Oodnadatta Track

Rumbling across the Oodnadatta Track is a quintessential Outback adventure, following the route of the old Ghan railway and the ancient Aboriginal trading path. This 620-kilometre dirt road between Marree and Marla is a living museum of pioneering history, with rusting railway sidings, artesian springs, and the stark beauty of the red desert. It's a trip that demands preparation but rewards with a profound sense of isolation and a deep connection to Australia's heartland.

Highlights & What to See

• William Creek – Australia's smallest town (population 6), with a legendary pub where travellers swap stories and the old railway station tells tales of the Afghan cameleers.
• Lake Eyre South – A vast salt pan that occasionally fills with water, creating a surreal mirror of pink and white. Best viewed from the air or at the lookout near the track.
• Algebuckina Bridge – The longest bridge in South Australia (1,927 metres), a majestic iron structure that once carried the Ghan across the Neales River. A perfect photo stop.
• Mound Springs – Unique geological formations where water from the Great Artesian Basin bubbles up, creating oases of green in the desert. The springs at Coward Springs and Blanche Cup are particularly impressive.
• Oodnadatta Town – The track's namesake town, home to the famous Pink Roadhouse (a bright pink outpost offering fuel, supplies, and a cold beer) and the old Ghan railway station.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 3–4 days to drive the full track, including stops at key sites. Most travellers break the journey at William Creek or Oodnadatta, camping or staying in basic accommodation. A 4WD is essential, especially after rain, and you should carry extra fuel, water, and food. The track is best tackled between April and October, when temperatures are milder. If you're short on time, you can sample the highlights on a day trip from Coober Pedy, but you'll miss the full rhythm of the outback.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coober Pedy – The opal capital of the world, with underground homes, churches, and a lunar landscape. A natural start or end point for the track.
• Flinders Ranges – Ancient mountain ranges with dramatic gorges, Aboriginal rock art, and the iconic Wilpena Pound. A 4-hour drive south of Marree.
• Lake Eyre National Park – Explore the vast salt lake and its surrounding desert, best visited after rare flooding events when birdlife flocks to the water.
• Marla – The western terminus of the track, a small roadhouse community that offers a last chance for fuel and supplies before heading north to the Stuart Highway.
• Simpson Desert – For serious 4WDers, the track can be a gateway to the Simpson Desert's red dunes and remote campsites, but requires extensive preparation.

Please check official sources for current details.