Coongra Creek Camping At Todmorden On The Oodnadatta Track

Coongra Creek at Todmorden isn’t a well known spot for camping on the Oodnadatta Track but it bloody well should be! Add it to your list of must camp at places on the Oodnadatta Track. WikiCamps has it listed as being the area on the left when travelling towards Marla however we followed some tracks to the right and camped on that side. The ground on the left was still very wet, my boots sunk into it a bit when walking in to check so no way I was going to drive in. I’m happy that we did go to the right as it was one of the better remote area camp sites we’ve been lucky enough to spend a night at. Absolutely awesome.

There’s nothing there except wide open spaces and amazing views. There was nobody camped where we were or on the other side of the Oodnadatta Track the night we were there so it was completely silent. Basically zero road noise or traffic after the sun went down. I can’t recommend camping at Coongra Creek highly enough. The campsite at Coongra Creek is only a bit over a 100 kilometres away from Marla making it a great place to spend either your first or last night while on the Oodnadatta Track.

Coongra Creek Location And Information

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
GPS Location: -27.177435°, 134.320392°
Distance From Marree: 534km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 129km
Distance From Marla: 125km

Free Camping On The Oodnadatta Track

The Day We Camped At Coongra Creek

We left camp at Algebuckina Bridge and drove through to Oodnadatta. We had something to eat at the Pink Roadhouse like we always do. I had another “Oodna Burger” and it was again very very nice. I’m a big fan of a hamburger and again this time it didn’t disappoint. Amanda grabbed a few souvenirs from the shop, another number plate to add to my growing collection on the back wall in the BBQ area at home plus a t-shirt for the grand-daughter. We then went for a walk around town and found a couple of geocaches. We called into the Oodnadatta Hotel for a beer, it would be rude not to wouldn’t it!

Transconinental Hotel Oodnadatta

Then it was back on the road for the run through to Coongra Creek. This part of the Oodnadatta Track was pretty good with a few corrugated stretches but nowhere near as bad as the part from Maree to William Creek we had travelled in the previous days. What was interesting was that there were three bulldust holes across the track. One must have been there for a while as people had made a well defined and very well used side track around it. I thought it was unusual because in the three previous times we’d driven the track we’d not encountered bulldust.

Ooodnadatta Outdoor Cinema We Found A Geocache Here

Location And Access

Coongra Creek is located along the Oodnadatta Track, a famous unsealed road that stretches through the vast South Australian outback. The creek provides a natural stopping point for travellers, offering a quiet and beautiful setting surrounded by rugged landscapes.

What To Expect When Coongra Creek Camp Near Marla On The Oodnadatta Track

The camping area at Coongra Creek is basic but ideal for those looking to connect with nature. There are no formal facilities, so campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient stay. However, the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views make it a great spot to rest and enjoy the natural beauty of the outback.

Things To Do

Birdwatching: Coongra Creek attracts various bird species making it a great place for birdwatchers.
Photography: The striking outback scenery provides excellent opportunities for photography especially at sunrise and sunset.
Star Gazing: The clear night skies offer some of the best stargazing experiences far from the lights of any town.

Campfire On The Oodnadatta Track

Tips For Camping

Come Prepared: Since there are no facilities, bring plenty of water, food, and camping gear.
Check Weather Conditions: The Oodnadatta Track can be badly affected by rain so it’s important to check conditions before heading out.
Respect the Environment: Leave no trace by taking all rubbish with you and respecting the natural environment.
Campfires: If you have a campfire make sure it’s completely out before moving on. We follow the old thing I was told in the scouts as a young fella – “if you aren’t willing to put the palm of your hand on it face down for 10 seconds then it isn’t out”.
Firewood: There was pretty much zero firewood to scavenge. We found few bits of kindling and that was it. we used some of the wood we’d been carting around for a bout a week.

Conclusion

Camping at Coongra Creek is a serene and authentic outback experience, offering a perfect retreat into the Australian wilderness. Whether you’re just passing through or spending a night under the stars, this spot on the Oodnadatta Track is worth exploring.