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Huge areas of glistening salt lakes, stony deserts, rugged mountain ranges, and the vast treeless Nullarbor plain are only a few of the highlights that await you.
South Australia is my home away from home. Let me invite you to explore the diverse wonders of South Australia attractions with me.
Where exactly is the Outback in South Australia?
Well, I won't say you'll notice when you get there, this would be rude.:) Actually, the Outback covers the entire north of the state. Nearly any area on a line north from Ceduna via Port Augusta to Yunta is considered Outback. Look at the map on the bottom of this page to get an overview.
Let's start in Adelaide, South Australia's capital. There are several routes to the north, depending on where you want to go.
The Princes Highway is part of highway 1 that goes all around Australia. It is the shortest connection to Port Augusta, the cross-roads of Australia. From here highways lead to Perth (west coast), Sydney (east coast) and to Darwin in the north. The Main North Road (not on this map) is the straightest way to the Flinders Ranges and Hawker. It is a leisurely drive through South Australia's Mid North which is, along with the Eyre Peninsula, the main agriculture district of the state. Now that doesn't look much like Outback, right? But wait!
Outback South Australia - the north east
Once you passed the Flinders Ranges, the Outback begins. Leigh Creek, an open-cut coal-mining town is the last town of any size in South Australia's north east. The tiny township of Marree offers you many relics from a glorious past as a railway town.
From Marree you have the choice of two famous tracks. The Birdsville Track takes you into the far south west of Queensland and its stunning channel country. Are you eager to learn about the history of the old Ghan railway line? Then you need to follow the Oodnadatta Track. This route leads you to the Stuart Hwy, the main road from Adelaide to Darwin.
Outback South Australia - Stuart Highway
The Stuart Highwy is the main south - north route through the centre of Australia. The road divides the South Australian Outback. It's a long drive on this well-maintained bitumen road from Port Augusta to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, even longer up to Darwin! Check the driving distances Outback for details.
Is it boring? No way! There is so much Outback scenery to take in! See the lakes on the map? These are usually dry salt lakes that glisten in the sun. Smaller salt pans closer to the highway are always worth a stop. Along with the red earth and the blue sky you have the chance to take amazing photos.
The Outback beauty is all about colours. Did I say that before? I think so.
Around Woomera was the testing area for long range missiles in the cold war. It is still a strategic defense post used for aerospace activities. The rocket debris displayed in William Creek came from here. The town now welcomes visitors, however, a huge area west of the highway is still restricted.
Roxby Downs, 83 km off the highway, is said to be the most modern town in the Australian Outback. The town was built in 1987 to serve the Olympic Dam mine. In my opinion, it is a rather artificial settlement. There are some great sand dunes around Roxby, and the small opal mining town of Andamooka is really worth a visit.
The most interesting town in this part of Outback South Australia beyond doubt is Coober Pedy. The opal capital of the world is a must see place.
Outback South Australia - the lonely west
Huge parts of the area west of the Stuart Hwy are either Aboriginal land or the Roxby Downs prohibited area. A few tracks constructed by Len Beadell in the 1950s and 60s are known as the "bomb roads", as they were built to service the rocket test area. These tracks are very remote, but they cover some of Australia's most scenic desert country. You have to be very well prepared and independent to travel these tracks. The Outback safety articles provide more facts on how to prepare a trip to remote areas.
The south western end of Outback South Australia is covered by the Nullarbor Plain, the treeless plain, that stretches over 1200 km into Western Australia. The Eyre Highway runs close to the coast, and you can see some spectacular scenery.
The cliffs of the Great Australian Bight are amazing. The power of the sea is immense. It is as if the southern ocean would eat up the Australian continent.
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Search for more information on the South Australian Outback.
Looking for some background reading? Browse the Outback guide's Australian souvenirs stores for books, maps and music.
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to Outback South Australia.
Don't miss other South Australia attractions. The links below guide you into more stunning areas.
Flinders Ranges - The rugged mountain ranges are a highlight when you travel South Australia
Oodnadatta Track - The great Outback Australia travel adventure. See this detailed guide to plan your trip.
Birdsville Track - The notorious track leads you into Queensland. Follow the track and see the photos I took on my trip.
Painted Desert - this natural wonderland is just a short detour from the Stuart Hwy.
Facts about Australia - these are some general facts about the Australian states.
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