Oodnadatta Track

Stretching 620 km from Marree in South Australia to Marla in the Northern Territory, the Oodnadatta Track is one of Australia’s great outback adventures. This unsealed road follows the route of the old Ghan railway and the traditional trading paths of Aboriginal peoples, weaving through a landscape of red desert, gibber plains, and ancient inland sea beds. Travellers come for the raw, unfiltered outback experience: historic ruins, natural hot springs, and the chance to sleep under a blanket of stars. It’s a bucket-list drive for those who crave solitude and a deep connection to Australia’s heartland.

Highlights & What to See

• William Creek – Australia’s smallest town, home to a classic outback pub where you can swap yarns with locals and pilots from the nearby Oodnadatta airport.
• Lake Eyre – Australia’s largest salt lake; after rare rains it transforms into a shimmering, bird-filled oasis. View it from the air or from lookouts near the track.
• Mound Springs – Natural artesian springs that bubble up from the Great Artesian Basin, creating lush green oases in the desert. The most accessible is near Coward Springs.
• Algebuckina Bridge – The longest bridge in South Australia, a 1920s railway relic spanning the Neales River. A perfect spot for photos and a picnic.
• Oodnadatta – The track’s namesake settlement, with the iconic Oodnadatta Hotel (the “Oodna Pub”) and a fascinating pioneer museum.
• Marla – The northern terminus, a small service town with a roadhouse, motel, and the start of the Stuart Highway.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least three to four days to drive the full track, including stops for walks, photography, and soaking in the hot springs. Many travellers break the journey with overnight stays at William Creek, Oodnadatta, or Marla. If you only have a day, a return drive from Coober Pedy to William Creek and back gives a taste of the landscape. The track is best tackled between April and October; summer heat is extreme, and rain can close the road.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coober Pedy – The opal capital of the world, just a 2-hour drive west of the track, famous for its underground homes and moonscape scenery.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – A 5-hour drive north from Marla, offering the iconic monolith and domes, best visited after completing the track.
• Flinders Ranges – South of Marree, these ancient mountains offer dramatic gorges, Aboriginal rock art, and the chance to see yellow-footed rock-wallabies.
• Lake Eyre National Park – Access via the track; check road conditions before attempting to reach the lake’s edge.
• Stuart Highway – The sealed alternative connecting Adelaide to Darwin; the Oodnadatta Track offers a more adventurous parallel route.

Please check official sources for current details.