The Oodnadatta Track links Marree with Marla on the Stuart Highway, passing William Creek and Oodnadatta. It crosses the Country of the Arabana and neighbouring peoples and follows a route used by Aboriginal travellers for thousands of years, guided by the springs that bubble up from the Great Artesian Basin.
History
The mound springs were vital to Aboriginal people and later to explorers. John McDouall Stuart followed them on his expeditions in the late 1850s and early 1860s, and the Overland Telegraph Line was built along this route in the early 1870s. The narrow-gauge Central Australia Railway — the original Ghan — followed, reaching Oodnadatta in 1891 and eventually Alice Springs in 1929. When the railway was replaced by a new line further west in 1980, the old line was abandoned, leaving sidings, bridges and fettlers' cottages that line the track today.
The route
- Marree — start of the track.
- Lake Eyre South lookout — a view over the southern part of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre.
- Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park — the Bubbler and Blanche Cup springs.
- Coward Springs — a campground with a spring-fed pool and restored railway buildings.
- William Creek — hotel, camping and scenic flights over Lake Eyre.
- Algebuckina Bridge — the longest bridge on the old Ghan line, over the Neales River.
- Oodnadatta — known for the Pink Roadhouse.
- Marla — on the Stuart Highway, end of the track.
Conditions and difficulty
The track is unsealed, with corrugations, gibbers, floodways and occasional sand. It can be rough after heavy traffic, and rain closes it. It is often suitable for well-prepared high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions. Side trips to Lake Eyre's Halligan Bay require a 4WD and a Desert Parks Pass.
Best time to go
April to September is most comfortable. Summer heat is extreme.
Safety
Carry water, fuel, spare tyres and a satellite communication device. Observe road closures — fines apply. Do not swim in the mound springs, which are fragile ecosystems.
Mound springs
The mound springs are natural outlets of the Great Artesian Basin, where water rises to the surface and minerals build up mounds over time. They support unique plants and animals, some found nowhere else. They are also culturally significant to the Arabana and other Aboriginal peoples and were vital water sources for explorers, the Overland Telegraph and the railway. Visit the Bubbler and Blanche Cup at Wabma Kadarbu, stay on boardwalks and never swim in the springs.
Art along the track
Near Alberrie Creek, an outdoor sculpture park includes "Plane Henge", where old aircraft stand upright in the gibber. It is a quirky photo stop. The Marree Man geoglyph near Marree is best seen from the air.
Suggested itinerary
Day one. Marree to Coward Springs, with stops at Lake Eyre South and the mound springs. Camp at Coward Springs and soak in the spring-fed pool.
Day two. Coward Springs to William Creek. Take a scenic flight over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre.
Day three. William Creek to Oodnadatta, stopping at Algebuckina Bridge. Overnight at the Pink Roadhouse.
Day four. Oodnadatta to Marla, or detour to the Painted Desert or Dalhousie Springs.
Fuel and services
Fuel is available at Marree, William Creek, Oodnadatta and Marla. Distances between stops are up to about 200 km. Check opening hours and fuel availability in advance.
Camping
Campgrounds are available at Marree, Coward Springs, William Creek, Oodnadatta and Marla, and there are bush camping spots along the track. Take all rubbish with you.
Distances
From Marree it is roughly 200 km to William Creek, then about 200 km to Oodnadatta, and then roughly 210 km to Marla on the Stuart Highway. Coward Springs is about 130 km from Marree. These distances are approximate; check a current map before you travel.
Safety
Carry plenty of water and fuel, tell someone your plans, and check conditions daily. Never drive on closed roads, which can lead to fines and costly recovery. See our outback safety guide.
Towing on the Oodnadatta
When it's dry and freshly graded, the Oodnadatta Track is often driven by people towing off-road camper trailers. Corrugations and stony sections can damage trailers and caravans, though. Drop your tyre pressures to suit the conditions and your vehicle manufacturer's advice, and reinflate when you're back on the bitumen. A standard on-road caravan is generally not suitable.
Communications
Mobile coverage is very limited between Marree and Marla. Carry a satellite device and a registered personal locator beacon, and use UHF radio to talk to other road users. Leave your trip plan with someone at home.
Photography
Lake Eyre South, the ruins of the Old Ghan railway sidings and the mound springs are especially photogenic in low light. Pull well off the track when you stop.
Dust and overtaking
Dust from vehicles in front, especially road trains, can cut visibility to almost nothing. Turn your headlights on, drop back until the dust clears, and only overtake where you can see well ahead. When a road train comes towards you, slow down and move as far left as is safe. Use UHF radio to coordinate with truck drivers where possible.
Related guides
Towing? Read caravanning in the outback and best vehicle for the outback.
See wet season and road closures and the outback pubs along the track in famous outback pubs.
Side trip: the Painted Desert, south-west of Oodnadatta.
Stop along the track: Coward Springs.
Related park guide: Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Oodnadatta Track take?
Allow at least three days to drive the 620 km comfortably, with stops at mound springs, William Creek and Oodnadatta.
Do you need a 4WD for the Oodnadatta Track?
In dry conditions, the track can often be driven carefully in a well-prepared 2WD with good clearance, but a 4WD is recommended, particularly for towing and side trips. Conditions change quickly after rain.
Is the Oodnadatta Track sealed?
No, it is an unsealed outback road. In dry weather it is often passable for well-prepared high-clearance vehicles; rain closes it. Check SA outback road warnings.
Where can I get fuel?
Fuel has been available at Marree, William Creek, Oodnadatta and Marla. Check opening hours and carry a reserve.
How long does the Oodnadatta Track take?
Allow at least two to three days to enjoy the springs, railway ruins and Lake Eyre.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park — National Parks and Wildlife Service SA
- Outback road warnings — Government of South Australia
- Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park — National Parks and Wildlife Service SA
- Oodnadatta Track (Wikipedia) — Wikipedia
