About Outback SA

The vast South Australian Outback is full of iconic experiences - legendary tracks, astonishing landscapes, stories of pioneers and more.

This can seem a little overwhelming. But most visitors treat that as a challenge - a challenge to delve into the outer reaches of South Australia, to traverse deserts and discover springs and perhaps acquire a tale or two along the way.

This is the home of the Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive, the Oodnadatta Mail Run, the grassless golf course in Coober Pedy and the natural ampitheatre of Wilpena Pound.

It's where you'll find famous Outback tracks like the Birdsville, Oodnadatta and Strezlecki and great landscapes like the Moon Plains, Breakaways Reserve and Painted Desert. And natural phenomenons like Lake Eyre, which can harbour water nine times as salty as the sea. When it fills, as it has done only a handful of times in the past century, it becomes the biggest lake in Australia, teeming with wildlife.

Coongie Lakes is a stunning desert oasis that's home to around 20,000 water fowl, more than 150 species of birds and many other plants and animals. And Dalhousie Springs is the largest complex of artesian springs in Australia and a sanctuary for wildlife. Soaking in the thermal springs after a long hot drive is said to be one of life's great pleasures.

Several local tour operators run sightseeing flights over Lake Eyre from Adelaide or Outback towns like William Creek, particularly when the lake is flooded. These flights are a great way to appreciate the vastness of the lake and surrounding terrain.


Read more about the Outback
You'll find more detailed articles about South Australia's Outback in the Flinders Ranges & Outback section of southaustralia.com