South Australia
Oodnadatta TrackA great starting place for drivers wanting to head off-road and explore Australia's outback. The Oodnadatta Track is 620 kilometres of pure adventure, lined with unsealed roads and bumpy corrugations.Experience one of the country’s finest outback adventures along the Oodnadatta Track in northern South Australia and discover authentic outback hospitality, fascinating pioneering history and a true desert road trip. One of the greatest outback experiences in the country, the Oodnadatta Track traverses semi-desert country in northern South Australia, and is rich with history, culture and adventure. This iconic outback drive traces an Aboriginal trading route and was used by explorers such as John McDouall Stuart in the 19th century.
Spanning 620 kilometres of unsealed road between Marree and Marla, it passes through the tiny outback settlements of William Creek and Oodnadatta, skirting Lake Eyre and Australia’s largest station (at nearly two million acres) on its way. The bumpy corrugations, natural potholes and rocky patches in the road add to the experience, but for the most part it is a wide and smooth red-earth track.
Numerous artesian springs and waterholes lie along the track, supplying those who live above the Great Artesian Basin with water. This availability of water led to the track being chosen for the steam-powered Great Australian Railway and the original Ghan route, remains of which feature along the journey, as do relics of the Overland Telegraph Line, which was erected between 1870 and 1872.
Today the Oodnadatta Track is mainly a tourist destination, providing the ultimate in outback adventure. Under a big blue sky, this golden track opens a window to the past and gives a real sense of outback history.
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Drive the Oodnadatta Track
Experience one of the country’s finest outback adventures along the Oodnadatta Track in northern South Australia and discover authentic outback hospitality, fascinating pioneering history and a true desert road trip.
One of the greatest outback experiences in the country, the Oodnadatta Track traverses semi-desert country in northern South Australia and is rich with history, culture and adventure. This iconic outback drive traces an Aboriginal trading route and was used by explorers such as John McDouall Stuart in the 19th century.
Spanning 620 kilometres of unsealed road between Marree and Marla, it passes through the tiny outback settlements of William Creek and Oodnadatta, skirting Lake Eyre and Australia’s largest station (at nearly two million acres) on its way. The bumpy corrugations, natural potholes and rocky patches in the road add to the experience, but for the most part, it is a wide and smooth red-earth track.
Numerous artesian springs and waterholes lie along the track, supplying those who live above the Great Artesian Basin with water. This availability of water led to the track being chosen for the steam-powered Great Australian Railway and the original Ghan route remains of which feature along the journey, as do relics of the Overland Telegraph Line, which was erected between 1870 and 1872.
Today the Oodnadatta Track is mainly a tourist destination, providing the ultimate in outback adventure. Under a big blue sky, this golden track opens a window to the past and gives a real sense of outback history.
Marree Hotel
The Award-winning historic Marree Hotel is one of Australia's classic outback hotels. Built-in 1883 the two storeys solid stone structure is a 'Gold' Tourism Award winner for Best Standard Accommodation, South Australia, in 2017, and won 'Bronze' for the best in Australia.
The hotel offers superior outback accommodation with 28 ensuite cabins and 12 traditional hotel rooms (with shared facilities). Excellent food in the museum dining rooms and the coldest beer on tap - all on the fringe of the Simpson Desert and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre - the gateway to the deserts in the far north. Hundreds of photographs, two museums and tourist information, visit the Marree Hotel an enjoyable and informative experience.
Visit the Tom Kruse and John McDouall Stuart museums. Take to the skies with a scenic flight over the world's largest work of art - The Marree Man - and take in the kaleidoscope of colours that highlight one of the most unique natural saltwater systems on the planet - Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. The Marree Hotel is located at the junction of the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks, an easy day's drive from Adelaide along the fringe of the magnificent Flinders Ranges.
Lake Eyre Tours
Lake Eyre Tours specialises in tours that bring you face to face with Australia’s most fascinating destinations, people and awe-inspiring wildlife.
Lake Eyre Tours offers three and four-day tours, encompassing iconic locations including Coober Pedy, Innaminka, Birdsville and the Flinders Ranges. Alternatively, Tom can tailor a journey to suit your needs.