Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre, also known as Kati Thanda, consists of a flat, 10,000 km² large expanse of dry salt in the north of South Australia. On average, once every eight years it rains enough in central and western Queensland to fill the lake. It then becomes a huge breeding ground for countless pelicans, seagulls, terns and other water birds. Since the lake fills up only once in eight years, it is worth the effort to get there during that time. During the rest of the time, the salt flats are of little interest, but if you happen to end up there, be careful not to drive on the salt crust, as it might break and your vehicle might sink into a black saline slop.

Lake Eyre is 750 km north of Adelaide and 1500 km northwest of Canberra. At 15m (49ft) below sea level, it's also Australia's lowest point.