Eyre, Lake, a large intermittent salt lake in south-central Australia. It covers about 3,600 square miles (9,300 km2) and lies 52 feet (16 m) below sea level—the lowest elevation on the continent. Lake Eyre is in one of the driest parts of Australia and contains shallow water only occasionally, after exceptionally heavy rains. Normally, it is dry for many years at a time. Intermittent streams that are usually little more than a series of water holes drain into the lake.