Lake Hart

Keeping the Flies Away

Lake Hart is about 220kms (137 miles) north of Port Augusta on the Stuart Highway heading north to Darwin. In 1918, Lake Hart was important due to the salt deposit when surveyors investigated the area. The yield was estimated as being three million tons, and  defined the lake’s area as 61 square  miles.

Lake Hart also falls on the southern perimeter of the The Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA).  Located in the north-west of South Australia it has an area of approximately 12.7 million hectares. The south-eastern corner of the WPA is located approximately 450 kilometres north, north-west of Adelaide. Following WWII Prime Minister Ben Chifley set aside a lot of the northern SA for the “testing of war materials”. Including British long-range weapons.

Freight Train

Camping

The lake makes a great stop over, particularity if you want to camp somewhere a little isolated and don’t mind bush camps. There is a designated rest area. However, you can camp by yourself, as there are tracks leading down into the bush near the railway line.

During the stay we heard a deep rumble, slowly growing stronger and the driver waved as the freight train powered by. I sat on the edge of the salt encrusted lake and dreamed of making a sail buggy. Imagining sailing out for miles on the blinding white salt with only the sound of wind filling my mind. It would also keep the flies at bay!

Planning to tie your girl to the railway tracks to get rid of her at Lake Hart? Just make sure you are prepared to keep her hydrated as trains are infrequent!

Waiting for the Train