Everything you need to know about visiting Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park
From the air or from the ground, you don’t want to miss seeing how rain has breathed new life into the usually arid Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.
You may have heard the news that there’s water in Australia’s largest salt lake, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre (which sits within Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park).
Here's everything you need to know about visiting this culturally and environmentally sensitive site.
Is there currently water in Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre?
Yes! Water from southwest Queensland and South Australia’s northeast flooding events has made its way to the lake, transforming what is often a dry salt bed into an oasis.
When the waters rise, a huge variety of species, many of them rare, spring into life or are attracted to the lake.
Brine shrimp hatch from eggs in the dry soil, millions of waterbirds and breeding birds from as far as China and Japan migrate to the lake, and fish that are in the floodwaters will spawn and eat the shrimp.
A major fill event is a rare spectacle, the so if you have been dreaming of an outback adventure – now is a great time to visit Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park.
Is there any more water coming to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre? How long will the water remain in the lake?
Water began filling the lake in early May 2025, while significant flows are expected to arrive over the next few months.
While it’s difficult to anticipate how long the water will remain in the lake, it may persist for up to a year (or longer if there is extensive rain).
How do I get to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park?
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park is located about 750km north of Adelaide.
You’ll need a four-wheel drive to access the park, and in such a dynamic landscape, it’s also essential to check current road and track conditions.
You can get to the park through nearby towns:
- William Creek (approximately 60 kilometres east of the park) - Access Kati Thanda via the Oodnadatta Track and Halligan Bay Public Access Route.
- Marree (95 km north-west of the park) – Access Kati Thanda via Muloorina Station and Level Post Bay Public Access Route.
Check out park maps to plan your trip and decide how you will access the park.
Top tip: Public Access Routes (also called PARs) are not part of the formal road network. They provide public access over privately owned land to key points of interest (like national parks). It’s important to remember these PARs are unsealed dirt tracks and rain can quickly change conditions, which may mean they need to close for public safety. Always check the Desert Parks Bulletin to see which PARs are open.
What’s the best way to see Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre?
The best way to see the lake is from the air. As the water levels drop and salinity increases, the water in some sections of the lake may take on a pink tinge, which is spectacular to see.
The colours in the water, the different light depending on the direction you take photos, the salt patterns and the salt formations make a flight over the lake a must-do for anyone visiting the area.
Flights to see the lake by air can be booked from one of the neighbouring towns. Providers include:
If you prefer your feet closer to the ground, you can also experience Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre from designated viewing areas in the national park, including:
- Halligan Bay Point (Public Access Route 13) and campground
- Level Post Bay (Public Access Route 2)
- Oodnadatta track at Kati-Thanda Lake Eyre South viewing area near Curdimurka Rail Siding
The view from the ground will depend on wind direction and the volume of water in the lake when you visit, so if you can enjoy a scenic flight, it is highly recommended.
If you’re planning a visit when the lake bed is dry, it is still a beautiful sight from the air or from the ground.
Can I camp at Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre?
There is a campground at Halligan Bay Point on the shores of the lake. When the lake is full, it can feel like beachside camping!
There is also a privately run campground at Muloorina Station, 51km north of Marree and just a short drive to the Level Post Bay viewing area.
Both sites have limited facilities and no drinking water, so remember to be prepared when travelling.
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.
When is the best time to visit Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre?
Access to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park is closed from approximately December to March each year, when temperatures soar to more than 50 degrees Celsius.
Cooler daytime temperatures make autumn and winter the perfect time to visit the park.
Have access rules changed at Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park?
Yes. A new management plan for Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park was adopted in early 2025.
This new management plan bans people from walking on the lake bed. Other forms of recreational access, including swimming, driving, boating and landing aircraft, were already restricted.
This change keeps people safe and better protects the culturally and environmentally significant site.
You are still welcome – and encouraged – to visit the park and experience the lake bed from the sky or from the designated viewing areas or campground.
Is there just one lake?
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is comprised of 2 lakes – the much larger northern lake and the smaller southern lake. The 2 lakes are connected to each other through a narrow channel known as the Goyder Channel. This is important to keep in mind if you’re planning a visit when water enters the lake.
The north lake itself measures a whopping 144 km long by 77 km wide and – fun fact – is the lowest point in Australia.
What else do I need to know?
The Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park is part of a harsh, desert environment. The summer heat can be dangerous and rain can quickly change road conditions, making driving in the terrain difficult.
Always check current access and road condition information before you go via the Desert Parks Bulletin.
Remember:
- Leave your pets at home.
- Respect the lake – do not drive or walk on it.
- Do not feed or disturb animals (especially dingoes) or remove native plants.
- Take water with you – there is no water available at visitor sites.
- Ensure your 4WD is fully prepared with adequate spares, supplies, and emergency provisions.
- Bring a satellite phone, high frequency radio and portable satellite internet connection (e.g. Starlink).
- Ensure you have the skills and experience to effectively operate your 4WD.
- Stick to designated tracks in your vehicle.
- Maintain the 40 km/h speed limit within the park and 60 km/h limit on the Public Access Routes leading to the park.
- Do not leave your vehicle if you get into difficulty.
- Take your rubbish with you.
- Only use generators during daylight hours.
Ready to lock in your trip? Visit the Parks SA website to book vehicle entry, camping and find more information.
Love exploring South Australia? Discover 4 things you might not know about the Fleurieu Peninsula’s rocky reefs.
Main image: Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, Wrightsair Scenic Flight (South Australian Tourism Commission)