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Oodnadatta to MarlaThe final stage of the Oodnadatta TrackBut before we are going on the track again, we'll look around Oodnadatta. OodnadattaThis is another tiny settlement on the track with the same name, located about 1000 km north of Adelaide. The town has a population of about 150, and basic facilities.The name Oodnadatta is perhaps an adaption of an Aboriginal word meaning "blossom of the mulga". Oodnadatta is the last stop for travellers before heading for the Simpson Desert, Dalhousie Springs, and other beautiful places in the region.
The Pink Roadhouse is an Australian Outback iconEuropean HistoryOodnadatta hospital was the first AIM (Australian Inland Mission) hospice, opened in 1911. Rev. John Flynn had the vision to cover the Australian inland with a "mantle of safety". He established several bush hospitals across the country, and finally founded the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The Pink Roadhouse, run by Adam and Lynne Plate, has cult status in the region, and with travellers. The Plates are the best source of information about the Oodnadatta Track and the adjoining areas. You will see their funny and very informative mud maps along the track. The roadhouse offers everything a traveller needs in this remote area, a caravan & camping park included. ![]() The railway station is one of the most imposing and enduring buildings in town, together with the goods shed it is on the State Heritage Register. The railway museum is located in the building. Local Aborigines run the Transcontinental Hotel, the Railway museum, and the general store. There's not much more than one main street, so you won't miss the places of interest.Oodnadatta to MarlaThe third and last section of the Oodnadatta Track leaves the route of the Ghan so there are no railway sidings or other historical stuff from Oodnadatta to Marla. Angle Pole Memorial is just a few km outside of Oodnadatta and marks the point where the Old Telegraph Line and the old Ghan line turn straight to the north. The memorial commemorates all those involved in the building of the Overland Telegraph Line between Adelaide and Darwin. The topography along the track is fairly flat, occasional tree-lined creek beds make a change in the scenery. ![]() If you are lucky and travel in spring after some good winter rain. you can see carpets of wildflowers. Otherwise there is just more gibber. Even if there is no more history to explore as on the first sections of the Oodnadatta track, it is a great experience to travel here. MarlaThis is a tiny town with a population of 243. Near Marla the Oodnadatta Track meets the Stuart Highway, 1099 km north of Adelaide. Marla was established in 1980 to service the increasing traffic along the highway as it was planned to tar the entire road from Adelaide to Darwin. It offers a huge roadhouse, a motel, caravan park and other essential services for travellers.I hope you enjoyed the last stage of the track from Oodnadatta to Marla. Wherever you go from here, enjoy the South Australian Outback. Don't hesitate to ask me any questions about the Oodnadatta to Marla section, or any other part of the track. Alternative routes and detoursIf you are in a hurry you can take several short cuts to the Stuart highway from the Oodnadatta Track. William Creek to Coober Pedy - 165 kmThis is a remote and lonely track that passes by Anna Creek homestead and leads through the Woomera Prohibited Area. It is a public road, but you have to keep on the track. No permit is required for this route. Oodnadatta to Coober Pedy - 195 kmAnother lonely track that has not much to offer but sheer Outback and remoteness. For the last 20 km before you arrive Coober Pedy you'll travel across the moon plain. It is a lunar-like landscape of rocky plains, an experience you hardly can imagine until you really see it. The moon plain was the set for quite a few Aussie movies like Mad Max Beyond the Thunderdome, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and others. Oodnadatta to Cadney Park 161 kmThis is definitely the most rewarding and interesting route with a stunning scenery across the Painted Desert. This section is worth to be described on a separate page. Detours to Lake EyreFrom Marree there is the 92km (one way) track past Muloorina station to Madigan Gulf. The track to Halligan Bay 63km (one way) goes from south of William Creek to the shores of Lake Eyre North. Both tracks are definitely 4WD only, and should be taken with care and good equipment. Take plenty of water as this is truly one of the driest, harshest and loneliest parts of Australia. Take your Outback safety seriously. Check out my Lake Eyre page for more information.Your Oodnadatta Track photos and stories
Have a great story and photo from the Oodnadatta Track to share with our readers? Click here to share your story, or ask a question about the track. Don't be shy! It is easy to fill in the form, and yeah, your contribution will appear on a page only built for you! Have a safe trip on the Oodnadatta to Marla section of the track. |
Search This GuideOodnadatta TrackFollow the Oodnadatta Track step by step. Don't miss these great attractions in the area Australian Outback Cattle Drive Worried about your safety out there?Check the Outback safety section! Outback Safety Advertise on the Outback GuideDo you...... own a local business in the Australian Outback? ... offer the unique tour that everyone enjoys? ...run the friendly lodging that feels like home? You can advertise your business to prospective visitors! Please check out terms and conditions. Free Travel Brochures
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