Oodnadatta Track

Stretching for 620 km between Marree in South Australia and Marla in the Northern Territory, the Oodnadatta Track is one of Australia’s great outback adventures. This iconic route follows the path of the old Ghan railway and the traditional trading route of the Arabana people, threading through a starkly beautiful landscape of red desert, gibber plains, and ancient waterholes. Driving this unsealed road rewards you with a profound sense of isolation, a rich pioneer history, and the chance to spot wedge-tailed eagles soaring above the rust-red earth.

Highlights & What to See

• William Creek – Australia’s smallest town (population just six), home to a legendary outback pub with walls covered in memorabilia and a quirky airstrip.
• Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) – The vast salt lake occasionally fills with water, creating a surreal mirror-like surface and attracting thousands of birds. View it from the air or along the western shore.
• Algebuckina Bridge – The longest bridge in South Australia (1,927 m), a historic steel-and-timber relic from the old Ghan railway, now a perfect picnic spot.
• Mound Springs – Natural artesian springs that form delicate travertine mounds, vital water sources for wildlife and a sacred site for the Arabana people. The Coward Springs complex is a highlight.
• Oodnadatta Town – The track’s namesake, a tiny settlement with the famous Pink Roadhouse, a must-stop for fuel, supplies, and a classic outback burger.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two to three days to drive the full track, depending on conditions and how often you stop. A leisurely pace is best: break the drive with overnight stays at William Creek, Oodnadatta, or the campground at Coward Springs. Factor in extra time for a scenic flight over Lake Eyre and for exploring side tracks like the Dalhousie Springs. If you’re short on time, you can sample the highlights in a day from Coober Pedy, but the full experience demands a slower rhythm.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coober Pedy – The opal capital of the world, famous for its underground homes, moonscape scenery, and quirky attractions.
• Lake Eyre National Park – Access the lake’s western shore from the track; best visited after rare rain events.
• Flinders Ranges – Dramatic mountain scenery, ancient gorges, and Aboriginal rock art, a few hours’ drive south.
• Marla – The northern terminus of the track, a small roadhouse and gateway to the Simpson Desert.
• Dalhousie Springs – A series of thermal artesian pools in the Witjira National Park, perfect for a relaxing soak.

Please check official sources for current details.