Strzelecki Track

Stretching across the arid outback of South Australia, the Strzelecki Track is a legendary 460-kilometre route that connects the Flinders Ranges to the remote oil and gas fields of Moomba. This unsealed road offers a raw, adventurous journey through starkly beautiful landscapes, with vast saltbush plains, red sand dunes, and the shimmering shores of Lake Blanche. It's a drive that demands preparation and respect, but rewards with a profound sense of isolation and the spirit of Australia's pioneering past.

Highlights & What to See

• Lyndhurst: The official start of the track, this tiny outback town is home to the historic Lyndhurst Hotel and the iconic 'Welcome to the Strzelecki Track' sign – a must for a classic road-trip photo.
• Merty Merty Station: A working sheep station offering basic accommodation and a chance to experience outback station life. Don't miss the nearby Merty Merty Ruins, remnants of an early pastoral settlement.
• Lake Blanche: A vast, ephemeral salt lake that glistens white under the desert sun. Best viewed from the air or from the track's edge, it's a surreal and photogenic stop.
• Mount Lyndhurst Station: Another historic station with shearers' quarters turned into rustic accommodation. The surrounding hills offer short walks with panoramic views of the plains.
• Innamincka: Though technically at the northern end of the track, this remote settlement is the gateway to the Cooper Creek and the legendary Burke and Wills Dig Tree. A detour here adds rich history to your journey.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a minimum of two to three days to drive the entire track, allowing time for stops and side trips. Most travellers break the journey at Merty Merty or Mount Lyndhurst stations for a night, soaking in the outback silence and star-filled skies. If you're combining the track with the Flinders Ranges or Innamincka, allow an extra day or two. The track is best tackled in a high-clearance 4WD, and you should carry plenty of fuel, water, and supplies – services are few and far between.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Flinders Ranges National Park: Just a short drive from Lyndhurst, this ancient mountain range offers dramatic gorges, Aboriginal rock art, and wildlife like kangaroos and emus. Wilpena Pound is a highlight.
• Innamincka Regional Reserve: A vast protected area where the Strzelecki Track meets the Cooper Creek. Explore the Burke and Wills Dig Tree and the remote waterholes perfect for birdwatching.
• Marree: A historic outback town at the crossroads of the Oodnadatta Track and Birdsville Track. Visit the Marree Hotel and the famous 'Marree Man' geoglyph (visible from the air).
• Copley: A charming town at the base of the Flinders Ranges, known for its pub and proximity to the excellent Leigh Creek Coalfield lookout.
• Lake Eyre: Australia's largest salt lake, often dry but spectacular when flooded. Access via the Oodnadatta Track or from William Creek, it's a bucket-list destination for many outback travellers.

Please check official sources for current details.