The Oodnadatta Track

The great Outback Australia travel adventure

The Oodnadatta Track is certainly the most historic Outback track in Australia, hence it should be on top of your South Australia travel itinerary. The Oodna track is classified as an easier route, so it is just right for anyone with no Outback experience.

The Oodnadatta track follows an ancient trail used by Aborigines for ochre trading. Artesian mound springs supply water in this arid region. European explorers used the route to build the Overland Telegraph and the Old Ghan railway lines in the late 19th century. This was the time when the story of the Australian camels began. Without the ships of the desert exploring the vast Australian inland would have been even harder.

Today's Oodnadatta Track is a well maintained gravel road of approx. 620 km that begins in Marree. It is a great route to travel from South Australia to the Northern Territory, and it is much more interesting than the sealed Stuart Highway.

Coming from the south take the Hawker-Leigh Creek Road that passes by the Flinders Ranges. The bitumen ends in Lyndhurst. Don't miss the Ochre Pits and the ghost town Farina on your way to Marree.

Travelling along the track can be divided into three legs, which are decribed in detail in the Outback Guide. If you really want to take it easy, and take your time to explore the ruins and natural highlights along the way, you allow yourself one day for each stage of about 200 km.

• Marree To William Creek - in my opinion the most diverse part of the track. Lake Eyre, mound springs, several railway sidings are among the highlights.

• William Creek to Oodnadatta - see more relics of the Old Ghan, including the huge Algebuckina railway bridge

• Oodnadatta to Marla - Both the Ghan and the Overland Telegraph Line leave the track north of the township Oodnadatta. So on this last leg you won't see much history, but sheer Outback.
• If you get the chance make a detour to the Painted Desert from Oodnadatta. This is sheer Outback beauty, and truly worth the visit. You can also use the painted desert track for a short cut to Australia's famous opal capital, Coober Pedy.

Check the driving Distances Outback to see how far it is from Marree to William Creek, and other places in the area. Prepare yourself and your car for the trip, don't miss the section about Outback safety in this guide.

Stuart Range - Outback South Australia

Follow the Oodnadatta Track page by page. "Marree - South Australia" "Marree to William Creek" "William Creek - South Australia" "William Creek to Oodnadatta" "Oodnadatta to Marla" Painted Desert Places to stay and get supplies.

Each little town along the track offers basic facilities for travellers, it is always wise to refuel, and check your water stocks.

The Oodnadatta Track takes you into true Outback country - stony plains, rocky hills and wildflowers after good rain. You have to cross several creeks and river systems, most of them are usually dry.

This line from a Slim Dusty song really fits. Everywhere in the Outback you'll recognize dry waterways by the stands of river red gums and coolibah trees along the dry creek beds.

Talking of rain.... water causes the biggest problem when driving out there, anywhere in the Outback. It doesn't rain often, but if the rain comes it can be torrential. Always check with the locals for the weather report.

Take your time and explore this timeless land. Make it a trip of a lifetime. For me it really was an unique Outback Australia travel experience.

When you reach Marla on the Stuart Highway, you are back on bitumen, but still in the Outback. You can either go to the Alice Springs and Uluru, or down south again.

Permits

As long as you stay on the main road you don't need any permits. However, if you plan to make a detour to a National or Conservation Park, you need to obtain either a Deserts Park Pass or a day permit. Both are available in Marree and William Creek.

Please use the contact form on the "Contact Me" page for any questions and suggestions. Thank you.