Strzelecki Track

Stretching across the arid outback from Lyndhurst in South Australia to Innamincka in Queensland, the Strzelecki Track is a legendary desert route that offers a raw, unfiltered encounter with Australia’s red interior. This historic stock route and former camel-train trail winds through stunning red dunes, gibber plains, and sparse saltbush country, with the chance to spot feral camels, wedge-tailed eagles, and, after rain, dazzling wildflower displays. It’s a self-drive adventure that demands preparation but rewards with profound solitude and a sense of stepping back in time.

Highlights & What to See

• Innamincka Regional Reserve – A vast, protected landscape where Cooper Creek creates a lifeline for wildlife. Visit the historic Innamincka Hotel for a cold beer and stories of the Burke and Wills expedition.
• Strzelecki Desert – The track’s namesake desert features towering red sand dunes and endless horizons. Stop at the iconic Moomba gas fields for a surreal industrial contrast.
• Montecollina Bore – A natural artesian bore that flows into a lush wetland, attracting birds like pink-eared ducks and black swans – a surprising oasis in the dry landscape.
• Cameron Corner – Not far off the track, this is the only point in Australia where three state borders meet (SA, NSW, Qld). The quirky Corner Store has a famous ‘dingo fence’ and cold drinks.
• Burke & Wills Dig Tree – Near Innamincka, this marked coolibah tree commemorates the ill-fated explorers’ last camp. A poignant piece of Australian history.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers allow 3–5 days to drive the entire track (approx. 460 km) from Lyndhurst to Innamincka, factoring in stops, side trips, and the rough, corrugated road conditions. Plan to travel at a leisurely pace, camping or staying at roadhouses such as the Moomba or Innamincka Hotel. The track is best tackled from April to September to avoid summer heat; carry ample fuel, water, and a satellite phone as mobile coverage is patchy.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coongie Lakes – A Ramsar-listed wetland system in the Innamincka Regional Reserve, perfect for canoeing and birdwatching when water levels are high.
• Flinders Ranges – South of the track, these ancient mountains offer dramatic gorges, Aboriginal rock art, and the iconic Wilpena Pound – a great detour en route to or from Lyndhurst.
• Birdsville Track – Another classic outback route that connects to Marree and Birdsville, often combined with the Strzelecki for a loop trip through the Channel Country.
• Lake Eyre – The vast salt lake is accessible via the Oodnadatta Track or from Marree; after rare rains it transforms into a surreal pink mirror teeming with birdlife.
• Mungerannie Hotel – A legendary outback pub on the Birdsville Track, known for its friendly atmosphere and cold beer – a good stop for a meal and a chat.

Please check official sources for current details.