Place Type
Geography - Lake,River,Creek
Location
614.02kms North of Adelaide - Driving 708 km (8 hours 21 mins)
Address & Contact
5710
Phone: N/A
Email: N/A
Web: N/A
Information
Lake Harry is a natural salt lake located near the Lake Harry Ruins in South Australia's outback, roughly 60 km north of Marree. The lake is part of the expansive Lake Eyre Basin, an area known for its vast, intermittent salt lakes. Water in Lake Harry is typically highly saline, and the lake’s size can vary dramatically depending on rainfall and seasonal conditions. It is often dry or partially filled, with water levels fluctuating significantly over time.
The lake's proximity to the ruins adds an interesting dimension to the historical site, as the waterbody was part of the larger environment in which the experimental date palm plantation was attempted. The salinity of Lake Harry’s water, along with the harsh climatic conditions, contributed to the failure of the plantation in the early 20th century. Today, the lake is mostly a scenic feature of the arid landscape, with occasional water flow during wetter periods attracting wildlife such as birds.
