Why you must do the Oodnadatta Track with a caravan in tow

Not all Outback tracks are the same and we reckon the Oodnadatta Track has no equal. At 614km of unsealed road in total, it offers an alternative to the Stuart Highway in or out of the Northern Territory.

Google maps labels it a “long road on an ancient trading route” but we’re calling it one of our favourite dirt adventures in Australia. We hit it about halfway along, travelling 170kms from Coober Pedy to William Creek and 204kms from William Creek to Marree.

We were lucky to have a pretty easy drive. For the most part we found it well maintained and there was loads to see. So here are six reasons you should put the Oodnadatta Track on your travel plans...

There’s nothing quite like doing it in the dirt, although you do need to be fully prepared.

Whether it’s the rush of taking the road less travelled, the wildlife experiences, the adrenaline pumping moments when things don’t quite go to plan, or the sheer remoteness of where you set up camp - we love an Outback track.

What's more, you'll drive through Anna Creek Station - the biggest station in the world - see all the way to the horizon during the day, and a sky full of stars at night. There’s nothing else like it.

The track follows the old Ghan Railway route which back in the day was built to follow the Mound Springs (aka water) from Alice Springs to Adelaide. It’s absolutely fascinating seeing all the disused bridges, railway sidings and towns just abandoned out there.

It’s also easy to feel empathy for these places and the people that built them up - only to fall victims of a change in times and technological advancements.

I mentioned it already but the trading route was built out here for a reason: it follows water. The bubbling water of ‘the Bubbler’ and ‘Blanche’s Cup’ in the middle of barren plains... mind boggling!

We camped at Coward Springs; a literal oasis in the centre of nowhere. It has a natural spa coming out of the Springs and is actually an operating date farm with loads of homemade date baked goodies on offer. The Afghan cameleers actually planted the first palms!

We're not alone in being absolutely partial to a good ol' Outback pub, and the Oodnadatta has plenty of them. Having only done the southern end, we lapped up some schooners (or pints as they’re called in South Australia) at the William Creek Hotel and Marree Hotel. Both offer meals and camping sites with William Creek’s even allowing fires in the unpowered section.

And there’s history in the pubs too, with Marree established in 1883 and William Creek being the site of the community’s Royal Flying Doctor Service Clinic. What’s not to love about to kicking back after a day bumping around on the road?

So close but so far... we're talking about Australia’s largest lake, Lake Eyre. William Creek is the closest accommodation to take a drive out, but the Oodnadatta actually takes you right to the southern viewing point. Or better yet – jump on a plane. A truly stunning sight no matter your vantage point.

Mutonia Sculpture Park needs to be seen to be believed. What is essentially ‘trash’ has been turned into a curiosity of sculptures on a remote horizon. Stop off, stretch your legs and enjoy this weird gallery.

Possibly even weirder is the very busy airport at William Creek. With planes heading out for scenic flights over Lake Eyre regularly, you should be able to witness them taxing across the Oodnadatta track itself. Out here a Giveway sign is not just for pedestrians… but also planes!

While there are sure to be plenty of others, I’ll finish the list on the famous ‘feral feed’ a little further south in Parachilna. After finishing the dirt in Marree we headed straight into the Flinders Ranges and the Prairie Hotel – famous for cooking up 'road kill' and serving it gourmet style… emu rissoles, camel sausage and kangaroo steak. The perfect conclusion to our Outback adventure.

If I haven’t convinced you yet then hopefully our pictures will. The Outback is a truly special place and if you’re going north or south through the guts then why not consider an off-road adventure to mix it up. Travel safe and enjoy.