Oodnadatta Track

Stretching across the red heart of South Australia, the Oodnadatta Track is one of Australia's great outback drives, tracing the route of the old Ghan railway and the ancient Aboriginal trading paths that came before it. This unsealed road runs roughly 620 km from Marree to Marla, passing through a landscape of gibber plains, salt lakes, and the starkly beautiful Lake Eyre basin. It’s a journey that feels like a pilgrimage through history, where you can see the ruins of old railway sidings, soak in natural bore springs, and experience the vast silence of the desert. The track is best tackled in a 4WD, though many sections are passable in a high-clearance 2WD in dry conditions, and it’s essential to carry plenty of water, fuel, and supplies—services are few and far between.

Highlights & What to See

• William Creek – Australia's smallest town, a pub and a handful of buildings that serve as the last outpost before Lake Eyre. Grab a cold beer and chat with locals about the legendary floods that occasionally turn the lake into a vast inland sea.
• Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) – When it fills, this is Australia's largest salt lake, a shimmering expanse of pink and white that attracts birdlife and photographers. Scenic flights from William Creek or Marree offer an unforgettable perspective.
• Algebuckina Bridge – A stunning 1920s railway bridge that once carried the Ghan across the Neales River. It's the longest bridge in South Australia and makes for a dramatic photo stop.
• Mound Springs – Natural artesian springs that bubble up through the desert, creating fragile ecosystems. The most accessible are near Coward Springs, where you can even take a soak in a rustic bath fed by the warm mineral water.
• Oodnadatta itself – The tiny settlement that gives the track its name, home to the iconic Oodnadatta Hotel (the Pink Roadhouse) and a historic railway museum. It’s a great spot to restock and hear stories from seasoned travellers.
• Coober Pedy – Although a short detour from the track, this opal-mining town is famous for its underground homes, churches, and golf course. Don't miss the chance to see the 'Big Winch' and try your luck at noodling for opals.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 3–4 days to travel the full length of the Oodnadatta Track from Marree to Marla (or vice versa). This gives you time to stop at key sites, take a scenic flight over Lake Eyre, and soak in the atmosphere. Many travellers combine it with the Birdsville Track or the Strzelecki Track for a longer outback loop. If you're short on time, you can drive the most interesting section between William Creek and Oodnadatta in a day, but you'll miss the full narrative of the old Ghan route. Plan to travel in the cooler months (April–September); summer heat is extreme and the track can become impassable after rain.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coober Pedy – 160 km west of the track, this opal capital offers underground accommodation and a surreal lunar landscape.
• Flinders Ranges – About 400 km south-east, the ancient peaks of the Flinders offer hiking, Aboriginal rock art, and the famous Wilpena Pound.
• Uluru & Kata Tjuta – 600 km north-west via the Stuart Highway, these iconic monoliths are a natural extension for a grand outback adventure.
• Munga-Thirri National Park (Simpson Desert) – For serious 4WD enthusiasts, the Simpson Desert's red dunes are accessible from the track's northern end.
• Innamincka – 400 km east along the Strzelecki Track, this remote outpost is the gateway to the Cooper Creek and the Dig Tree, site of the Burke and Wills expedition.

Please check official sources for current details.