Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park protects Australia's largest salt lake and the surrounding desert landscape, offering unique opportunities to explore extreme arid environments, rare wildlife, and dramatic flood events.

528,000
Acres Protected
15
Miles of Trails
12,000
Annual Visitors
1985
Year Established

About Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park
 

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park is located in South Australia's arid interior and encompasses Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre), the continent's largest salt lake and lowest natural point, often mostly dry but transforming dramatically after seasonal rains. The park features vast salt flats, low desert dunes, and claypans within an extreme desert climate. When filled, Lake Eyre becomes a spectacular inland sea, attracting large flocks of waterbirds such as pelicans and banded stilts. The park carries significant cultural importance for the Arabana people, traditional custodians of the land. Visitors experience stark, otherworldly landscapes with opportunities for birdwatching, off-road driving, scenic flights, and photography. Seasonal flooding cycles create rare and temporary wetlands, offering a chance to witness ecological renewal in a harsh environment. Access to the park is remote, with rough outback roads and basic visitor facilities. The area’s wildlife includes red kangaroos, reptiles adapted to desert life, and migrant waterbirds that take advantage of flood events. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park offers an exceptional outback adventure for those prepared for its challenges and attracted by the extremes of Australia's desert heartland.

Highlights

Highlight

The vast white salt flats of Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre), particularly striking after rainfall

Highlight

Seasonal blooms of waterbirds including pelicans and banded stilts during flood events

Highlight

Arabana cultural heritage sites and interpreted signage detailing indigenous connections

Highlight

Remote outback scenery offering unparalleled night sky and star viewing opportunities

Notable Natural Features

Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre)

Australia’s largest salt lake, often dry but spectacularly transforms into a vast ephemeral lake following seasonal rains.

Arabana Cultural Sites

Areas within the park important to the Arabana people, featuring traditional stories and seasonal significance.

Desert Floodplains and Salt Flats

Unique arid landscapes with complex ecology that bursts into life during rare flood events.