Nilpena - A Pinch of Salt

Nilpena Station is one of the few stations that allow access to Lake Torrens, there are no public access routes to the Lake. This trek starts from the Prairie Hotel at Parachilna and goes to Nilpena Station and then to Lake Torrens. It takes about three hours and costs $30.00 a vehicle. Bookings can be made at the Prairie Hotel on (08) 8648 4844.

The graded station track meanders along the gibber and sandy plains. There are a couple of low sand hills to cross over to bring the traveller in to the dune corridor which eventually peters out as the shore of the lake is approached. In the distance to the east the Flinders Ranges provide a back drop to this trek which is best viewed on the return trip. Lake Torrens lies 8 metres above sea level and is 205km in length and 40km wide. It is usually a dry salt lake but the surface is powdery and when damp can become a quagmire. Visitors are requested not to attempt to drive on the lake as bogging is inevitable, recovery difficult and will leave unsightly scars on the lake.

Environment

Sandy loam soils interspersed with gibber stones cover the plains to the east of Lake Torrens. The flora comprises salt bush, blue bush, samphires and other fleshy leaved plants which can stand being inundated with water. There is no growth on the surface of the lake other than salt crystals. It is rare to see water entering this flat salt encrusted basin. Visitors are requested not to attempt to drive on the lake as bogging is inevitable, recovery difficult and will leave unsightly scars on the lake. Nilpena Station runs cattle on some very sparsely vegetated country.

History

Lake Torrens became part of the speculation and myth amongst early European explorers of the presence of an Inland Sea. In 1831 after Charles Sturt had rowed down the Murray River, he confirmed that the river did not flow in to the inland sea.

Edward John Eyre explored the western side of the Flinders Ranges in 1841 and he 'discovered' Lake Torrens and named it after Colonel Robert Torrens who was one of the founders of South Australia. Eyre was also under the impression that it was part of the great inland sea. Further explorations by Babbage and Warburton in the late 1850's skirted around the western side of the lake.

In the 1883 a scheme was mooted to permanently flood Lake Eyre via a canal connecting Spencer Gulf to Lake Torrens and on to Lake Eyre. This scheme was howled down with derision and shelved.

Adequate supplies of water and fuel should be taken as well as a minimum of a UHF Radio for Communications.

Permits

Key required for access. A $30 fee applies as well as a refundable key deposit of $20. Contact the Prairie Hotel (08) 8648 4844.

Fuel Supplies & Usage

There is fuel available at Hawker (83km) and Leigh Creek (66km). These towns are not featured in this trek note.

Diesel	ULP	LPG
4cyl 58 litres *	4cyl 110 litres	4cyl 136 litres
6cyl 104 litres	6cyl 123 litres	6cyl 120 litres
8cyl 104 litres	8cyl 113 litres

Best Time To Visit

Services & Supplies

There are supplies available at Hawker (83km) and Leigh Creek (66km). These towns are not featured in this trek note.

A pleasant drive over plains and dune corridors to a lookout over Lake Torrens

No Places To Stay available for this trek