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Australia boasts some of the most stunning and large lakes, with lovely landscapes, unusual ecosystems, and adventure sports. Ranging from salt lakes to freshwater lakes, each one of them has something unique to offer for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers. The largest lakes in Australia are also ideal for boating, bird watching, photography and camping. You can visit the large Lake Eyre, the picturesque Lake Argyle or the picturesque Lake St Clair. A trip to these popular Australian lakes is a must-visit for a refreshing getaway.
Top 10 Largest Lakes In Australia
Here are the largest lakes in Australia, where vast landscapes, stunning wildlife, and breathtaking scenery create the perfect retreat for you:
1. Lake Eyre
Photo: Hughesdarren / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lake Eyre, the largest lake in Australia as far as salinity is concerned, is also the lowest point in Australia. With 9,500 square kilometres in area when filled, it is one of Australia’s most important lakes due to its ecological importance and beauty. In the middle of South Australia is Lake Eyre, which is normally a dry salt pan but sometimes becomes a water wonderland. For people who love serenity, it’s a treat to watch. It is visited by migratory birds such as seagulls and pelicans, and is a paradise for bird watchers.
Location: Northern South Australia, within Outback
2. Lake Torrens
Photo: Peripitus / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Torrens, a massive salt lake and one of the largest lakes in Australia, is in South Australia. It is about 5,700 square kilometres in area and usually dry but turns into a stunning, reflective body of water following rains. The temporary lake is a vital component of the ecosystem, supporting migratory birds and desert creatures. Situated in Lake Torrens National Park, the region is good for photography, camping and travelling through the outback. There are lovely sunrises and sunsets over the salt pans to enjoy. Access to the lake, however, is limited in a bid to protect its delicate environment.
Location: West of Flinders Ranges, South Australia
3. Lake Carnegie
Photo: Gary Miotla / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lake Carnegie, which covers an estimated area of 5,000 square kilometres, is another of Australia’s largest lakes. The lake, located in Western Australia, is typically dry and forms a huge salt plain. It appears to be a shallow lake in wet seasons, full of birds and with a desolate landscape. Despite its arid climate, Lake Carnegie remains the most important lake in Australia due to its geological significance and role in local ecosystems. Adventure tourists and photographers visit to witness its desolate yet intriguing landscape.
Location: Northeast of Wiluna, Western Australia
4. Lake Mackay
Photo: Dwong33 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lake Mackay, one of the nation’s largest lakes, traverses the Northern Territory and Western Australia. It is a massive salt lake, roughly 3,500 square kilometres in area, that evaporates for almost the whole year. The landscape is characterised by unforgiving white salt flats, which create an otherworldly landscape. Due to its isolation, Lake Mackay is not a popular destination. Though, it is one of the most recognised lakes in Australia due to its beautiful salt formations and infinite outback scenery.
Location: Northern Territory border, Western Australia
5. Lake Frome
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lake Frome, found in South Australia, is a gigantic salt lake of approximately 2,600 square kilometres in size. The lake is among the largest lakes in Australia since it forms part of the desert cover in the Flinders Ranges. The surface of the lake shines like a dazzling sheet of white salt, which contrasts vividly with the deep blue sky. Due to its saltiness, there is not much aquatic life present in Lake Frome. Although it is significant to the surroundings, attracting migrating birds. It is possible for tourists to experience stunning views from nearby lookouts, and there are walking and camping facilities available in the nearby national park.
Location: South Australia
6. Lake Gairdner
Photo: Sklewis51 / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Gairdner, one of Australia’s largest lakes, is roughly 1,600 square kilometres in area in South Australia. It is among the most favoured venues for land-speed racing events and photography because of its beautiful white salt crust. The lake is located within Lake Gairdner National Park, where travelers can hike around hills that surround the lake, view the scenery, and take in the spectacular contrast between red desert sand and salt flats. The calm lake water creates spectacular optical illusions, and thus it is one of Australia’s iconic lakes for photography.
Location: East of Flinders Ranges, South Australia
7. Lake Argyle
Photo: W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Argyle, located in Western Australia, is Australia’s most famous lake and the country’s second-largest freshwater lake. Covering approximately 1,000 square kilometres, it was created as part of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. The lake is a wildlife reserve and home to freshwater crocodiles, fish, and over 240 species of birds. Boat cruises, fishing, kayaking, and swimming are water sports that draw a large number of tourists. The scenic spot with rugged hills and red bluffs is the photographer’s and adventurous person’s dream destination. With its natural beauty and ecological significance, Lake Argyle is one of the most visited lakes in Australia.
Location: Kimberley region, Western Australia
8. Lake Amadeus
Photo: Murray Foubister / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lake Amadeus, located near Uluru in the Northern Territory, is one of Australia’s largest lakes at around 1,000 square kilometres. It is a massive salt lake with an otherworldly look, with enormous white salt crusts reaching to the horizon. Though the lake is unusable, one can view its scenery from the lookouts or scenic flights over it. It is an important lake of Australia since it is situated very close to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Lake Amadeus remains among the popular lakes in Australia for tourists in the Red Centre.
Location: West of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
9. Lake Barlee
Photo: CH9919 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Lake Barlee, in Western Australia, is one of the largest lakes in Australia and measures about 1,980 square kilometres. Being a seasonal salt lake, it is mostly dry but sometimes gets filled with water following heavy rain. Due to its remote position in the Goldfields-Esperance area, the lake receives few visitors. It is an integral component of the desert scenery surrounding it. In its full capacity, it is inhabited by waterbirds such as pelicans, swans, and herons and is one of Australia’s best birdwatching lakes.
Location: Northeast of Perth, Western Australia
10. Lake Yamma Yamma
Photo: Calistemon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lake Yamma Yamma in Queensland is one of Australia’s largest lakes, about 1,300 square kilometres. It is Queensland’s largest interior ephemeral lake and is vital to the region’s ecosystem. The lake has been parched for several years, but it is a very important breeding ground for waterbirds when it does fill. Wetlands and grasslands surround the lake, which is a rich bird habitat. Lake Yamma Yamma is also significant to Indigenous Australians, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
Location: Channel Country of south-western Queensland, Australia
Australia’s largest lakes vary from enormous salt lakes such as Lake Eyre to freshwater reservoirs such as Lake Argyle. The largest lakes of Australia offer prospects for adventure, photography, and nature appreciation. From the desiccated salt plains of Lake Gairdner to the seasonal variations of Lake Yamma Yamma, visiting these significant lakes in Australia is on every traveller’s agenda. Plan your next trip and see the breathtaking beauty of these favourite lakes in Australia with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Gnangcomapp / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
