Marree

Marree is a tiny outback settlement in South Australia that punches well above its weight in stories and scenery. Sitting at the crossroads of the Oodnadatta Track and the Birdsville Track, this historic rail and camel-train town feels like a living museum of the Australian interior. The red earth, endless blue skies, and a palpable sense of isolation make it a mesmerising stop for anyone exploring the far north of South Australia.

Highlights & What to See

• Marree Hotel – An iconic outback pub with a corrugated-iron exterior, cold beer, and a famously welcoming atmosphere. Grab a counter meal and chat with locals who know the tracks better than anyone.
• Historic Railway Station – Once a bustling hub on the old Central Australia Railway, the station building now houses a small museum with photographs and artefacts that evoke the Afghan camel drivers and rail workers who built the town.
• Marree Man – A colossal geoglyph etched into the stony desert about 20 km west of town. Best viewed from the air (scenic flights are available from the airstrip), this mysterious figure is one of the world’s largest works of art.
• Lake Eyre Viewing – Marree is a gateway to the Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre National Park. When the lake has water, the landscape transforms into a shimmering mirror; even when dry, the vast salt pan is a hauntingly beautiful sight.
• Afghan Camel Driver Memorial – A simple but moving tribute to the cameleers who opened up the interior for trade and exploration.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers pass through Marree in a day while driving the Oodnadatta or Birdsville Tracks, but the town rewards an overnight stay. Arrive by late afternoon, enjoy a sunset beer at the pub, and explore the museum and the memorial at your leisure. If you’re planning a scenic flight over Marree Man or Lake Eyre, factor in an extra half-day. Two nights is luxurious and allows time for a relaxed outback experience.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Oodnadatta – 180 km west along the Oodnadatta Track; another historic rail town with a famous pub and the Pink Roadhouse.
• William Creek – A tiny pub-and-airstrip settlement en route to Lake Eyre; great for fuel and a cold drink.
• Coober Pedy – 300 km south-west; the opal mining capital with underground homes and lunar landscapes.
• Innamincka – 400 km north-east via the Strzelecki Track; remote outpost on Cooper Creek with links to the Burke and Wills expedition.
• Flinders Ranges – 400 km south; dramatic mountain ranges, gorges, and Aboriginal rock art sites like Arkaroo Rock.

Please check official sources for current details.