Strzelecki Track

Stretching across the dusty outback from Lyndhurst in South Australia to the old gold-mining town of Tibooburra in New South Wales, the Strzelecki Track is a legendary 460-kilometre 4WD route that immerses you in Australia’s raw, red-centre landscape. This is not a sealed highway but a rugged, unsealed adventure through vast saltbush plains, ancient dunes, and the stark beauty of the Strzelecki Desert. For self-drive enthusiasts, it’s a rite of passage — a chance to experience the isolation and grandeur of the Australian outback, with historic pubs and quirky settlements breaking the horizon.

Highlights & What to See

• Merty Merty Hotel – A remote outback pub and campground that’s a legendary stop for a cold beer and a yarn with fellow travellers.
• Strzelecki Desert Lakes – Vast, shimmering salt lakes like Lake Blanche and Lake Callabonna that reflect the immense sky in surreal colours.
• Montecollina Bore – A historic artesian bore that creates a lush oasis amid the red dust, perfect for a picnic and a soak in the warm waters.
• Tibooburra – The northern terminus, a classic outback town known for its stone buildings, the famous Family Hotel, and the nearby Sturt National Park.
• Innamincka – A tiny settlement on Cooper Creek with a rich history tied to the Burke and Wills expedition; the remote Innamincka Hotel is a must-visit.
• Wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for red kangaroos, emus, wedge-tailed eagles, and, after rain, carpets of wildflowers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 3 to 4 days to drive the full track from Lyndhurst to Tibooburra, factoring in stops at Merty Merty, Montecollina Bore, and side trips to Innamincka. The road is rough and slow — expect to average 40–60 km/h. Most travellers break the journey with overnight camps at designated rest areas or the historic pubs. If you’re short on time, a 2-day run from Lyndhurst to Tibooburra is possible but rushed; the real reward comes from taking it slow and soaking in the silence.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Innamincka & Cooper Creek – A detour off the track to explore the historic crossing and the remote Innamincka Regional Reserve.
• Sturt National Park – Accessible from Tibooburra, this park offers red sand dunes, the Cameron Corner survey marker, and the chance to stand where three states meet.
• Flinders Ranges – South of Lyndhurst, the dramatic ranges offer gorges, Aboriginal rock art, and the iconic Wilpena Pound.
• Lake Eyre – If conditions are right, a side trip to the vast salt lake (via the Oodnadatta Track) is unforgettable.
• Broken Hill – The ‘Silver City’ is a cultural hub with galleries, the Living Desert Sculpture Symposium, and a vibrant mining history.

Please check official sources for current details.