15 Best Things To Do On The Oodnadatta Track (2026 Guide)

Looking for the best things to do on the Oodnadatta Track? This 2026 guide covers Lake Eyre, Coward Springs, Strangways Springs, Algebuckina Bridge, camping, geocaching and more.

The Oodnadatta Track is one of Australia’s most popular outback drives. Stretching roughly 620 kilometres between Marree and Marla, the route follows sections of the old Ghan railway through some of South Australia’s most remote country. Many travellers focus on the drive itself. However, there is far more to the track than simply getting from one end to the other.

Amanda and I have travelled the Oodnadatta Track six times between 2016 and 2025. During those trips we have camped beside historic railway bridges, visited remote telegraph stations, soaked in artesian springs and watched Lake Eyre fill with water.

If you are planning a trip in July 2026, these are the attractions and experiences that we believe are worth adding to your itinerary.

Oodnadatta Track Aerial View Near Curdimurka

Quick Guide To The Best Attractions

Attraction	Best For	Time Needed
Lake Eyre	Scenic views	Half day to full day
Coward Springs	Camping and hot spring	Overnight
Algebuckina Bridge	Camping, history and photography	30-60 minutes
William Creek	Pub, caravan park, fuel and flights	1-2 hours
Farina	Historic ruins	Half day
The Bubbler	Mound springs	90 minutes
Strangways Springs	Telegraph history	2-4 hours
Old Peake Telegraph Station	Historic ruins	30-60 minutes
Oodnadatta	Supplies and history	2 hours
Geocaching	Family activity	Variable
Old Ghan Railway Ruins	Railway history	Variable
Marree	Pub, caravan park, history, annual camel races, fuel and flights	Half day
Trackside Camping	Camping	Overnight
Stargazing	Night skies	After dark
Outback Photography	Photography	Throughout trip

Things To Do On The Oodnadatta Track

Visit Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre remains the biggest attraction associated with the Oodnadatta Track.

When floodwaters reach the lake, travellers can witness one of Australia’s most significant natural events. Water levels have remained a major drawcard in recent years, with many visitors combining the track with a visit to the lake.

William Creek is the main access point for scenic flights. These flights provide the best views of the lake and surrounding salt pans.

If you are planning a visit, check out our Lake Eyre guide for current travel information and trip planning advice.

Stay At Coward Springs

Coward Springs is one of the most popular camping locations on the track.

The campground sits beside a restored railway settlement and includes a spring fed spa. After hours on dusty roads, many travellers appreciate the chance to relax in warm artesian water.

The site also features walking trails, railway displays and shady campsites.

We have stayed here several times and it remains one of our favourite overnight stops on the route.

David & Amanda In The Spring At Coward Springs

Check Out Algebuckina Bridge

Algebuckina Bridge is the longest bridge on the old Ghan railway line.

The bridge crosses the Neales River and has become one of the most photographed structures on the track.

Visitors can walk around the bridge, inspect the railway engineering and camp nearby. Following good rain, the surrounding floodplain can look very different from the dry outback most people expect.

The campground is also one of the best free camping spots on the Oodnadatta Track – if not the best.

Amanda & I Free Camping At Algebuckina Bridge On The Oodnadatta Track

Stop At William Creek

William Creek may be small, but it is one of the best known settlements in outback South Australia.

Most travellers stop for fuel, meals or a cold drink at the William Creek Hotel. The town is also a major departure point for Lake Eyre scenic flights. They also have a great caravan park with all of the facilities you could possibly need.

Even if you are only passing through, William Creek is worth stopping for.

Explore The Farina Ruins

Farina was once expected to become a major inland settlement.

Today the town is a collection of restored ruins, historic buildings and interpretive displays. Volunteers continue restoration work and operate the well known underground bakery during the tourist season.

Farina provides a fascinating look at the challenges faced by early settlers in the region.

We always camp at Farina and spend many hours checking out the ruins whenever we pass through.

Us Standing Outside The Farina Underground Bakery

Dave & Amanda Standing Outside The Farina Underground Bakery

Visit The Bubbler

The Bubbler is one of the best known mound springs in South Australia.

Water rises naturally from the Great Artesian Basin before bubbling to the surface. The spring has created a small wetland environment surrounded by otherwise dry country.

A short stop here provides a good introduction to the mound springs found throughout the region.

For more information, read our Mound Springs guide.

Amanda And I In Front Of The Bubbler Mound Spring

Visit Strangways Springs

Strangways Springs is one of the most historically important locations on the track.

The site was once a major Overland Telegraph repeater station and small settlement. During the nineteenth century it played an important role in communications across inland Australia.

Today visitors can walk among the ruins and learn about the people who lived and worked in this remote location.

The nearby springs supported Aboriginal communities for thousands of years and later became a critical water source for European settlement.

For anyone interested in history, this is one of the standout stops on the Oodnadatta Track.

Amanda Getting A Map At Strangways Springs – Maps Available At Beginning Of Strangways Springs Walking Trail

Explore The Old Peake Telegraph Station

The Old Peake Telegraph Station provides another glimpse into Australia’s communication history.

The remaining ruins are located a short distance from the main track and are easy to visit.

Information boards explain the significance of the site and the role it played in connecting Australia to the rest of the world through the Overland Telegraph network.

If you enjoy historic sites, this stop is well worth making.

Read our guide to the Old Peake Historic Site.

Spend Time In Oodnadatta

Many travellers simply refuel and continue driving.

However, Oodnadatta itself is worth spending some time in.

The town has a rich history connected to railways, stock routes and outback travel. The Pink Roadhouse remains a popular stop for travellers seeking fuel, meals and local road condition information.

Before continuing your trip, it is always worth checking the latest road conditions.

Pink Roadhouse Oodnadatta

Try Geocaching Along The Track

Geocaching has become increasingly popular along the Oodnadatta Track.

Caches can be found at many historic sites, bridges, ruins and railway locations. Searching for them often leads travellers to places they may otherwise overlook.

Popular geocaching locations include:

Algebuckina Bridge
Strangways Springs
William Creek
Farina
Oodnadatta
Old railway sidings

For families, geocaching can add another layer of interest to a long outback trip.

Look For Old Ghan Railway Ruins

The old Ghan railway is never far away on this route.

Throughout the drive you will encounter railway embankments, sidings, bridge remains, fettlers cottages and water infrastructure.

Many of these sites are not major attractions in their own right. Even so, they help tell the story of one of Australia’s most challenging railway projects.

Keeping an eye out for these remnants adds extra interest to the drive.

Abandoned Water Tank On Ghan Railway

Visit Marree – You Just Have To Visit Marree!

Marree is the southern gateway to the Oodnadatta Track and well worth spending a few hours exploring before heading north. Visitors can learn about the town’s Afghan and railway history, visit the old Ghan railway displays, see the historic Marree Hotel and browse local information at the visitor centre.

If you are travelling in July the annual Marree Camel Cup is one of the town’s biggest events attracting visitors from across Australia for a day of camel racing, entertainment and outback hospitality.

Look At Him Go! Camel Racing At The Marree Camel Cup Is Crazy!

Camp Beside Historic Sites

Camping is one of the highlights of travelling the Oodnadatta Track.

Popular overnight stops include:

Marree
Coward Springs
Algebuckina Bridge
Farina
William Creek
Oodnadatta

Many campgrounds place you within walking distance of significant historic attractions.

For a complete list, see our Oodnadatta Track Campsites Guide.

Stone Stomper On Jayco All Terrain At Beresford Siding On The Oodnadatta Track

Enjoy The Night Sky

The Oodnadatta Track passes through some of Australia’s darkest skies.

Away from towns and major population centres, the stars become a major attraction after sunset.

On clear nights, the Milky Way is often visible from horizon to horizon.

A simple camp chair and a clear evening are all you need. Chuck in a nice campfire and the result is deadset magic.

Photograph The Outback

Photography opportunities exist along the entire route.

Some of our favourite locations include:

Algebuckina Bridge
Strangways Springs
Coward Springs
William Creek
Lake Eyre
Farina
The Bubbler

Early morning and late afternoon generally provide the best light.

Why The Oodnadatta Track Stands Out

Many outback roads offer remote driving and desert scenery.

The Oodnadatta Track combines history, geology, camping and railway heritage in a way few other routes can match.

Compared with the Birdsville Track, travellers generally make more sightseeing stops along the Oodnadatta Track. Historic telegraph stations, mound springs, railway ruins and Lake Eyre all sit within easy reach of the road.

As a result, most visitors spend several days travelling the route rather than simply driving from one end to the other.

Planning Your Trip

Road conditions can change quickly after rain. Before departing, check current road reports and local advice.

You should also review:

These articles provide detailed information on fuel stops, campsites, road conditions and attractions based on our six trips along the track between 2016 and 2025.

Final Thoughts

The best things to do on the Oodnadatta Track go well beyond driving the road itself.

Lake Eyre, Coward Springs, Algebuckina Bridge, Strangways Springs, Farina and William Creek are the major highlights. At the same time, smaller attractions such as geocaching, railway ruins and remote campsites often become the most memorable parts of the trip.

Amanda and I have travelled the track six times and every visit has been different. Water levels change, road conditions vary and the outback constantly presents something new to see.

Allow plenty of time, stop often and make the most of the attractions along the way.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do On The Oodnadatta Track

How Many Days Do You Need To See The Oodnadatta Track Attractions?

Most travellers should allow at least 4 to 6 days to enjoy the main things to do on the Oodnadatta Track. This allows time to visit Lake Eyre, Coward Springs, Algebuckina Bridge, Strangways Springs, Old Peake Telegraph Station, William Creek and Oodnadatta without rushing. If you enjoy camping, photography or exploring historic sites, allowing a week will provide a more relaxed trip.

What Are The Best Stops On The Oodnadatta Track?

The best stops depend on your interests. For history, Strangways Springs, Old Peake Telegraph Station and the old Ghan railway sites are highlights. For camping, Coward Springs and Algebuckina Bridge are popular choices. Lake Eyre, the mound springs, Farina and William Creek are also among the most visited attractions along the route.

Can You Visit Lake Eyre From The Oodnadatta Track?

Yes, Lake Eyre is one of the most popular side trips when travelling the Oodnadatta Track. William Creek is the main departure point for scenic flights, which provide the best views of the lake. Road access to viewing areas can vary depending on conditions, so always check local information before leaving the main track.

Is The Oodnadatta Track Suitable For Caravans?

Yes, many caravanners travel the Oodnadatta Track each year. However, the road can have corrugations, loose gravel and rough sections, especially after weather events. A well prepared vehicle and caravan are recommended. Before travelling, check current road conditions, carry enough water and fuel, and allow extra time for slower travel.

What Historic Sites Can You Visit On The Oodnadatta Track?

The Oodnadatta Track has many historic sites connected to the old Ghan railway and Overland Telegraph Line. Popular locations include Strangways Springs, Old Peake Telegraph Station, Algebuckina Bridge, Farina and the railway ruins found along the route. These stops provide a good understanding of the challenges faced by early travellers and workers in central Australia.

Can You Go Geocaching On The Oodnadatta Track?

Yes, geocaching is a popular activity along the Oodnadatta Track. Caches can be found near several historic locations, including bridges, railway sites and old settlements. It is a good way to encourage extra stops along the route and can add interest for families travelling with children.

Internal guide: 🗺️ Read the full Oodnadatta Track driving guide here
Internal guide: 🗺️ Oodnadatta Track Campsites Map & Full List (2026 Guide)