The Oodnadatta Track (OT) is certainly the most historic Outback track in Australia, hence it should be on top of your South Australia travel itinerary. It is classified as an easier route, so it is just right for anyone with no Outback experience.

The track follows an ancient trail used by Aborigines for ochre trading for thousands of years. Artesian mound springs supply water in this arid region. Aborigines relied on this water source as well as the European explorers who used the route to build the Overland Telegraph and the Old Ghan railway lines in the late 19th century.

This was the time when the story of camels in Australia and Afghan cameleers began. Without the ships of the desert, exploring the vast Australian inland would have been even harder.

What to expect along the route

The OT takes you into true Outback country - you will find stony plains, rocky hills and wildflowers after good rain. You have to cross several creeks and river systems, most of them are usually dry. However, you need to slow down, and take the crossings carefully, otherwise you might damage your car.

"Sandy creeks that flow nowhere, Excepting when it rains"... This line from a Slim Dusty song (Blue hills in the distance) really fits. Everywhere in the Outback you'll recognise dry waterways by the stands of river red gums and coolibah trees along the dry creek beds (like in the picture below).

These days the Oodnadatta Track is a well maintained gravel road of approx. 620 km that begins in Marree. It is a great route to travel from South Australia to the Northern Territory, and it is much more interesting than the sealed Stuart Highway.
Come on, join me on a fantastic journey along my all-time favourite Outback track, which is actually a good dirt road, most of the times.
Read on, and get the information needed to plan a safe journey.

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How to get to the Oodnadatta Track

Coming from the south take the Hawker-Leigh Creek Road that passes by the Flinders Ranges. The bitumen ends in Lyndhurst.

On my last trip to this region a few years ago roadwork was in progress, and locals in Marree told me that the route from Marree to Lyndhurst is going to be sealed very soon. However, although there are a couple of sealed sections between Lyndhurst and Marree now, there are still long stretches of unsealed road. The distance from Lyndhurst to Marree is 79km.

Don't miss the Ochre Pits and the ghost town Farina on your way to Marree.

If you come from the north along the Stuart Highway, there are several ways to reach the Oodnadatta Track.

• The start of the track at Marla is roughly 160 km south of the South Australian border.
• From Cadney Park via the painted desert to Oodnadatta.
• From Coober Pedy goes a track to Oodnadatta and one to William Creek.
• The Borefield Road finally starts in Roxby Downs and meets the track 69km west of Marree, or 135km east of William Creek.
• If you get the chance make a detour to the Painted Desert from Oodnadatta. This is sheer Outback beauty, and truly worth the visit. You can also use the painted desert track for a short cut to Australia's famous opal capital, Coober Pedy.
  
  

Tips to prepare your Oodnadatta Track journey

I've been asked frequently whether a 4WD is needed or if you can tow a caravan along the track. The answer is not easy.
Basically, you can go with a sturdy 2WD car when the road is dry, freshly graded and no rain is expected. However, a 4WD is more convenient and you can do a detour on a track where a 4WD is required.
Don't forget, this is a long journey and conditions can change quickly. A rain shower can make the Oodnadatta Track impassable for a 2WD in a few minutes. The "escape" routes back to the bitumen are also dirt roads.

As for towing, using a small camper trailer for off-road travel is the best thing out there. You will certainly damage your 20ft caravan on the rough road and the frequent creek crossings along the way.

• Never go with a 2WD hired car, you will lose your insurance cover when something happens.
• Have your vehicle checked to be sure it is in best condition.
• Always take plenty of water to be safe for a few days.
• Never leave your car when it breaks down.
• Avoid travelling during the summer months. It will be too hot to do anything else than driving in an air-conditioned car.
• Take your time! Although you can drive the Oodnadatta Track within one (long) day, doing this would be a shame. After all, you are in this remote part of the world to admire nature and history along the way.
  Stay overnight in Marree, William Creek and Oodnadatta, and you'll have plenty time to explore each day.

When you reach Marla on the Stuart Highway, you are back on bitumen, but still in the Outback. You can either go to the Alice Springs and Uluru, or down south to Coober Pedy, Port Augusta and Adelaide.

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Oodnadatta Track -> the route step by step

Don't miss the articles below which give you many more details about the route.

Enjoy this most interesting (and my favourite) track in the South Australian Outback.

Below you'll find articles to help you plan your journey.

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