Quilters Ruins is about 42 kilometres northwest of William Creek and makes for a great overnight campsite if you want to get away from the main track. The old railway ruins give the place a bit of character and it’s usually pretty quiet.

Quilters Ruins Campsite Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -28.632512°, 135.891761°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 260km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 145km
Distance From Marla: 399km

Quilters Ruins Campsite Oodnadatta Track

Getting There

Heading north from William Creek on the Oodnadatta Track at about the 42km mark look for the old cattle yards on your left – that’s your turnoff. You can’t really miss them, they’re the only thing around there. Follow the track behind the yards heading southwest until you hit a T-junction then turn right. Ruins are straight ahead from there.

Road in is good – we’ve seen plenty of larger rigs make it in without any drama. Takes about five minutes from the turnoff to reach the campsite. Track’s well formed and rarely gives anyone trouble.

The Ruins At Quilters Ruins

The ruins are what’s left of the old Boorthanna Fettlers Cottage and railway sidings. Built in 1890 then used until 1926 when they closed this section of the line. Fettlers were the blokes who maintained the track – pretty tough job out here in those days. Ruins are in reasonable condition and worth having a look around.

Camping At Quilters Ruins

Quilters Ruins is your typical Oodnadatta Track bush camp setup. No facilities whatsoever – no toilets, no water, no bins. You’ll need to bring everything in and take everything out. Dogs are allowed but keep them under control.

You’ll usually have the place to yourself. Good spot for a campfire if you’ve brought wood – none lying around.

Access And Conditions

The track in is suitable for most caravans and camper trailers. We’ve seen 22-footers get in without any issues. Ground’s generally firm and level areas are easy to find for setting up.

If you overshoot the cattle yards and hit the old railway line cross it and turn right – you’ll loop back to the ruins that way.

What To Bring

Everything. Water, food, firewood if you want a fire and something to take your rubbish away in. It’s a fair way from anywhere so don’t count on being able to duck out for a bottle of milk or a hamburger.

Big Flat Camping Area Quilters Ruins Oodnadatta Track

Our Assessment Of Quilters Ruins

Good overnight stop if you want somewhere quiet with a bit of history. Easy access, plenty of space, and you’ll usually have it to yourself. Just come prepared and don’t expect any luxuries. The ruins are interesting enough for a wander around and the sunsets make it worthwhile. Worth staying if you’re not in a hurry and want to get back in off the track for a night.

We’ve stayed at Stuart Creek a few times and it’s been a great campsite. Free camping just off the Oodnadatta Track and it’s usually quiet which is a hard thing to find these days.

Stuart Creek Stay Campsite Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.489504°, 137.076053°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 102km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 303km
Distance From Marla: 557km

Finding It

Turn off just before the concrete causeway – you can’t miss it if you’re paying attention. Track’s normally fine but turns into a real mess when it’s been raining. Saw a big motorhome get through last time we were there but he was taking it pretty easy.

Stuart Creek Campsite Oodnadatta Track

The Camp

• Big open area, well away from the road so you won’t hear anything going past overnight.
• Creek runs along one side but it’s dry more often than not.
• When there’s water in the creek it’s good for the birds – have seen heaps of zebra finches and some other small stuff we couldn’t identify.
• Usually pretty quiet. Sometimes you’ll have it completely to yourself, other times there might be another group or two but there’s so much space that it doesn’t matter.

Facilities At The Stuart Creek Stay Campsite

• There are no facilities here. There are no toilets, bins or water so plan accordingly.
• Bit of dead timber in the creek bed for fires but that’s about it. Don’t go cutting anything off trees whether they look dead or not – rangers don’t appreciate that sort of thing and you won’t enjoy the fine.
• No shade either, which makes summer pretty unpleasant. Even in winter you’ll want a decent hat during the day.

What’s Not To Like

• Flies are terrible when there’s no breeze. Had to eat dinner inside the caravan one evening because they were driving us mad.
• Track gets boggy after rain. Wouldn’t attempt it in a 2WD if it’s been wet recently.
• Toilet paper gets dug up by animals and scattered everywhere if you bury it. Either burn it or take it with you.

Our Take On The Stuart Creek Stay Campsite On The Oodnadatta Track

Handy spot when everywhere else is full but it’s actually pretty good in its own right. Easy to get to, plenty of room, proper outback feel without the hassle of difficult tracks. Just bring everything you need and don’t leave a mess for the next people.

Us Camping On The Oodnadatta Track

Warriner Creek is about 20km north of Coward Springs and makes for a good overnight campsite. The old Ghan railway bridge crosses here and you can camp either side of the creek, though each side has its pros and cons.

Warriner Creek Ghan Rail Bridge Camp Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.139629°, 136.566467°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 169km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 236km
Distance From Marla: 490km

Where To Set Up

• South side has these massive sand dunes that look spectacular but the ground’s pretty soft and sandy. There are some bulldust holes and it’s easy to get bogged if you don’t know what you’re doing. We tried it once with the caravan and had to use the Maxtrax a couple of times to get ourselves out.
• North side’s much more sensible if you’ve got a caravan. Ground’s firmer and access is straightforward. Most people with caravans stick to this side.

Warriner Creek Location On Google Earth

What To Expect

Warriner Bridge makes for great photos, especially when the sun’s going down.The creek sometimes has water which brings in plenty of birds – we’ve seen stilts and avocets when there’s been a decent flow. We aren’t bird experts by any means however Google Photos lookup makes it sound like we are. You’ll maybe even hear dingoes at night although it’s unlikely you’ll see them. Sometimes they come close to camp but they’ve never been noted as a problem.

Space isn’t an issue. Often you’ll have the place to yourself or maybe one other group at most. It’s big enough that you’re not camping in each other’s pockets.

Things To Be Careful Of When Camping at Warriner Bridge

• Depending upon the season and recent rain there can be little yellow flowers are everywhere – they’ve got nasty prickles underneath. Made that mistake in my double pluggers and paid for it. Stick to proper boots.
• Flies can be a menace when the wind drops. Flynets essential unless you enjoy being driven mental.
• Don’t trust the ground even when it looks solid. Test spots before you drive on them. Sand dunes might look inviting but they’ll catch you out quick smart.
• Can get pretty windy and there’s no shelter.

Basics

• Quite a bit of firewood lying around. Scrape out a fire pit and make sure it’s completely out when you’re done.
• No facilities so bring everything you need. Pack out all your rubbish and don’t leave toilet paper around – nobody wants to see that.

Warriner Creek Bridge Campsite

Warriner Creek Ghan Rail Bridge Camp Summary

Warriner Creek Ghan Rail Bridge campsite is a good spot for a night if you want somewhere quiet with great views. Drive carefully (plan ahead) so that you don’t get bogged. The old bridge is well worth a look.

Algebuckina Waterhole sits about halfway along the Oodnadatta Track and makes for a decent campsite if you want to be near water. The Algebuckina Bridge campsite across the road is the more popular option but the waterhole campsite is more than worthy of consideration.

Algebuckina Waterhole (The Peake) Campsite Location And Info At A Glance

This is on the opposite side of the Oodnadatta Track to the Algebuckina Bridge. This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Pet Friendly: Yes
Location: -27.897280°, 135.821374°
Distance From Marree: 349km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 58km
Distance From Marla: 312km

Algebuckina Waterhole (The Peake) Campsite On Google Earth

Getting Into The Algebuckina Waterhole Campsite

Turn east off the main track, opposite the bridge turnoff. Go through the first gate (close it behind you) and follow the track left before the second gate. Takes you down to the waterhole. Track’s not too rough but you’ll want 4WD especially if it’s been wet. There’s room to turn around at the end. Last time Amanda and I were there we managed to pick up a puncture on the caravan on our way out. It looked to be caused by a thin flinty looking rock that was very sharp – the hole was easily plugged at the next campsite.

Jayco All Terrain Algebuckina Waterhole Flat Bloody Tyre

The Algebuckina Waterhole Campsite

Best spots are right on the bank. Water views and you can see the bridge. Usually pretty quiet – sometimes you’ll have it to yourself other times there might be a few other campers around. Lots of birds, pelicans, cormorants – all the usual suspects. We heard dingoes once during the night but they stayed well away and we never saw them.

Practicalities

• Water’s swimmable but muddy. Bottom’s pretty soft and squishy. Refreshing on a hot day though.
• Fires are okay but bring your own wood – there’s bugger all lying around. Use the existing fire pits if you can.
• Room for maybe 4-5 vans along the water – more if you go back a bit. Track can be narrow in spots so watch for oncoming traffic. Soft ground – easier to reverse in than try turning around for some spots.

What To Bring

• Everything. No facilities at all. Water, food, rubbish bags.
• Fly nets are essential when the wind drops. Mosquitoes can be bad depending on the season.
• Close gates behind you.
• If you want to have a fires bring your own firewood.
• Worth exploring past the obvious camping area – some quieter spots further in.

Bottom Line

Algebuckina Waterhole (The Peake) is a good spot for a night or two. It’s quiet with lots of birds around. There’s also bit of history nearby with the bridge. Come prepared for flies and mozzies.

The Bridge Ruins Campsite at Callana is a great overnight stop on the Oodnadatta Track. If you’ve just left Marree after travelling up from South and have had a long day then this is a great place for you to camp up for the night. Alternatively if you’ve all but finished travelling the Oodnadatta track from the northern end and are looking for one more night on the track then the Bridge Ruins are your best bet as well.

About The Bridge At The Bridge Ruins Campsite On The Oodnadatta Track

Google Maps has the bridge name listed as “Wangianna creek Railway Bridge” however I am happy to stand corrected. The Bridge Ruins campsite near Callana Siding is located approximately 34 kilometers from Marree. This free campsite is of historical interest with some remains of the Old Ghan railway line that once connected Port Augusta to Alice Springs.

Bridge Ruins Campsite On Google Earth

Bridge Ruins Campsite At Callana Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.650705°, 137.716823°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 14km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 371km
Distance From Marla: 625km

What You’ll Find Here

The Callana Siding area contains several abandoned bits of railway infrastructure including a water tower and pipe that remain from the operational period of the Old Ghan. While less extensive than other sites such as Algebuckina these abandoned pieces are still cool to look at and explore.

What You Need To Know About Camping At Bridge Ruins Campsite On The Oodnadatta Track

• The campsite is about 50 metres south of the former railway crossing point.
• The area has just enough room for two to three caravans.
• Access includes adequate turning space for caravans.
• Some visitors with four-wheel drive vehicles and no caravan utilise the embankment area for additional camping spaces away from the main track.

The location gives a quiet camping environment with minimal traffic disturbance. You can expect clear views for sunrise and sunset viewing. The site has absolutely zero facilities. There’s plenty of local wildlife (birds) including fairy wrens and pipits. And flies, there’ll probably be quite a few flies.

Ground conditions can sometimes be soft. It might be a better option to reverse into position instead of going in nose first. The site does give good shelter from strong winds.

Bridge Ruins Campsite On The Oodnadatta Track

Summary

Bridge Ruins Camp Site suits travelers seeking an easy overnight stop near the Marree end of the Oodnadatta Track. You should exercise caution when accessing the site when towing a caravan. The location represents typical outback camping conditions – no amenities with scenic surroundings!