Riding the Oodnadatta track takes in 620 km of well maintained tracks between Marree and Marla. It’s one of the easier outback routes to traverse and offers diverse scenery, as well as a number of historical and cultural sites. The road follows an ancient Aborigine trading route, passing numerous springs. In later years the overland telegraph line and the Old Ghan railway line also took this route. Relics of this busy past can still be seen dotted along the route. Riders are also rewarded with a number of natural sites, land forms and natural mound springs.
Planning your ride on the Oodnadatta Track
The route can be accessed from either end fairly easily. The Stuart Highway at Marla exits directly onto the track, while in Marree you can join it from either the Birdsville track or the Outback Highway.
Road surface
The majority of the Oodnadatta Track is a well maintained, all season graded dirt road, wide enough to travel comfortably. Despite being well travelled, corrugations are not normally too bad. Two wheel drives can handle the road in dry conditions, as can the majority of road bikes. It can get slippery in wet weather and sand can blow onto the track. Some of the detour tracks to various sights, such as Kati Thanda lake, are less maintained and can be sandy.
Traffic
A number of 4×4 tours operate along the track and it’s a popular route for outback explorers. As such it can become busy during school holidays (June/July). Expect a variety of vehicles however, as many normal cars make the journey, as well as caravans and trailers.
Fuel
Fuel is readily available at Marree, William Creek, Oodnadatta and Marla. These towns are located at around 200 km intervals, so spare fuel isn’t necessary. Take care when taking detours however and monitor your fuel.
Accommodation
A minimum of two days are recommended to enjoy this route and save rushing, though if you have the time it’s worth spending a week or so. There are a number of campsites dotted along the route, some of which are free. These are generally located at points of interest, such as Coward Springs. Rooms are available at The Pink Roadhouse in Oodnadatta and the roadhouses in Marree and Marla.
Food and drink
Hot meals and supplies can be bought at the roadhouses along the Oodnadatta Track. Look out for the Oodnaburger at The Pink Roadhouse in Oodnadatta. It’s worth packing some food for picnics and emergencies, though supplies aren’t hard to come by. Marree has several stores, supermarkets and a pub.
Weather considerations
While this is an all season road, it’s unbearably hot between November and March. To avoid the hottest weather and the crowds aim for April, May, August or September. Rain can occur at any time of the year and can cause the road to become slippery and dangerous. Keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Sights
One of the main attractions on the Oodnadatta Track is the side trip to Australia’s largest saltwater lake, Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre national park. A permit is required to access the national park. This can be obtained from Marree or William Creek. The scenery here is bizarre and devoid of life the closer you get to the lake. Reminiscent of the surface of the moon, the salt crust of the lake and the barren landscape is a strange sight to behold. The conditions here are extreme and can be deadly after prolonged exposure so don’t stay too long. Also, don’t ride onto the salt crust as you’re likely to sink into the soft mud and lose your bike forever. Other sights of interest are listed below.
The Bubbler and Blanche Cup
Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park
Alberrie Creek
Strangways Springs
Various railway line ruins
