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 from Lyndhurst to Innamincka. This is a journey for the self-reliant traveller, where the red dirt road stretches to the horizon under a vast blue sky, and the silence is broken only by the crunch of tyres on gravel. The track follows the historic path of early explorers and cameleers, passing through starkly beautiful desert landscapes, ancient creek beds, and the remote Strzelecki Desert. It’s a trip that rewards preparation and patience with a profound sense of isolation and raw natural beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Innamincka Regional Reserve – A vast protected area encompassing the Cooper Creek system, home to abundant birdlife, red kangaroos, and the historic site of Burke and Will's Dig Tree, a poignant reminder of Australia's exploration history.
• Strzelecki Desert – Endless parallel sand dunes, some up to 30 metres high, create a mesmerising pattern of red and orange. Stop at the dune lookout near the Moomba turn-off for panoramic views.
• Montecollina Bore – A gushing artesian bore that feeds a lush wetland oasis in the desert, attracting flocks of waterbirds. A surreal spot for a picnic and a dip in the warm bore water.
• Moomba Gas Fields – A surprising industrial sight in the middle of nowhere; the gas plant’s glow at dusk is otherworldly. Drive with caution near heavy vehicles.
• Lyndhurst – The southern gateway, a tiny outpost with a historic pub and the start of the track. Fill up fuel and stock supplies here — it’s the last reliable stop for services.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a minimum of two to three days to drive the full track, plus extra time for detours and exploration. Most travellers break the journey at Innamincka, the only settlement along the route, where you can camp, refuel, and visit the Dig Tree. A more relaxed pace of four days lets you soak in the desert silence, take short walks, and enjoy sunset photography over the dunes. The track is best tackled between April and September when temperatures are milder; summer heat can be extreme and dangerous.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coongie Lakes National Park – A Ramsar-listed wetland system accessible via a 4WD track from Innamincka, teeming with birdlife and offering serene canoeing.
• Innamincka Regional Reserve – The reserve itself offers additional 4WD tracks, bush camping, and the historic Burke and Wills sites.
• Moomba – A brief detour to see the gas fields and the Strzelecki Desert dunes from a different angle.
• Lyndhurst – The start point, also a gateway to the Flinders Ranges and the Oodnadatta Track.
• Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary – A rugged 4WD paradise in the northern Flinders Ranges, combining well with the southern end of the track.

Please check official sources for current details.