October, and avoid walking out on the salt in the heat of the day. Carry far more water than you think you need.

Suggested plan

Base yourself at William Creek for two nights. Take a scenic flight on the first day, then drive to Halligan Bay to camp overnight on the shore, watching sunset and sunrise over the salt.

What to bring

Bring all water, food and fuel, a first aid kit, a satellite phone or PLB, sun protection, sunglasses for the glare off the salt and a fly net. Expect no mobile coverage once you leave William Creek or Marree.

The Lake Eyre Yacht Club

When water reaches Kati Thanda, members of the Lake Eyre Yacht Club, based in South Australia, have sailed on the lake, and the club publishes reports on water levels. It is one of Australia's more unusual sailing clubs, and its updates are a useful guide to conditions. Sailing on the lake requires appropriate permissions.

Knowing when there's water

Water in Kati Thanda usually comes from rain far to the north and east, in Queensland's Channel Country, months before it reaches the lake. Local tourism operators, scenic flight companies and the Bureau of Meteorology's rainfall and river information help indicate whether water is on the way. Even in flood years, the lake often holds water only in parts, and much of the surface remains dry salt.

Photography

The lake's vast salt surface creates extraordinary reflections and abstract patterns, best seen from the air. From the ground at Halligan Bay or Lake Eyre South, sunrise and sunset give the best light. Drone use requires permission from the park managers.

Related guides

• William Creek
• Marree
• Oodnadatta Track