Oodnadatta Track

Stretching for around 620 kilometres between Marree in South Australia and Marla in the Northern Territory, the Oodnadatta Track is one of Australia's great outback drives. This iconic unsealed road follows an ancient Aboriginal trading route and later the path of the Overland Telegraph Line and the old Ghan railway. It's a raw, red-dirt journey through desert landscapes, past thermal springs, historic ruins, and tiny, resilient outback settlements. For travellers seeking a genuine outback adventure far from the crowds, this track delivers an unforgettable taste of Australia's heart.

Highlights & What to See

• William Creek – Australia's smallest town with a population of around 10, home to the famous William Creek Hotel, a classic outback pub where pilots and travellers swap stories.
• Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) – The vast salt lake, one of the world's largest, can be viewed from scenic flights out of William Creek or from a lookout near the track; when flooded, it becomes a spectacular bird haven.
• Oodnadatta – The namesake town, known for the Pink Roadhouse, a vibrant oasis offering fuel, supplies, and a famous outback burger; also check out the historic railway station.
• Algebuckina Bridge – The longest bridge in South Australia, a striking 1920s steel-and-stone railway bridge over the Neales River, now a great photo stop and camping spot.
• Thermal Springs – Several natural hot springs along the track, including Coward Springs and the Bubbler, where you can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by desert.
• Old Ghan Railway Ruins – Scattered remnants of sidings, station buildings, and water tanks from the original Afghan camel-train route and early railway.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan a minimum of two to three days to drive the entire track, though four to five days allows for a more relaxed pace with time to explore side trips, soak in the springs, and enjoy the solitude. The road is unsealed and can be rough after rain; a high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended. Most travellers break the journey with overnight stops at William Creek, Oodnadatta, or free camps along the way. The best time to travel is during the cooler months from April to October.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coober Pedy – The opal-mining capital of the world, famous for its underground homes and quirky lunar landscapes, is a short detour west from the track.
• Lake Eyre National Park – Explore the vast salt lake and its surrounding desert wilderness, best accessed via the Oodnadatta Track.
• Marla – The northern terminus of the track, a small settlement with a roadhouse and fuel stop, gateway to the Stuart Highway.
• Marree – The southern start of the track, known for the historic Marree Hotel and the nearby Marree Man geoglyph.
• Stuart Highway – The sealed road linking Adelaide to Darwin, easily accessed from Marla or Coober Pedy for a classic outback loop drive.

Please check official sources for current details.