OCCV

Offroad and Camping Club of Victoria

Camping Information Trip

Oodnadatta Track

Byoccvic

Nov 3, 2025 #4WD, #camping, #historical sites, #safety, #south australia, #tracks, #travel
Oodnatta Track isolation in the outback of South Australia

The Oodnadatta Track is one of Australia’s most iconic outback routes, stretching about 620 kilometres between Marree and Marla in South Australia. Following the path of the old Ghan Railway and ancient Aboriginal trade routes, it offers a fascinating blend of history, desert scenery, and adventure. The track passes through remote towns and landmarks such as William Creek, Coward Springs, and the Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta, as well as natural and historical sites like the Algebuckina Bridge, Lake Eyre, and numerous artesian springs. Travelling the Oodnadatta Track is a true outback experience — ideal for well-prepared 4WD enthusiasts who want to explore Australia’s red desert heart, discover relics of early exploration and rail history, and enjoy the vast, open landscapes of the South Australian outback.

Four-wheel driving on the Oodnadatta Track is one of the great outback adventures in Australia, offering a mix of history, rugged beauty, and remote travel. The track itself is a well-maintained gravel road for most of its 620-kilometre length between Marree and Marla, but conditions can vary with weather — after rain, sections may become rough, corrugated, or flooded. A high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended, as it provides better comfort, traction, and safety on changing surfaces.

Along the way, drivers can explore historic railway ruins, old sidings, and artesian springs, stop at the Algebuckina Bridge, and visit remote outback icons such as William Creek, Oodnadatta, and Coward Springs. Travelling with spare tyres, recovery gear, and plenty of water and fuel is essential, as services are limited and distances between towns are long. The journey rewards 4WD enthusiasts with spectacular desert scenery, vast salt lakes, and a true sense of isolation and adventure — making the Oodnadatta Track a must-do for anyone seeking the real Australian outback experience.

Top Things to See on or Near the Oodnadatta Track

  1. Marree
    • The starting point (or finishing point) of the Oodnadatta Track.
    • Visit the Old Ghan Railway Museum, the Marree Hotel, and the famous Tom Kruse mail truck display celebrating the legendary outback mailman.
    • The wooden camel sundial reminder of the Afghan heritage, along with the replica of an Afghan mosque.
    • Museum Park, where the “old mail truck which Tom Kruse used for many years to bring the mail from Marree to Birdsville”.1
  2. Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda)
    • Australia’s largest salt lake, often dry but spectacular after rain when it fills with water and birdlife.
    • Accessible via Level Post Bay or from scenic flights over the lake from Marree or William Creek.
  3. Coward Springs
    • A charming historic stop with a restored railway siding, natural artesian spa, and campground shaded by palm trees — a great place to cool off.
    • Coffee Shop where you can “enjoy a freshly brewed coffee, farm fresh dates and our tasty home-grown date products, including scones and ice cream.”2
  4. William Creek
    • One of Australia’s smallest towns, famous for its quirky William Creek Hotel and as a base for scenic flights over Lake Eyre and Anna Creek Station.
    • Don’t miss the displays of outback memorabilia and artwork.
  5. Algebuckina Bridge
    • The largest bridge on the old Ghan Railway line, built in 1892 and stretching 578 metres across the Neales River.
    • Great for photos and a look into the region’s engineering and rail history.
    • Great campsite to watch the sunset.
  6. Oodnadatta
    • A historic outback town and home of the iconic Pink Roadhouse, known for its friendly hospitality, maps, and famous “Oodnaburger.”
    • Visit the Old Ghan Railway Museum and take in the town’s unique character.
  7. Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park
    • Located near Coward Springs, this park features natural mound springs fed by the Great Artesian Basin.
    • Highlights include The Bubbler and Blanche Cup, both surrounded by striking desert scenery.
  8. Mutonia Sculpture Park (Planehenge)
    • Near Alberrie Creek, this outdoor art installation by Robin “Mutoid” Cooke features recycled aircraft and metal sculptures — a quirky must-see on the drive.
  9. Peake Telegraph Station Ruins (The Peake)
    • Accessible by 4WD detour, these ruins mark the site of a 19th-century telegraph and mining settlement.
    • Offers fascinating history and expansive desert views.
  10. Mount Dutton and Hamilton Station Ruins
    • Historic pastoral sites that give a glimpse into early outback life and the challenges of farming in remote areas.
  11. Beresford Railway Siding Ruins
    • Remains of an old Ghan Railway offering a glimpse into the region’s early rail history and outback heritage.
  12. Curdimurka Siding
    • One of the best-preserved, featuring a restored fettlers’ cottage and water tower; often used for events like the Curdimurka Outback Ball.

Let us know in the comments if you have a top spot on the Oodnadatta Track that we might have missed.

Useful Links

Oodnadatta-Track-Mud-MapDownload
Oodnadatta-Track-InfoDownload
  1. https://www.ritas-outback-guide.com/Marree.html ↩︎
  2. https://cowardsprings.com.au/info/ ↩︎

By occvic

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