Oodnadatta Track

Stretching 620 km from Marla in South Australia to Marree, the Oodnadatta Track is one of Australia’s great outback adventures, following the route of the old Ghan railway and the ancient Aboriginal trading path. This unsealed road cuts through the heart of the red centre, passing ochre dunes, gibber plains, and the eerie ruins of ghost towns. It’s a journey through time, where you can soak in natural hot springs, explore pioneer history, and witness the stark beauty of the desert. The track is best tackled in a high-clearance 4WD, especially after rain, and requires careful planning for fuel, water, and supplies.

Highlights & What to See

• Dalhousie Springs – a series of thermal pools in Witjira National Park, perfect for a soak under vast desert skies; the main spring is a balmy 38°C year-round.
• Oodnadatta township – the heart of the track, home to the iconic Pink Roadhouse (a must-stop for fuel, supplies, and a legendary outback hamburger).
• Algebuckina Bridge – Australia’s longest single-span railway bridge (1,926 m), built in 1891; walk across for dramatic views over the Neales River floodplain.
• William Creek – a tiny pub town with a population of about 10, where the walls are plastered with memorabilia; also a base for scenic flights over Lake Eyre.
• Lake Eyre South – the southern arm of Australia’s largest salt lake; in rare years when it floods, it becomes a shimmering mirror and a magnet for birdlife.
• Mutonia Sculpture Park – a quirky outdoor gallery near Marree, built from scrap metal and outback detritus by local artist Robin Cooke.
• Aboriginal rock art – at several sites along the track, including near the Neales River and at Coward Springs, with ancient carvings and paintings telling stories of the Dreaming.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers allow 3–5 days to drive the full track from Marla to Marree (or vice versa), including stops for soaking, walking, and photography. A leisurely pace is essential: the road is rough, and you’ll want time to explore side trips like the Dalhousie Springs loop or a flight over Lake Eyre. If you’re short on time, a 2-day dash is possible but feels rushed. Plan to camp under the stars (there are basic bush camps and a few stations offering powered sites) or stay in the historic pubs at Oodnadatta, William Creek, and Marree.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coober Pedy – the opal-mining underground town, about 200 km west of William Creek, famous for its dugout homes, quirky golf course, and underground churches.
• Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) – Australia’s largest salt lake; most visitors take a scenic flight from William Creek or Marree to appreciate its vast, otherworldly expanse.
• Flinders Ranges – about 300 km south of Marree, these ancient ranges offer dramatic gorges, Aboriginal rock art at Arkaroo Rock, and the iconic Wilpena Pound.
• Mungo National Park – a Unesco World Heritage site with the Walls of China lunette, 400 km south-east; a long but rewarding detour for those interested in Aboriginal history and geology.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – 700 km north-west of Marla; a classic outback pairing for travellers doing a loop through the red centre.

Please check official sources for current details.