Oodnadatta Track — Marree to Marla via the Old Ghan Railway Corridor and Lake Eyre Basin
Dead railway, live desert, zero apologies.
The Oodnadatta Track follows the route of the old Ghan railway — the line that was abandoned in 1980 after decades of being swallowed by floodwaters from the Lake Eyre basin. From Marree the track runs north-west through Farina (a ghost town still being partly excavated by volunteers), past William Creek — population 12, give or take a few passing overlanders — and on to the Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta before finally hitting the Stuart Highway near Marla. Along the way you pass mound springs built by the Great Artesian Basin pushing boiling water up through desert sand — some of these springs have been running continuously for tens of thousands of years and were the only reliable water on the old Overland Telegraph Line route.
Dry conditions make most of this track manageable in a high-clearance 2WD, but don’t be fooled: the Lake Eyre basin floods fast and without warning, closing the track for days or weeks. A proper 4WD gives you options when conditions deteriorate. Carry at least 200 litres of fuel and water for multiple days — William Creek and Oodnadatta have fuel but prices reflect the freight distance. The Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta is genuinely one of the best outback institutions in Australia; talk to Lynnie before you push on. Best season is April to October when temperatures are survivable and flood risk drops.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 373 mi / 600 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1200 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD recommended; high-clearance 2WD possible in dry conditions |
| Nearest town | Marree, South Australia |
| Land manager | South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport / Local Government Areas |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | South Australia Tourism – Oodnadatta Track SA DIT Road Conditions – Oodnadatta Track |
| 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 Patrol handle the Oodnadatta Track, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD is fine in dry conditions — the track is mostly graded dirt and gravel, not technical rock. A 2WD with decent clearance can manage it when dry, but one unexpected rain event turns sections into impassable bog, so 4WD is the real-world standard. Run decent all-terrain tyres and carry two full-size spares minimum.
When is the Oodnadatta Track actually open, and what closes it?
April through October is the reliable window — mild temps, low rain. Summer (November–March) brings extreme heat pushing 50°C and monsoon rain that floods the Lake Eyre Basin catchments fast, closing the track for days or weeks at a time. Always check SA DIT road conditions before you leave Marree — it can close with zero notice.
Do I need a permit to drive the Oodnadatta Track or camp along it?
No permit required for the track itself — it's a public road managed by SA DIT and local councils. Dispersed camping is legal along most of the corridor, but some areas near Aboriginal lands have access restrictions, so check current notices before you travel. No fees to enter or camp on the open track.
What's the hardest part of the route and what should I actually expect?
There's no single gnarly obstacle — the difficulty is cumulative: corrugations, soft sandy sections near dry creek crossings, and the psychological grind of 600km with almost no services. The stretch between William Creek and Oodnadatta is the most remote and the least forgiving if something goes wrong. Slow down on the corrugations or you'll shake bolts loose and shred tyres.
How much fuel do I need to carry, and are there any reliable fuel stops along the route?
There are three fuel stops — Marree (start), William Creek (~200km in), and Oodnadatta (~400km in) — but hours are limited, stock runs out, and card readers fail in the heat. Carry enough fuel to cover 400km self-sufficient as a baseline. Water is equally critical: fill every chance you get and budget at least 10 litres per person per day in warm conditions.
Trail track
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