Oodnadatta Track

Few drives in Australia pack as much raw outback character as the Oodnadatta Track. This 620-kilometre dirt road between Marree and Marla (or the other way around) traces the old Central Australian Railway and the traditional Indigenous trading route. It's a journey through rust-red desert, gibber plains, and the ghostly remains of railway sidings, with the ever-present hum of the Stuart Highway far behind. The track is rough, remote, and deeply rewarding for travellers who crave authentic outback experiences.

Highlights & What to See

• William Creek – Australia's smallest town (population around 10) and a classic outback pub where you can grab a cold beer and hear yarns from locals and travellers.
• Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) – The vast salt lake that occasionally fills with water, creating a surreal mirror of the sky. View from the air or from the lookout near the track.
• Algebuckina Bridge – The longest bridge in South Australia (1927), an impressive steel structure spanning the Neales River, now used only by road traffic.
• Mound Springs – Natural artesian springs that bubble up through the desert, forming small islands of lush greenery and sustaining unique wildlife. The most accessible is near Coward Springs.
• Oodnadatta – The namesake town with the iconic Pink Roadhouse, a must-stop for fuel, supplies, and a legendary scone with jam and cream.
• Innamincka – A remote outback settlement linked to the Burke and Wills story, with the Cooper Creek waterhole offering a surprising oasis.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least three to four days to drive the Oodnadatta Track properly. This gives you time to stop at each historic site, enjoy a scenic flight over Lake Eyre (book ahead in Marree or William Creek), and soak in the vastness without rushing. Most travellers combine it with a longer loop through the Flinders Ranges or up to Uluru. The track is best tackled between April and October; summer heat can be brutal, and rain can close sections.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Flinders Ranges – Ancient mountain ranges with spectacular gorges, Aboriginal rock art at Arkaroo Rock, and the iconic Wilpena Pound.
• Coober Pedy – The opal-mining underground town, where you can tour a dugout home, visit the Serbian Orthodox Church, and try your luck at noodling for opals.
• Lake Eyre National Park – Access to the lake's edge and birdwatching opportunities, especially after rare flooding.
• Munga-Thirri National Park (Simpson Desert) – For experienced 4WD adventurers, the world's largest sand dune desert offers a serious challenge.
• Maree – The southern gateway to the track, with the historic Marree Hotel and the famous Afghan camel driver's mosque ruins.

Please check official sources for current details.