Oodnadatta Track
Following the old Ghan through endless red dirt
The Oodnadatta Track shadows the abandoned Ghan railway line across 383 miles of South Australia’s red center, where rusted rails and crumbling stone bridges tell the story of a railway that couldn’t survive the outback’s relentless heat and flooding rains. This unsealed heritage route from Marree to Marla cuts through country so remote that the nearest neighbors are measured in hundreds of miles, not houses down the street.
Any high-clearance 2WD can handle the Oodnadatta’s corrugated dirt surface, though the washouts and creek crossings after rain will test your ground clearance and nerve. The track climbs a modest 1,640 feet over its length, topping out at just over 1,100 feet—this isn’t mountain driving, it’s desert endurance. Plan three to four days for the full run, carrying enough fuel for 400-plus miles and water for twice as long as you think you’ll need. The track passes through tiny settlements like Oodnadatta and William Creek, but don’t count on services—stock up in Marree before you head out. April through October offers the best conditions; summer here will cook you and your rig.
Historic ruins punctuate the endless red dirt—old Ghan stations, bore wells, and the famous Algebuckina Bridge, a 600-foot stone testament to railway ambition that outlasted the trains by decades. Water crossings appear without warning, some seasonal, others permanent reminders that this country floods hard when it decides to rain. Cell service disappears at Marree and doesn’t return until Marla, leaving you alone with the biggest sky in Australia and camping wherever you can find shade.
The Oodnadatta Track delivers what Australia’s outback promises: isolation, history written in rust and stone, and enough red dirt to coat everything you own. You’ll earn every mile of this heritage route, but you’ll understand why the early explorers and railway builders kept pushing deeper into this unforgiving country. It’s not pretty in any conventional sense—it’s honest, brutal, and unforgettable.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 383 mi / 617 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1148 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD minimum |
| Nearest town | Marree, South Australia |
| Land manager | Department for Infrastructure and Transport SA |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | exploroz.com |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock HiLux or high-clearance 2WD handle the Oodnadatta Track?
Yes, high-clearance 2WD is the stated minimum and most of the track is passable in dry conditions without 4WD. That said, after rain the clay sections turn greasy fast — if weather is uncertain, 4WD capability is worth having.
Is the track open in summer or should I avoid it?
Avoid December through March. Temperatures regularly exceed 45°C (113°F), water sources dry up, and a breakdown out there in summer heat is genuinely life-threatening. April to October is the window — cooler, firmer ground, safer.
Do I need a permit to drive the Oodnadatta Track?
No permit required to drive the track itself — it's a public road managed by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport SA. Some surrounding pastoral stations are private land, so stay on the track and designated stops unless you have permission.
What's the hardest section and what should I expect?
The roughest going is typically the corrugations — relentless, bone-jarring washboard that beats vehicles and gear over hundreds of kilometers. There are no dramatic rock obstacles, but tyre damage from sharp gibber stones and corrugation fatigue are the real threats. Slow down, check tyre pressure before you start, and inspect your kit at each stop.
How much fuel do I need to carry, and is there water along the route?
Fuel is available at Marree, William Creek (617 km between Marree and Marla roughly), and Oodnadatta — but supplies are limited and prices are steep, so carry enough for at least 500 km range as a buffer. Water is scarce and unreliable between towns; carry a minimum of 10 liters per person per day and treat any bore water before drinking.
Trail track
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