The Oodnadatta Track, also known as the ‘Oodna’ Track’, is a well know outback route that follows the Old Ghan railway line towards Alice Springs. This was the route for 19th century explorers such as John McDouall Stuart. The track follows an old Aboriginal trading route, that passes through semi arid desert country, disused railway sidings and other ruins, and passing artesian springs and waterholes along the way.

Today, it provides a holiday route for many tourists, eager for some history, adventure and a taste of the outback.

The township of Oodnadatta is an historic centre that was once a crossroad thronged with drovers, cameleers, goldminers and Aboriginal people, that became even more of a hub when the transcontinental railway started its construction in 1891. Until it was completed in 1929, all the mail, freight and travellers were transhipped six days on camelback to Alice Springs.

The Oodnadatta Track officially starts from Marree in the south or Marla in the north. Some maps show it starting from Lyndhurst, south of Marree, whilst many travellers make Leigh Creek and Copley as their staring point. Following are points of interest along the Oodnadatta Track.

It is an easy drive, with camping facilities at Coward Springs and the pub at William Creek. Stretching 615 km from Marree in the south, to Marla in the north, you can take the Stuart Highway down to Coober Pedy and either follow the route back up to Oodnadatta or pass Anna Creek to William Creek. The road is unsealed with sandy patches that can become impassable after rain.

You can also make Marree/Oodnadatta the departure point for crossing the Simpson Desert and visiting the Witjira National Park, the road closely follows the route of Charles Todd’s Overland Telegraph Line which ran from Port Augusta to Darwin.

Near William Creek, there’s a detour to Lake Eyre North, a massive salt lake that fills up about every 100 years. Travellers should sought advice and the condition of the track before tackling it. The Oodnadatta Track is also home to Anna Creek Station, the worlds largest cattle station covering some 34,000 sq km (6 million acres) and belonging to the Kidman group of properties. The next largest cattle station is in the Northern Territory Alexandria Station at 8000 sq km. The largest cattle property in the USA is small in comparison at only 3,000 sq km.

Oodnadatta is an aboriginal word meaning ‘blossom of the mulga’.

When you’re travelling the track make sure you’re well prepared.

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