Marree

Marree, a tiny outpost on the edge of South Australia's red centre, is a place where the vastness of the outback hits you with full force. This former railhead and camel-train hub has a raw, frontier feel, with a handful of historic buildings, a famous pub, and the unmistakable Marree Man geoglyph etched into the desert nearby. It's the kind of place you stop to stretch your legs, soak in the silence, and marvel at the sheer scale of the landscape.

Highlights & What to See

• Marree Hotel – The iconic outback pub, with a classic verandah and cold beer, is the social heart of town. Pop in for a yarn with locals and a counter meal.
• Marree Man – A colossal 4.2-km-long geoglyph of a hunter, visible from Google Earth but best viewed from the air. The viewing platform at the Marree lookout offers a distant glimpse.
• Historic Railway Station – The old Ghan railway station is a photogenic remnant of the town's rail history, now housing a small museum with railway and camel-train memorabilia.
• Lake Eyre viewpoint – A short drive takes you to a lookout over the vast, usually dry salt lake. After rare rains, it becomes a shimmering mirror and a birdlife haven.
• Afghan camel driver memorial – A modest monument paying tribute to the cameleers who opened up the interior, located near the town's cemetery.

Suggested Time to Spend

Marree is a quick stop – one to two hours is enough to see the town's main sights, grab a drink, and take in the view. If you're planning to fly over Marree Man or Lake Eyre (bookable at the hotel), allow half a day. Most travellers pass through en route between the Flinders Ranges and the Simpson Desert or Birdsville Track.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lake Eyre National Park – The vast salt lake, a surreal natural wonder, especially when flooded.
• Farina Ruins – An abandoned mining town with well-preserved underground homes, 30 km south.
• William Creek – A tiny pub-and-roadhouse settlement on the Oodnadatta Track, 100 km west.
• Oodnadatta Track – The classic outback route linking Marree to Coober Pedy, dotted with historic railway sidings.
• Flinders Ranges – The dramatic mountain range with Wilpena Pound, about 200 km south.

Please check official sources for current details.