Halligan Bay Campsite On Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda)
Halligan Bay Campsite has very basic facilities. The small campground is on Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda). Lots of people prefer the overflow sections for better views and space. The camping experience here changes dramatically depending on lake water levels – in August 2025 there’s plenty of water making it an exceptional time to visit but this isn’t always the case.
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Halligan Bay Campsite Location And Info At A Glance
Cost: $22.30 Per Vehicle + National Park Entry Fee Also Applies
Type: National park Camping (Booking Required)
Location: -28.7648370, 136.9377810
Address: Halligan Bay Track, South Australia
Bookings URL: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/kati-thanda-lake-eyre-national-park/booking/73145
Pet Friendly: No
Distance From Marree: 261km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 272km
Distance From Marla: 470km
Distance From William Creek: 64km
Camping On Lake Eyre Kati Thanda
Halligan Bay Campsite Reality
Don’t expect luxury. The main camping area is small – basically an open field that some describe as resembling a car park. Most experienced campers prefer the overflow areas, particularly the western end which offers better views and more space. Sites are generally flat and easy to set up on.
The eco-toilets are hit and miss. Some visitors find them acceptable, others describe them as unusable due to smell. National Parks signage is reportedly faded and barely readable. There’s no water available so come completely self-sufficient.
Fees are $21.60 per night and yes the rangers do show up from time to time to check.
Halligans Bay
When There’s Water
- Lake Eyre with water is something special. Recent visitors describe walking out 200-700 metres onto the salt to reach the water’s edge, depending on levels.
- The contrast between the white salt and the water is incredible.
When There’s No Water
- Reviews from dry periods paint a different picture. Without water, you’re looking at endless salt flats and potentially lots of flies. Some visitors during dry times found the experience disappointing compared to other salt lakes like Lake Gairdner in the Gawler Ranges.
Getting To Halligan Bay Campground
Halligan Bay Campground sits inside Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park and you’ll need a 4WD to get there. The access track starts from a turn-off south of William Creek.
The drive from William Creek takes about an hour and fifteen minutes on a good day, longer if conditions are rough. Road quality varies enormously depending on recent weather and maintenance. Some travellers report freshly graded sections that make for easy driving, while others encounter severe corrugations, potholes, and sandy patches that’ll shake your fillings loose.
Recent visitors mention the first 70% of the track being in decent condition, with the final stretch getting rougher. A few have made it in regular 4WDs with lowered tyre pressures, but most recommend a proper 4WD vehicle. Several reviews mention people towing caravans, though not without consequences – blown tyres and damaged equipment seem common for those attempting it.
The landscape changes dramatically on the drive in. You’ll pass through gibber plains, areas of different vegetation, and fascinating hill formations before reaching the vast expanse of the lake.
Halligan Bay Campground Seen From Google Earth
The Route To Halligan Bay Campsite
Drive about 7 kilometres south from William Creek and look for the Halligan Bay track heading off to the east. This track runs for roughly 64 kilometres to the campground. Budget at least 2.5 hours for the drive – could be longer if conditions are rough.
Step-by-Step Directions
Starting from William Creek, head south along the main track that leads toward Lake Eyre. After approximately 7 kilometres, you’ll see the turn-off for Halligan Bay track on your left (heading east). Follow this track for the full 64 kilometres until you reach the campground at Halligan Bay.
The Experience
Weather can be extreme here. The site is completely exposed with no wind protection so expect it to be rough on windy days. The remoteness is part of the appeal – you’ll often have the place to yourself or share it with just one or two other groups. As you’d expect the campground gets comparatively busy when there is water in Lake Eyre.
Road Conditions – What to Expect
- Every review mentions road conditions and they vary wildly:
- Some sections are freshly graded and easy
- Corrugations range from mild to severe
- Potholes in white bulldust areas can cause damage
- Sandy sections require careful driving
- Washouts appear after rain
- Many experienced travellers recommend taking your time, lowering tyre pressures, and being prepared for equipment damage. Stories include lost damaged tyres, damaged caravans and various bits falling off vehicles.
Road Into Halligans Bay
Planning Your Visit
Check current conditions before heading out. Lake water levels fluctuate dramatically – what you see in photos might not reflect what you’ll find. Road conditions change after rain and not for the better.
Bring everything you need including water, food, toilet paper, and be prepared for basic facilities. If the toilets are unusable, have your own arrangements sorted.
Many visitors suggest this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, particularly when there’s water in the lake. The drive might be rough and the facilities basic, but being able to camp at Australia’s lowest point beside this iconic lake makes it worthwhile for most people.
Just manage your expectations – you’re not going to a resort, you’re experiencing one of Australia’s most remote and changeable landscapes.