Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is Australia's largest salt lake, located in the Far North of South Australia within Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park. The vast ephemeral lake covers about 9,500 square kilometres when full and lies about 15 metres below sea level, making it the lowest point in Australia. Notable for its striking white salt crust, rare flooding events that attract waterbirds, and expansive desert landscapes, it is a major natural attraction best viewed by scenic flight or 4WD.

Visitors can expect a vast, flat salt pan in an arid desert setting within Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park. When dry, the lake appears as an expansive white salt crust extending to the horizon. When flooded after rare heavy rains, it holds shallow water attracting pelicans and other waterbirds. Access is remote via 4WD tracks to viewpoints such as Halligan Bay, or more commonly via scenic flights from William Creek, Marree or Coober Pedy. There are no built structures on the lake itself, only desert tracks, information shelters and camping areas at the park edge.

First sighted by Europeans when explorer Edward John Eyre observed the lake in 1840. The lake was later surveyed by explorers including John Warburton. In 2012 the lake was officially dual-named Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. The surrounding region has a history of pastoralism, with historic sidings and tracks such as the Oodnadatta Track following the former Central Australia Railway alignment.

The lake is of deep cultural significance to the Arabana people, the traditional owners, who know it as Kati Thanda. The dual name recognises Arabana connection to country. The lake features in Arabana stories and is regarded as a culturally important landscape. The national park is co-managed with Arabana traditional owners.