What is the official name of Australia’s largest salt lake, often called Lake Eyre?

Australia’s largest salt lake is officially called Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre.

The lake lies in South Australia’s vast Lake Eyre Basin and is the lowest point on the Australian continent, reaching about 15 metres below sea level. It is usually a dry salt basin, but exceptional rainfall can send floodwaters through inland rivers and fill parts of the lake.

The dual name recognizes both the traditional Arabana name, Kati Thanda, and the European name, Lake Eyre. The lake was named for explorer Edward John Eyre, who observed the region in the nineteenth century. In 2012, the South Australian government adopted the official combined name.

When flooding occurs, the temporary water attracts large numbers of waterbirds and supports brief ecological booms. The lake should not be confused with Lake Torrens or Lake Gairdner, two other major salt lakes in South Australia.