Australia, Road Trips, South Australia, Travel

Planning to Drive the Oodnadatta Track? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

September 25, 2025

How to Drive the Oodnadatta Track Safely (And What It’s Really Like)

Table of Contents

When I set off from Melbourne on an epic road trip to Coober Pedy, I didn’t plan to tackle the Oodnadatta Track. But like all great outback adventures, plans shift, and curiosity wins.

We ended up diverting off the sealed roads and heading deep into the South Australian outback and I’m so glad we did. But I do wish I had done a little more research.

We didn’t do the whole 620km stretch our journey took us from Marree to William Creek before looping toward Coober Pedy.

But even that short taste (still over 200km) was enough to see why this iconic track is a must for travellers, especially if you’re road-tripping with a 4WD, camping gear, and maybe a little bit of adventure.

Here’s everything I wish I knew before setting off and what I loved (and learned) from our time on the Oodnadatta Track.

⏰ Short on time?

👉 Where we stayed – William Creek Hotel

👉 Find you’re car rental here.

👉 Don’t leave without mobile service. We relied on Starlink and a portable power station to stay connected.

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.

What Is the Oodnadatta Track?

The Oodnadatta Track is a legendary unsealed outback road stretching roughly 620km between Marree and Marla.

It follows the path of the original Ghan Railway and ancient Aboriginal trade routes, weaving through remote desert towns, an outback art installation, surreal landscapes, and hidden hot springs.

You don’t need to be an extreme off-roader to drive it, but preparation is key. Conditions can change fast, there’s no phone reception (we relied on Starlink and a portable power station), and fuel and water stops are limited.

It’s a drive for those chasing red dirt roads, epic night skies, and a real taste of Australia’s heartland.

Route Highlights (Marree to William Creek)

Since we didn’t drive the full track, this guide focuses on the section we completed from Marree to William Creek. But even this shorter stretch gave us a real feel for the wild beauty and isolation the Oodnadatta Track is known for.

Marree

Marree is the starting point for most travellers. It’s where the sealed road ends and the outback track begins. We topped up on fuel, snacks, and got one last bit of signal before heading off.

If you need a place to stay before starting the track, Marree Hotel is a great option. It’s basic but clean, with hearty pub meals and loads of character.

Don’t miss:

The old Ghan Railway station and museum
The massive road trains
A proper counter meal at the pub before you hit the dust

I recommend booking your Marree stay in advance if you’re travelling in high season rooms are limited! View Marree Hotel availability here

Coward Springs (Optional Stop)

We didn’t stay here overnight but popped in for a quick visit. This heritage campground has a spring-fed spa, date palms, and restored railway buildings. If you’re not rushing, it’s a top spot to cool off and even spend the night.

William Creek

This is where we stopped for the night and turned back. William Creek is tiny. We’re talking a pub, a couple of cabins, a campground, and not much else. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in outback charm.

Highlights:

William Creek Hotel – iconic outback pub with rooms, food, and cold beers (you’ll need one after all that red dust)
Scenic flights over Lake Eyre (if the timing works, it’s worth the splurge!)
Campground behind the pub (we stayed here, great vibes, starry skies, and hot showers)

Want to stay in William Creek? Check availability here. It’s one of the only spots with food and fuel between Marree and Oodnadatta, so don’t skip it

Must-Know Safety Tips

Driving the Oodnadatta Track can be challenging and it is remote. Here’s what we did to prepare (and what we learned the hard way).

There’s no phone reception. Bring a satellite phone or Starlink if you’re working on the road like we were
Fuel up often – We filled up in Marree, and again in William Creek. Fuel stops are few and far between
Bring water – At least 5L per person, per day. It gets hot and shade is rare
Drive slowly and watch for corrugations – Especially after rain. Even if the road looks good, one sharp rock or washout can ruin your day
Have recovery gear – Spare tyre, a jack, and a basic tool kit are a must
Let someone know your route – In case you break down