Here we go! We have just left the Flinders Ranges and now we are en-route to Mt Dare! Last year we started the Oonadatta track from Marla however we had car troubles and only made it the Old Ghan Bridge.
This time we were more prepared for our endeavour. We stopped in at the most iconic spots along the track, our favourite being Coward Springs and the Old Ghan Bridge.
Starting at Marree (the southern end of the track) means you start in an iconic outback town - the site where both the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks begin.
There’s quite a bit to see at Marree
The Blitz Truck that belonged to the famous Birdsville Track Mailman, Tom Kruse
Grab a beer, a bite to eat, or stay overnight at the famous Marree Hotel
Historic Hergott Springs (just outside of the town)
The famous Marree Hotel: make sure you have a beer!
When you get to Coward Springs, stop and take a swim or should that be bath in the hot tub? (Yes, it really is a spring-fed hot tub, but there’s only room for 5 or 6 people).
Coward Springs is a popular campground, located next to a natural wetland and nestled beneath a grove of massive Athel Pines. Oh and for travellers with Optus cover it has its very own tower.
Coward Springs Campground
The campground can get busy here, but whenever we’ve stayed, we’ve always been able to find a place to camp a little away from others.
The current fees for the campground (2018) are $12.50 per adult, with children half price.
As well as the hot tub, Coward Springs has showers and toilets, camel tours (during winter), a small museum and several walks. If you’re into birdwatching then it’s a must!
The Bubbler
It will only take you a few minutes to drive out to these unique springs from the main track, and they’re well worth a look. They are hugely important water sources for the fragile ecosystem in this area, and were used by Arabana (Aboriginal) people for several thousand years.
The Bubbler is a great little spring that does exactly what it says bubbles but not quite as you’d expect.
Heading north again up the Oodnadatta Track, you’ll come to Beresford Siding, another of the old Ghan railway stops.
Beresford has a few things to look at. The prominent tower that’s pictured below was used for the desalination of artesian water which was used in the steam trains. Also, there are the ruins of the fettlers’ cottages to explore, a flowing bore and a tree-lined dam.
William Creek is the next stop along the way.
It’s most famous for its pub, where you can also get fuel, meals, ‘donga’ style accommodation and book flights over Lake Eyre.
At the very least, have a drink at the bar! It too has Optus cover
There’s a campground across the road from the pub (you can’t miss it - there is nothing else in William Creek!)
Heading north again, you’ll come to one of the best known sites on the Oodnadatta Track, and what is probably Australia’s most photographed railway bridge: Algebuckina.
The Algebuckina rail bridge is the longest in South Australia, at 578 metres in length.
Algebuckina is located on the Neale River, and there’s a series of permanent waterholes here, which make it fabulous place to camp.
Whilst many people camp right near the bridge, if you want something a little quieter, head back to the Oodnadatta Track and right across the road, on the eastern side of the track, you’ll find some Pink Roadhouse signs and a gate.
Follow these to a much quieter camping area, which is on the banks of another waterhole.
The drive north from Algebuckina to Oodnadatta is probably the worst section of the track, as there’s a lot of corrugations, some bulldust ruts and a series of sharp bends. They have been working to repair this lately.
Be very careful driving these bends. Several tourists have died on this stretch this of road, as they were simply travelling too fast.
Before you reach Oodnadatta, you’ll pass the Mt Dutton lookout and ruins. Mt Dutton was another of the sidings on the Ghan Railway. These ruins are on private station property, so if you visit them, please leave them as they are.
Oodnadatta. At last, you’ve reached the little town for which the track was named!
As well as food, fuel, automotive repairs, grocery items and tourist information, the Pink Roadhouse has basic accommodation and camping as well. Guess what? It also has Optus cover.
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Негізгі бет The Real Outback - Oodnadatta Track (Leigh Creek to Mt Dare). Ep.47 ROADTRIP AUSTRALIA
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