South Australia’s Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, is located 700 kilometers north of Adelaide, South Australia.
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, formerly known as Lake Eyre National Park, encompasses an area of about 13,500 square kilometers (5,200 square miles). The park is named after the indigenous name for Lake Eyre, which is Kati Thanda. The park was gazetted in in 1985 and officially dual-named in 2012,
The park is renowned for its unique landscape, characterized by the vast salt flats of Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest salt lake and one of the world’s largest inland bodies of water. Despite its dry and arid appearance, the lake is significant for its ecological importance, particularly during periods of flooding when it becomes a haven for waterbirds and other wildlife.
The park is also home to diverse flora and fauna adapted to the harsh desert environment. Visitors to the park can enjoy various activities such as birdwatching, scenic flights over Lake Eyre, and exploring the surrounding desert landscape.
Due to its remote location and extreme conditions, access to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park can be challenging, particularly during the dry season when the lake bed may be inaccessible. However, during periods of flooding, the park becomes a unique destination for experiencing the spectacle of water filling the vast salt pans.
Wildlife and Birdwatching
Aside from the lake, the national park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors can spot kangaroos, emus, and other native animals roaming freely in their natural habitat. Birdwatching is particularly popular in the park, with over 100 species of birds recorded in the area. From the elegant brolgas to the majestic wedge-tailed eagles, there is no shortage of fascinating birdlife to observe.
For more information about planning your visit to this remarkable location, please visit the South Australian National Parks website.
