Strzelecki Track

The Strzelecki Track is one of Australia's great outback drives, a 460-kilometre unsealed route that slices through the arid heart of South Australia, connecting Lyndhurst to Innamincka. This is no ordinary road trip — it's a pilgrimage into the raw, red centre of the continent, where the only company is the occasional wedge-tailed eagle and the ghosts of early explorers. The track traverses the starkly beautiful Strzelecki Desert, skirts the edge of the Cooper Creek floodplains, and passes the iconic Moomba gas fields. It's a journey that demands respect, preparation, and a sense of adventure, rewarding those who make the effort with profound solitude and a deep connection to the land.

Highlights & What to See

• Cameron Corner — the remote tri-state junction where South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales meet. It's a classic outback photo stop with a quirky pub and a genuine sense of being at the edge of everywhere.
• Innamincka Regional Reserve — a vast protected area that encompasses the Cooper Creek wetlands, the Dig Tree (where Burke and Wills camped), and abundant birdlife. The waterholes are a lifeline in this dry landscape.
• Strzelecki Desert — endless parallel sand dunes that glow ochre at sunrise and sunset. Look for the rare Sturt's desert pea blooming after rain.
• Moomba Gas Plant — a surreal industrial oasis in the desert. The visitor centre explains the region's energy history, and you can see the flares lighting the night sky.
• Lyndhurst — the southern gateway, home to the famous 'Lyndhurst Hotel' and the start of the track. It's worth a stop for a cold beer and a chat with locals.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a minimum of three to four days to drive the track one-way, allowing time for detours, photography and soaking in the silence. Most travellers spend two full days driving from Lyndhurst to Innamincka, with an overnight camp at one of the designated sites (like Moomba or the Cooper Creek crossing). Add an extra day to explore Innamincka's waterholes and the Dig Tree. If you're towing a caravan or driving a 2WD (not recommended), allow five to six days. The track is slow going — average speeds of 60–80 km/h on good days, slower after rain — so factor in plenty of time for punctures and recovery. It's not a route to rush.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Innamincka — the northern terminus itself is a tiny outpost with a pub, store and historic sites. From here you can continue north to Birdsville or west to the Oodnadatta Track.
• Cooper Creek — the floodplain system that feeds Lake Eyre. Canoeing or kayaking on the permanent waterholes is a surreal experience in the desert.
• Birdsville Track — another classic outback route that runs north from Marree to Birdsville. Combining the Strzelecki with the Birdsville makes for an epic loop drive.
• Flinders Ranges — about 200 km south of Lyndhurst, the ancient ranges offer dramatic gorges, Aboriginal rock art and wildlife. They're a logical start or end point for a longer outback itinerary.
• Lake Eyre — Australia's largest salt lake, accessible via the Oodnadatta Track. When it floods, it becomes a bird haven; when dry, a blinding white expanse.

Please check official sources for current details.