Where the Painted Desert is
The Painted Desert is on Arckaringa Station, a pastoral property in the far north of South Australia. The Painted Desert's site gives these distances:
- About 150 km north of Coober Pedy
- About 80 km east of Cadney Park, on the Stuart Highway
- About 90 km south-west of Oodnadatta
Arckaringa Homestead is about 11 km from the Painted Desert.
The landscape is an eroded tableland of mesas, breakaways and gibber plains. The colours range from white and cream to yellow, orange, red and deep ochre. It is often compared with Kanku-Breakaways near Coober Pedy.
Getting there
Every approach is on unsealed roads. You can get there:
- From Cadney Park, on the Stuart Highway, heading east.
- From Coober Pedy, heading north via the Oodnadatta road country.
- From Oodnadatta, heading south-west, which links with the Oodnadatta Track.
Road conditions change with rain and grading, and roads in SA's far north can close after rain. Before you go:
- Check the Outback Road Report from the SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport.
- Ask locally at Coober Pedy, Cadney Park or Oodnadatta.
A high-clearance vehicle, ideally a 4WD, is the safer choice. Routes in the region cross pastoral leases. The SA Department for Environment and Water says you must stay on gazetted public access routes, and that using other station tracks or camping off them needs the lessee's consent. Stay on formed tracks, leave gates as you find them and respect stock and station infrastructure.
See fuel, permits and road conditions, 4WD driving and remote travel safety.
Pastoral leases and public access routes
Much of outback South Australia is pastoral lease country. The SA Department for Environment and Water says gazetted public access routes (PARs) let the public travel through pastoral leases without asking the lessee's permission. They are generally unimproved, often 4WD-only tracks intended for dry conditions, and they lead to parks, historic sites and other points of interest. If you want to use other station tracks, or camp off a PAR, you need the lessee's consent. Temporary PAR closures are listed on the Outback Road Report. Check before you go.
Camping and accommodation
Accommodation and camping are offered at Arckaringa Homestead, which is generally where visitors stay rather than in the Painted Desert itself. Check current options, fees and rules with Arckaringa before you go, and stay on the formed track through the formation. Coober Pedy, Cadney Park and Oodnadatta also have accommodation. See outback camping.
Arckaringa Homestead
The Painted Desert's website says Arckaringa Homestead offers basic accommodation for travellers who want to catch sunrise and sunset in the Painted Desert:
- Rooms: listed at $80 for a single, $100 for a double and $120 for a triple. Rooms are basic but clean, with air conditioning, linen and towels. They don't have ensuites. Guests share the campground toilet and shower block.
- Bookings are essential for rooms. Camping doesn't need a booking. Just turn up.
- Camping: listed at $20 per vehicle, with access to toilets and showers. There are no powered sites.
- Pets must be restrained.
- Tour groups should call the homestead first for information and rates.
Prices can change, so confirm when you book.
Photography
The colours are richest in early morning and late afternoon, when low sun brings out the bands in the breakaways. Clear desert nights are excellent for stargazing. See outback photography and stargazing and dark skies.
Scenic flights
Some operators run scenic flights over the region, including from Coober Pedy and the Lake Eyre area. Check current operators and schedules. See scenic flights for general advice.
When to go
The cooler months, roughly April to October, are the most comfortable for travel. Summer can be extremely hot, and rain at any time can close unsealed roads. See outback weather by month.
Safety checklist
- Carry plenty of water, food and fuel, and spares.
- Tell someone your plans.
- Carry a satellite communication device or PLB, as mobile coverage is limited or absent.
- Don't attempt closed or wet roads.
- Stay with your vehicle if you break down.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Painted Desert in South Australia?
The Painted Desert is on Arckaringa Station in South Australia's far north. The Painted Desert's own site puts it about 150 km north of Coober Pedy, 80 km east of Cadney Park on the Stuart Highway and 90 km south-west of Oodnadatta.
Do you need a 4WD for the Painted Desert?
The roads in are unsealed outback roads, and conditions change with rain and grading. A high-clearance vehicle, ideally a 4WD, is the safer choice. Check the Outback Road Report (DIT) and ask locally before you go. Roads can close after rain.
Can you camp at the Painted Desert?
Camping is generally offered at Arckaringa Homestead, about 11 km from the Painted Desert, rather than in the formation itself. Check current rules with Arckaringa before you go, and stay on the formed track.
When is the best time to see the Painted Desert?
The cooler months, roughly April to October, are best for travel. For photography, early morning and late afternoon light brings out the colours of the breakaways.
Can you drive to the Painted Desert?
Yes, on unsealed roads. The Painted Desert is about 150 km north of Coober Pedy, 80 km east of Cadney Park and 90 km south-west of Oodnadatta. Check the SA Outback Road Report or call the homestead about road conditions first.
Is the Painted Desert on the Oodnadatta Track?
Not directly. It's about 90 km south-west of Oodnadatta, on unsealed station roads off the Track. Many travellers combine it with the Oodnadatta Track or a detour from Cadney Park on the Stuart Highway.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Location — The Painted Desert
- Outback Road Report — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA)
- Public access routes — Department for Environment and Water (SA)
- Arckaringa Accommodation — The Painted Desert
