Oodnadatta Track

Stretching 620 kilometres from Marree in the south to Marla in the north, the Oodnadatta Track is one of Australia’s great outback drives. This unsealed road follows the route of the old Ghan railway, threading through a landscape of red desert, gibber plains, and ancient lake beds. It’s a journey steeped in Indigenous, pastoral, and railway history, with quirky ruins, natural hot springs, and the iconic pink lake at its heart. For travellers with a sturdy vehicle and a sense of adventure, the Oodnadatta Track offers a raw, unforgettable slice of the Australian interior.

Highlights & What to See

• Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda): Australia’s largest salt lake, often dry and blindingly white, but occasionally transforms into a vast, shallow wetland after rare rains, attracting birdlife and mirror-like reflections.
• William Creek: A tiny, dusty outpost with the famous William Creek Hotel, where travellers swap tales over a cold beer; it’s also a base for scenic flights over Lake Eyre.
• Oodnadatta: The track’s namesake town, home to the iconic Oodnadatta Hotel (the Pink Roadhouse) and a historic railway station turned museum.
• Dalhousie Springs: A series of natural artesian pools with warm, crystal-clear water, perfect for a soak under vast desert skies – a true oasis.
• Algebuckina Bridge: The longest bridge in South Australia, a 1920s railway relic that spans the Neales River, offering a photogenic stop.
• Mound Springs: Unique geological formations where artesian water bubbles to the surface, creating small wetlands that sustain rare plants and birds.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 3–4 days to drive the full track, including stops at key sites. Most travellers do it in 3 days, camping or staying in basic accommodation at William Creek, Oodnadatta, and Dalhousie Springs. If you want to add a flight over Lake Eyre or deeper exploration of the surrounding national parks, budget 5–6 days. The track is best tackled between April and October, when temperatures are milder; summer heat can be extreme.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coober Pedy: The opal capital of the world, with underground homes, mines, and a lunar landscape – about two hours south of Marree.
• Flinders Ranges: Ancient mountain ranges with dramatic gorges, Aboriginal rock art, and wildlife – a great add-on if you’re coming from the south.
• Innamincka: A remote outback settlement on Cooper Creek, with links to the Burke and Wills expedition, accessible via the Strzelecki Track.
• Uluru & Kata Tjuta: While further north, these iconic monoliths are reachable via the Stuart Highway from Marla, making a classic loop.
• Lake Torrens: A massive salt lake visible from the air or from the eastern edge of the Flinders Ranges, often part of a longer outback itinerary.

Please check official sources for current details.