Oodnadatta Track
About this track
The Oodnadatta Track is a 620 km remote outback route across the stark, salt-lake country of South Australia's interior. Following the route of the old Ghan railway and Overland Telegraph, it connects Marree to Oodnadatta via William Creek, cutting through the heart of the Lake Eyre basin with minimal services. Graded easy 4WD but genuinely remote, it suits experienced drivers comfortable with isolation and self-reliance. The track is iconic for its raw outback character, historical relics and mound springs—a genuine long-distance desert crossing without technical difficulty.
Highlights
- Lake Eyre views and salt-lake country landscape
- Historic Overland Telegraph Line and old Ghan railway alignment
- Mound springs and natural thermal features
- William Creek pub—last reliable shelter mid-track
- Remote, low-traffic driving across stark red earth
- Corrugations demand steady pace and suspension care
What to expect
Formed dirt road, well-graded but heavily corrugated in sections. Terrain is flat to gently undulating; no technical jumps or creek crossings, but alkali dust, heat reflection and glare are constant. The landscape is bleached, treeless and hypnotic—expect long hours of straight-line driving with minimal shade. No fuel or water between towns; total remoteness once you commit. Most vehicles manage it in the dry season, though corrugations reward high-clearance and good suspension.
Permits, prep & good to know
- Permits: No — confirm current details before you go.
- Surface / hazards: Moderate.
- Remoteness: High — travel self-sufficient, ideally in convoy.
- Carry an EPIRB or satellite communicator, recovery gear, extra fuel and water.
No permits required. Travel April–October; November–March is dangerous (extreme heat, flash-flood risk in low areas). Carry 60+ litres of fuel and 40+ litres of drinking water; confirm current fuel availability at Marree, William Creek and Oodnadatta before departure. Mobile coverage is patchy—carry a UHF and EPIRB for safety. Travel in convoy if possible. Tyre pressures and recovery gear essential; the isolation is real. Leave no trace, respect Aboriginal country, and notify someone of your itinerary.