Introducing Outback
The area north of Eyre Peninsula and the Flinders Ranges stretches into the vast, empty spaces of SA’s outback. If you’re prepared, travelling through this sparsely populated and often harsh country can be rewarding.
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The SA outback includes much of the Simpson Desert and the harsh, rocky landscape of the Sturt Stony Desert. There are also huge salt lakes that fill with water every once in a long while. Lake Eyre, used by Donald Campbell for his attempt on the world’s land-speed record in the 1960s, filled to capacity in 1974. Since then it has had water in it a number of times.
It’s not wise to stray from the few main roads without a 4WD (or camels!). Note that fuel, repair facilities and spare parts are limited, so be prepared in case of breakdown. On the remote roads always travel with two spare tyres and enough water for several days; 5L per person per day in winter, 10L in summer.
Entry permits are required for a large part of the northwest (which is either Aboriginal land, national park or the Woomera Prohibited Area).
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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