Strzelecki Track
About this track
The Strzelecki Track is a 460 km formed road crossing the red-earth Strzelecki Desert from Lyndhurst to Innamincka in outback South Australia. Despite its 'easy' rating, it demands respect: the track is remote, frequently corrugated and treacherous when wet, and traverses country steeped in the Burke and Wills expedition. It's a classic outback run through one of Australia's driest regions, where Cooper Creek, gas fields and wildflower plains reward patient drivers.
Highlights
- Strzelecki Desert red-earth landscape, wide formed road
- Cooper Creek crossings and Burke and Wills history
- Sturt's desert pea blooms (post-rain, Jul–Sep)
- Innamincka waterhole, permanent Cooper Creek camp
- Corrugations and slippery patches when wet — real hazard
- High remoteness; fuel/water discipline essential
What to expect
Wide but corrugated formed track, frequently rough and dusty in dry season. Summer heat and remoteness mean slow progress—expect 60–80 km/h average. Cooper Creek crossings are usually gentle but can be impassable after rain. Landscape is sparse: red sand, low scrub, occasional mulga. Long stretches without facilities; mobile coverage is patchy. Wet-season closures (Nov–Mar) are common.
Permits, prep & good to know
- Permits: No — confirm current details before you go.
- Surface / hazards: Moderate.
- Remoteness: High — travel self-sufficient, ideally in convoy.
- Carry an EPIRB or satellite communicator, recovery gear, extra fuel and water.
No permits required, but confirm current road status with Innamincka Regional Reserve or SA outback authorities before travel. Best Apr–Oct; avoid Nov–Mar wet season. Fuel at Lyndhurst and Innamincka only—plan consumption carefully, carry jerry cans. Stock at least 100 L water per vehicle. Travel in convoy with recovery gear, UHF, EPIRB and dual battery. Tyres should be at working pressure for corrugations; reduce pressure slightly in sand. Leave no trace; camp only at designated spots.