Oodnadatta
Town
Population 277
Oodnadatta is a gutsy outback town on the legendary Oodnadatta Track. It was once a major railway town, but the line's closure in 1981 left it largely deserted. Local Aboriginal people have successfully kept the town operating since then. Today many travellers use it to refuel and gather supplies before heading out to the major desert parks to the north. It is believed that the name Oodnadatta originated from an Aboriginal term meaning 'yellow blossom of the mulga'.
Visitor Information
Pink Roadhouse, Ikaturka Tce;
(08) 8670 7822 or 1800 802 074
Nearby national parks
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Witjira and Simpson Desert National Park
These neighbouring desert parks are striking in their diversity: in the west is the largest collection of artesian springs in Australia,...more -
Lake Eyre National Park
Lake Eyre National Park encircles a desolate landscape of saltpans and waterless tracts of red desert. On rare occasions, the generally dry...more
Nearby towns
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Coober Pedy
On 1 February 1915 a group of gold prospectors discovered opal in the area surrounding Coober Pedy. It was to become the biggest opal field...more
In Town
Pink Roadhouse: a town icon, and also the place to go for information on local road conditions and outback travel advice; Ikaturka Tce. Railway Station Museum: well-preserved sandstone station (1890), now a local museum; key available from roadhouse.
Nearby
Witjira National Park This arid park is famous for the Dalhousie Springs. These thermal springs emerge from the Great Artesian Basin deep below the surface and are said to be therapeutic (visitors can swim in the main spring). They are also a habitat for many fish species that can adapt to the changing water conditions. A Desert Parks Pass is required; they are available from Mt Dare Homestead (which has fuel and supplies), the Pink Roadhouse or Parks SA (1800 816 078); 180 km N. Oodnadatta Track: runs from Marree (404 km SE) through Oodnadatta and joins the Stuart Hwy at Marla (212 km NW); see Marree. Neales River: swim in permanent waterholes. The Painted Desert: superb desert scenery of richly coloured hills; 100 km SW. Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve: 4WD tracks across enormous dune desert east of Witjira. Travellers must be totally self-sufficient; details from visitor centre.
Campsites around town
Goorikiana Creek camping area (bush camping) 65 km
Self-sufficient bush camping beside Goorikiana Creek is 7 km east of the famous Painted Desert, a stark yet vividly hued landscape beloved by photographers and painters. Signposted access is provided along... Find out more3 O’Clock Creek camping area 121 km
Relaxed self-sufficient camping is provided 10 km west of Dalhousie Springs; it’s a handy alternative if sites at the springs are busy. Access is via Mt Dare–Dalhousie Springs Rd. Firewood collection is... Find out moreDalhousie Springs camping area 125 km
You’ll find this camping area for self-sufficient campers on the Purni Bore Access Rd, 180 km north of Oodnadatta via Pedirka Siding and 71 km south-east of Mount Dare. A swim in the warm (38–43°C) waters... Find out morePurni Bore camping area 154 km
This artificial bore on the threshold of the Simpson has created a wetlands busy with birdlife. It’s situated at the start of the French Line, 70 km east of Dalhousie Springs and 363 km west of Birdsville. You need... Find out moreMount Dare Homestead camping area 165 km
With the pub nearby, and fuel and food available (but bring your own wood), this is a handy supply stop for outback travellers. It is 250 km north of Oodnadatta via the Oodnadatta–Witjira National Park Rd. Bookings... Find out moreWilliam Creek Campground 174 km
Basic camping is offered across the road from the pub in this tiny settlement on the old Ghan Line. A popular lift-off point for scenic flights over Lake Eyre, it’s 204 km west of Marree and halfway to Oodnadatta.... Find out moreWilliam Creek Hotel camping area 174 km
Dating from 1887 William Creek’s classic timber-and-iron hotel is an SA outback legend – with an interior like no other. The camping area is tucked among scattered trees in the grounds behind the pub; bring... Find out moreMarla Travellers Rest 183 km
A sprawling roadhouse-cum-motel and caravan park, this traveller hub is 233 km north of Coober Pedy on the busy junction of the Oodnadatta Track and Stuart Hwy.... Find out moreHalligan Point camping area 184 km
The only designated camping area on the lake rim has sites along the western shores of Halligan Point, 71 km east of William Creek. A great place to birdwatch, relax and absorb the dazzling white open spaces. Access is... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Oasis Tourist Park 175 km
Located at the eastern end of the main street, this is a well-established, good quality park with a range of features, including an indoor pool. The park owners also offer opal mine tours. Water is a scarce commodity in... Find out moreOpal Inn Caravan Park 176 km
This centrally located park is part of a large hotel complex. It is ideally suited to tourists, has good clean facilities and is within easy walking distance of the shopping centre. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreStuart Range Caravan Park 177 km
Located close to the Stuart Highway, this spacious park has good facilities and a range of accommodation. The shower blocks now boast granite benchtops. We recommend the park’s pizza bar for those who enjoy pizza.... Find out moreRest areas around town
Mathesons Bore Rest Area 150 km
111 km N of Coober Pedy (L) or 41 km S of Cadney (R) Large secluded area well off the highway in the scrub. GPS: S28 15.486 E134 09.258... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Races and gymkhana: May.
Bronco Branding: July.
