Oodnadatta, SA
620.0 km (48 hrs )
★★★★☆

The Oodnadatta Track is one of Australia's iconic outback 4WD tracks. The 620 km track stretching from Marla in the north of South Australia to Maree in the south, closely follows the original route of the Ghan Railway. Built during the age of steam locomotives, the old Ghan Railway necessarily followed water sources, which however, were prone to flooding. The railway was closed in 1980 when a new alignment was built further to the west. Former railway stations, sidings, fettler's cottages and other railway infrastructure provide a fascinating insight to this important transport link.

The Oodnadatta Track was of a good standard when I travelled its length with my brother and friend, even after the recent rains. We were in fact the first to drive the road after it had reopened in the summer of 2017. There was much to see along the way, especially the railway history that was of great interest to my brother, but also the unique features of the outback including Lake Eyre and the mound springs. We took two days to drive the track, stopping overnight for air conditioned comfort at the Pink Roadhouse in Oodnadatta. You could easily spend much longer as there is much to see along the way.