Visitor tips for Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park
As Australia’s largest salt lake, Lake Eyre provides visitors with a memorable, and often once in a lifetime, experience. School holidays are an opportune time for families to visit Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park and combined with the additional number of visitors headed to the lake to see the recent water flows, the upcoming July school holidays will see high visitor numbers in the region.
Posted 01 July 2019.
To make the most of your visit, the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) has some information and tips which will assist in making the most of your visit to the region.
DEW Parks and Wildlife Manager Tony Magor said while floodwaters have brought with them an increase of waterbirds such as pelicans, gulls, terns and stilts, it is difficult to see the bird life from the shore; with birdlife on islands and in tributaries to the north best observed from the air.
Mr Magor said it is worth noting that the current water level in the lake cannot be seen from the ground and the lake has a good coverage due to flooding in the Queensland catchment areas.
And when travelling in the region, Mr Magor recommends that a high clearance 4WD or All Wheel Drive is required to tackle the terrain, and caravan and trailer use in this region is not recommended.
“It is strongly advised that visitors take their time and drive to conditions. Be aware of washouts, corrugations and other road hazards and stick to the 60km speed restriction which applies along the public access routes that lead to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park,” Mr Magor said.
“Access to Halligan Bay Point and Level Post Bay are through public access routes, and are bush tracks over fragile landscapes. As they are not formed roads, or part of the formal road network, it is imperative that you drive to track conditions and are cautious of oncoming vehicles.“
Other tips to consider when planning a trip to Lake Eyre include:
• To camp at Halligan Bay Point, book online at www.parks.sa.gov.au
• Camping is allowed at Muloorina and the fee is a small donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service
• The best vantage point for Lake Eyre is from the air. Booking a flight is recommended with bookings best made in advance.
• Due to the cultural significance, the Arabana people request visitors do not walk on the Lake. Water activities such as boating and canoeing are not permitted. Driving on the lake is not permitted.
• Book accommodation in nearby towns well in advance.
• Fires are prohibited at Lake Eyre all year round.
For up to date information, contact the Desert Parks Administration Officer on (08) 8648 5328.
