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Embarking on a journey to Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, Australia’s lowest point and the country’s largest salt lake, feels like stepping into another world. This vast salt lake, hidden deep within the South Australian outback, offers a breathtaking landscape that shifts between shimmering salt flats and, on rare occasions, glistening waters. Whether it’s dry and encrusted with salt or filled with rare floodwaters, Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre offers a profound sense of isolation and beauty, making it one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in Australia.
Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre is divided into two main basins, Lake Eyre North and Lake Eyre South, each offering a unique experience of this spectacular landscape. Lake Eyre North is the larger of the two however, reaching Lake Eyre North can be challenging; the rugged tracks to the northern sections require a 4WD and skilled driving, especially if there has been recent rain. In contrast, Lake Eyre South is comparatively easier to reach and offers an incredible viewing point accessible from the Oodnadatta Track. This is the most convenient option for travellers who want to experience the lake’s surreal salt flats without extensive off-road driving. The Lake Eyre South Viewing Point provides breathtaking views, with an expansive stretch of salt flats reaching out to the horizon, giving you a true sense of the lake’s scale and beauty. For this itinerary, we’ll be focusing on exploring the Lake Eyre South Viewing Point—the perfect spot to witness Australia’s lowest point! Please note that you will still need a 4WD if you're visiting Lake Eyre South Viewing Point after wet weather.
For those eager to delve into our experiences at the other extreme points of Australia, here are our other posts, offering a comprehensive exploration that chronicles our endeavor to embrace the diverse and far-reaching corners of this vast and captivating land.
An Unforgettable Trip to the Tip (Cape York)
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Visiting South Point - the southernmost point of the Australian mainland
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Conquering the Edge at South East Cape, Australia's Southernmost Point
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Conquering the Highest Point of Australia: An Epic Journey to Mt. Kosciuszko Summit!
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Visiting the Most Easterly Point of the Australian Mainland
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Getting there
Travelling to the Lake Eyre South Viewing Point is an adventure that takes you deep into South Australia’s outback, with bitumen roads up to the key towns of Marree, Roxby Downs, and Coober Pedy. However, from these points onward, the journey continues on the unsealed and often rugged tracks. For most visitors, Marree serves as the closest starting point. From Marree, it’s a 90-kilometre drive along the Oodnadatta Track, a historic outback route offering glimpses into the region’s remote beauty. If you’re starting from Roxby Downs, expect a longer journey, heading via Borefield Rd and onto the Oodnadatta Track. William Creek is another close hub, making for a slightly shorter drive than from Roxby Downs, though still challenging due to the rough terrain. Coober Pedy travellers will need to plan for a longer trip via William Creek, covering significant outback distances.
The Oodnadatta Track itself is a rugged route best suited to 4WD vehicles, especially following wet weather. Just before our trip, a deluge had closed all roads to Lake Eyre, with access from Marree to Lake Eyre South only reopening the evening before we set out. Unfortunately, the road from Roxby Downs to Lake Eyre South remained closed, meaning that anyone attempting this route would still be unable to reach the lake. The recently reopened track from Marree, however, was challenging, with sections still thick with mud and residual water. Always check the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) website for the latest updates on road closures and track conditions before embarking on your trip. Road closures and track conditions in the outback can change rapidly—especially after rain—so monitoring updates is crucial for a safe and smooth journey.
Always respect road condition signs before setting out, as they are crucial for your safety in remote areas. It’s highly recommended to take a photo of any road operation signs before entering an outback road. This photo can be invaluable if road conditions change unexpectedly while you’re en route, as you’ll be able to show authorities proof of the road’s status at the time you entered. The outback’s conditions can shift rapidly, so ensuring you have this documentation can be an important safeguard for any unplanned incidents on the track.
Stop #1 - Town of Marree: Where Outback Heritage Meets Adventure
Our journey to Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre South Viewing Point begins in Marree, a fascinating town that serves as the gateway to this remote outback region. Marree has a unique charm and historical depth, reflecting the blend of Indigenous heritage, pioneering spirit, and multicultural influences, particularly from the Afghan cameleers who played an essential role in the area’s development.
Our first stop was the Marree Outback Roadhouse, a hub of activity for travellers passing through. Here, you can fuel up, grab a bite, and immerse yourself in the classic outback hospitality. Moving on, we explored the Marree Railway Station, a reminder of the town’s past as an important link in the old Ghan Railway, which connected Adelaide with the Red Centre.
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In the heart of town, we admired the Camel Sundial Sculpture and the Marree Camel Sculpture, which are tributes to the Afghan cameleers who once traversed these harsh landscapes, helping to shape the outback’s history. The Marree Mosque Hut provides further insight into the legacy of these early Muslim pioneers. This modest structure stands as one of Australia’s earliest mosques, honouring the heritage of those who came from afar and adapted to the unique challenges of life in the Australian desert.
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Stop #2 - Mutonia Sculpture Park: Quirky Art in the Heart of Nowhere
Leaving Marree, we set off on the rugged Oodnadatta Track towards the Lake Eyre South Viewing Point. This iconic outback track takes travellers through Australia’s dramatic desert landscapes, offering glimpses of its raw beauty and isolation.
Along the way, we stopped at the Mutonia Sculpture Park, an unexpected open-air gallery in the heart of the outback.
Created by local artist Robin Cooke, this quirky park features large, eccentric sculptures crafted from recycled materials — think towering metal flower, robot and a plane standing upright in the sand. The sculptures bring a touch of surrealism to the vast desert and make for a unique stop to stretch your legs, take photos, and appreciate the creativity thriving in the remote wilderness.
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Last Stop - Lake Eyre South Viewing Point: Stand at Australia’s Lowest Point
Our next stop was the Lake Eyre South Viewing Point, where we finally got to experience the vast, otherworldly beauty of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre up close.
As we arrived at Lake Eyre South Viewing Point, the landscape transformed into a mesmerising sea of glistening white, where vast salt flats stretched endlessly, merging with the distant horizon. Standing there, you’re enveloped by an almost otherworldly silence! This surreal desertscape seems alive, shifting in colour as sunlight dances across it, casting hues of soft pink, icy blue, and dazzling white that mirror the expansive sky above. It’s a moment that humbles you, revealing both the immense scale of Australia’s largest salt lake and the raw, untouched beauty of the country's lowest point! This place offers more than a view — it’s an experience that leaves you in awe of nature’s quiet, powerful artistry.
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While we captured some amazing moments, our photos simply couldn't do justice to the breathtaking expanse and surreal beauty of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre. The sheer scale and shimmering salt flats, stretching endlessly to the horizon, are something you truly have to see in person to fully appreciate. Without a drone to capture the lake from above, it was challenging to convey just how immense and awe-inspiring this landscape is. The lake’s vast, otherworldly beauty is a humbling experience that no camera can entirely capture!
Note: For visitors who prefer to avoid the challenges of unsealed outback roads, taking a scenic flight over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre is a fantastic alternative. Scenic flights are available from both Marree and William Creek, providing a breathtaking aerial view of the lake’s vast salt flats, unique shapes, and vibrant colours. From above, you’ll truly appreciate the immense scale and striking patterns of the salt lake, capturing views that ground-level access simply can’t offer. It’s an unforgettable experience that allows you to witness the lake’s full beauty and grandeur without the need for off-road driving.
Pro Tip:
A must-visit stop further west of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre along the Oodnadatta Track is the tiny outback settlement of William Creek. This historic hub is one of the few places on the track where you can refuel, enjoy a meal, and experience the warm, rugged hospitality of the outback. The William Creek Hotel is a legendary spot, known for its quirky character and collection of mementoes left by travellers from all over the world. Whether you’re stopping for lunch or staying overnight, William Creek offers a true taste of outback life and a sense of camaraderie among those who venture through this remote region.
A must-visit stop further west of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre along the Oodnadatta Track is the tiny outback settlement of William Creek. This historic hub is one of the few places on the track where you can refuel, enjoy a meal, and experience the warm, rugged hospitality of the outback. The William Creek Hotel is a legendary spot, known for its quirky character and collection of mementoes left by travellers from all over the world. Whether you’re stopping for lunch or staying overnight, William Creek offers a true taste of outback life and a sense of camaraderie among those who venture through this remote region.
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If you’re visiting William Creek, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Anna Creek Station, the largest cattle station in the world! Spanning an area larger than some countries, this historic station offers a fascinating glimpse into the scale and resilience of outback cattle farming. The friendly folks at Anna Creek are often more than happy to have a chat and, if you’re lucky, you might even get a quick tour of the grounds. It’s a unique experience that gives you a deeper appreciation of Australia’s outback spirit and the incredible people who work these remote landscapes.
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This post may contain affiliate links which means that at zero additional cost for you, we will earn a small commission if you decide to buy something via the links provided. This helps us in running our website. Thank you!