Oodnadatta Track — Marree toOodnadatta.
Distance
405 km
Duration
2 days
Climb
300 m
Oodnadatta Track — Marree to Oodnadatta.
One of the world's great outback adventure rides, following the old Ghan railway and the Great Artesian Basin mound springs across the South Australian desert. From Marree the unsealed track runs beside Lake Eyre South, past bubbling artesian springs and the immense Algebuckina rail bridge, to the frontier town of Oodnadatta. Remote, corrugated and unforgettable — carry water, fuel and spare tyres.
Quick facts
SurfaceOff-road
Distance405 km
Days2
Total climb300 m
Fuel stops1 along route
DifficultyChallenging
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2 days, 2 moods.
A suggested split across 2 days with 7 waypoints to discover along the way.
MarreeStart · Start in Marree at the junction of the Oodnadatta and Birdsville Tracks. Last full services — fuel, water and a tyre check before the desert. Carry at least 20L of reserve fuel.
Lake Eyre South LookoutScenic Point · Rest area on the southern shore of Lake Eyre South. Walk down to the salt crust — it is further than it looks, so allow an hour. Blinding white in the midday sun.
The Bubbler & Blanche Cup SpringsScenic Point · Mound springs in Wabma Kadarbu Conservation Park, a short detour off the track. Artesian water bubbles up through ancient limestone hillocks — sacred Arabana country and a birdlife oasis.
Coward SpringsOvernight · Overnight at the restored Coward Springs siding, where an old bore feeds a natural spa pool ringed by date palms. Bush camping and a hot soak under the desert stars.
William CreekFuel Stop · Australia's smallest town — a pub, an airstrip and little else. Essential fuel stop and the launch point for Lake Eyre scenic flights.
Algebuckina BridgePhoto Spot · The longest rail bridge in South Australia — 587m of wrought iron across the Neales River floodplain, built in 1892 for the old Ghan. The waterholes below are a rare desert swim.
OodnadattaEnd · End at the famous Pink Roadhouse in Oodnadatta. Cold drinks, an 'Oodnaburger', and the satisfaction of one of Australia's toughest tracks behind you.
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