4 Stops That Define the Oodnadatta Track

The Oodnadatta is 620km of glorious dirt that Jessica reckons encompasses everything that’s unique and exciting about travelling Australia.

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

The Oodnadatta Track begins at Marree in South Australia (which has an amazing little country pub if you’re looking to wet your whistle before you go) and travels northwest for 620km. You’ll travel through the town of Oodnadatta (go figure) before you loop back to the Stuart Highway when you get to Marla.

As is the case with all unsealed roads, ensure you check the weather and whether the track is open before you depart. Unfortunately, a bit of rain can turn this track into a slide worthy of a waterpark.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Why drive the Oodnadatta Track?

What typically draws people to the Oodnadatta Track? I’m not sure about others but I can share my experience. While I worked for an outdoor adventure agency that published adventure content, I spent every day in an office writing about 4WDs, the incredible Australian Outback, and all the hardcore adventure gear you need to conquer it. My days consisted of dreaming about the big red rock in the Northern Territory, sandy tracks, and rocky terrain. I wanted to get behind the wheel and explore it all!

As fate had it, the company restructured and I was unexpectedly made redundant, so I suddenly had a free schedule and a heart full of dreams longing for adventure. After hearing so many incredible stories about the Oodnadatta Track, it was the first place my 4WD journalist partner and I decided to head to, and we didn’t regret a moment! We tackled it with our modded-up Ford Ranger, sleeping only in our rooftop tent and washing with our portable shower kept in the canopy. In other words, we roughed it big time… and it was glorious!

Read more: How To 4WD For Beginners

@joshleonard

History of the Oodnadatta Track

There are a heap of cool reasons to give the Oodnadatta Track a whirl. To start with, the track follows a traditional Aboriginal trading route. Along the way are numerous springs, which is why the route was chosen for the steam-powered Central Australia Railway, the original route of The Ghan. If you’re an Aussie history buff, you’ll know the Oodnadatta Track as being the route explorer John McDouall Stuart took on his third expedition in 1859.

Today, it’s an epic adventure where you can witness some of the most stunning sunsets over the Outback sand, meet awesome travellers from all over the country, stop in unique country towns, and stay at some amazing campsites along the way. Although it’s possible in a 2WD, a 4WD allows you that extra bit of comfort and safety so I’d recommend heading out in a 4WD if you can.

What It’s Like to Drive the Ooodnadatta Track

Classified as an easier route suited to travellers who have little to no Outback experience, the Oodnadatta Track is one heck of an adventure when you choose to conquer it with a 4WD.

As I mentioned, there are some incredible campsites along the way and attractions that cannot be missed. The best places to stop and give your trusty four-wheeled beast a break are:

1. Coward Springs Campground

The Coward Springs Campground website describes it as ‘a truly magical outback camping experience’ that has a unique history. The campground was previously a station on the old Ghan railway line. It was constructed in 1888 and abandoned before the line was eventually closed in 1980.

The area is unequivocally Australian as the campsites are in the shade and shelter of native Australian trees. There are also historic (but introduced) Tamarisk trees and Date palms. In order to preserve this incredible spot, the campground leans towards eco-camping as it’s in the middle of Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park.

@joshleonard

One amazing highlight of Coward Springs Campground (other than the pristine toilets and camp showers!) is the natural spa! When the bore was rehabilitated by the new owners of the campground, the natural spa was built to imitate the old pool. This amazing little relaxation spot features water that flows from the bore through the ‘natural spa’ and into the wetland. This revitalising artesian water was a much-needed soak and allowed a moment of reflection about how people have bathed in this exact spot for decades.

My partner and I had wine, a soak, and a long moment where we felt nothing but gratitude for the awesome adventure the Oodnadatta Track was providing!

2. Curdimurka Siding

If an abandoned railway siding on the old Ghan Railway Line sounds up your alley then make sure you pull off the track to see Curdimurka Siding. Oozing with Aussie history, the siding dates back to 1886 and is the last station yard of significance that remains intact on the old Ghan line. It was a stunning sight to see, so we whipped the camera out of the ute to snap some shots of a time long gone.

@joshleonard

3. William Creek Hotel

When we arrived at William Creek we had to stop at William Creek Hotel. Once you drive past you’ll know exactly what I mean. This little town is located in the middle of Outback South Australia and the pub is one of only two businesses in town. We stopped in for a beer and a yarn with the bartender and to check out all the unique stickers, photographs, and signage inside.

Funnily enough, we left with a package! Turns out the mailman (who was travelling on bicycle), had left a box behind so the staff asked us if we’d be willing to drive it to the next town. We took it all the way to Coober Pedy for the owner to pick up! You never know what’s going to happen in the Outback!

4. The Pink Roadhouse

As a lover of pink this stop was a no-brainer for me, but it’s such a cool spot to check out regardless of the colour. We arrived at the Pink Roadhouse as the sun was setting, which gave the pub a stunning light pink backdrop. Here we purchased a night in the powered caravan site out the back and enjoyed a much-needed shower.

The roadhouse itself is a treasure trove of souvenirs! I came away with some stickers and a fluffy pink stubby holder, but there was so much to choose from to add to your collection. They also offer groceries, hot food, and drinks so you can enjoy a much-needed rest from 4WDing and have a yarn with staff and fellow travellers.

We spent some time talking to others as the rain started to fall and we needed to decide which way to head next. There’s no advice quite as valuable as an Outback local and no person quite as friendly as one either. That’s when we decided we’d put the pedal to the metal, outrun the rain, and head straight to my number one bucket list item – Uluru!

Beyond the Oodnadatta Track

Our adventure following the Oodnadatta Track consisted of red dirt, a monumental Australian rock, and a whole heap of emus… But that’s a story for another day. No matter where you’re headed after you tackle the Oodnadatta Track, one thing is for certain: you won’t regret the journey you took to get there.

@joshleonard

FAQs Oodnadatta Track

How long is the Oodnadatta Track?

The Oodnadatta Track is 620km long.

How far from Adelaide is the Oodnadatta Track?

The start of the Oodnadatta Track is at Maree, 650km from Adelaide, and the drive will take just over seven hours.

Is the Oodnadatta Track on red sand?

Yep, the Oodnadatta Track is known for its iconic red sand. Be prepared to find grains of it in your 4WD for months, if not years, after you finish the drive!

Is there telephone reception on the Ooodnadatta Track?

There’s extremely limited reception along the Oodnadatta Track, and sometimes it can be hard to fin in the towns along the route. Make sure to take a PLB for safety.