Oodnadatta Pink Roadhouse Camping And Caravan Park

Oodnadatta Pink Roadhouse Camping And Caravan Park

Oodnadatta Pink Roadhouse Camping And Caravan Park

The Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta has been serving visitors to the region for decades. It’s a great overnight stop for caravans and campers tackling the Oodnadatta Track. Located behind the pink roadhouse the camping and caravan park has all the basics you need.

Pink Roadhouse Camping & Caravan Park Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: About $35 per night powered and $20 per night unpowered. Varies depending upon season.
Type: Caravan Park / Paid Campground
Location: -27.549235°, 135.447553°
Distance From Marree: 406km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 0km
Distance From Marla: 254km

Accommodation Options At The Pink Roadhouse Camping & Caravan Park

The Pink Roadhouse Camping and Caravan Park has powered and unpowered sites. They also have a limited range of cabins available ranging from basic to not so basic (still a bit basic).

Pink Roadhouse Oodnadatta

Pink Roadhouse Oodnadatta

Facilities

Amenities are a mixed bag – some are new and some show their age. The newer shower and laundry block is excellent, with clean facilities that are a welcome sight after long days on rough roads. Pro tip: use the showers next to the laundry block as they’re the newest and cleanest.

The camp kitchen provides a decent space to prepare meals, though it’s seen better days. Water is available from taps around the site for filling bottles and jerry cans, with desalinated water available out the front. Tank water can be filled at the shared tap on the back fence.

The Roadhouse Experience

The Pink Roadhouse itself is part of the experience. It’s weathered but functional, stocking fuel, groceries, and a good range of essentials. The general store covers most needs with dry goods, some fresh produce, frozen meat, and the usual tourist souvenirs. Coffee is decent, and the food menu includes solid pub meals like parmas and the local Oodna Burger.

Staff are helpful and knowledgeable about local tracks and conditions – worth having a chat if you’re planning to explore further. Joe in particular is a wealth of information about surrounding tracks and points of interest.

What Works Well

  • Dogs allowed
  • Clean powered and unpowered sites
  • Knowledgeable staff for track advice
  • Well stocked store for restocking basic supplies
  • Good water quality

The Pink Roadhouse At Oodnadatta

The Pink Roadhouse At Oodnadatta

The Reality Check

This isn’t a resort – it’s a working roadhouse in the middle of nowhere. Some facilities are old and functional rather than flash. Prices reflect the remote location on the Oodnadatta Track as you’d expect. The older amenities block shows wear but remains usable.

Summary

The Pink Roadhouse serves is a reliable place to pull up for an overnight stop. It’s clean, it’s functional and has the basics of what you need. It’s an awesome place you don’t want to miss when driving along the Oodnadatta Track.

Whether restocking supplies, refuelling or you need a quick meal and a cold drink the Pink Roadhouse delivers the essentials with genuine outback hospitality.

Marla Travellers Rest: Your Last (Or First) Oodnadatta Track Stop

Marla Travellers Rest: Your Last (Or First) Oodnadatta Track Stop

Marla Travellers Rest: Your Last (Or First) Oodnadatta Track Stop

If you’re driving the Oodnadatta Track chances are you’ll end up at Marla Travellers Rest. This roadhouse is right where the Stuart Highway meets the Oodnadatta Track.

This makes the Marla Travellers Rest an obvious choice for your first or last campsite and supply point before heading into some seriously remote country or taking a rest at the end of it. We’ve stopped here multiple times over the years and it’s one of our regular stops in the region. Here’s what you need to know.

Marla Travellers Rest Caravan Park Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: $45 per night powered – $25 per night unpowered
Type: Caravan Park
Location: Wattle St, Marla, South Australia
GPS: -27.3040320, 133.6244510
Pet Friendly: Yes
Website: https://www.marla.com.au/
Distance From Marree: 603km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 254km
Distance From Marla: 0km

Marla Travellers Rest On Google Earth

Marla Travellers Rest On Google Earth

Why Marla Travellers Rest Caravan Park Works

The amenities here are fantastic. The shower blocks are spotless despite constant use from travellers coming off dusty tracks. Someone’s clearly taking pride in maintaining these facilities properly.

Sites are well thought out too. The powered spots give you gravel to park on but grass to step onto when you open your van door – simple but effective. Unpowered sites follow a more relaxed roundabout setup that works fine, though it’s less structured than in some parks.

What’s Available

Marla Travellers Rest Caravan Park covers pretty much everything you’d expect:

Food And Drink

  • Café doing breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Decent coffee that actually tastes like coffee
  • Bar with proper happy hour ($5 beers)
  • Good feed available in the restaurant – they don’t skimp on the vegetables

Supplies

  • Supermarket with solid range of basics
  • Cold goods and frozen items
  • Camping gear and mechanical bits
  • Fuel – both diesel and unleaded

Facilities

  • Swimming pool (clean and refreshing)
  • Camp kitchen with sinks and power points
  • Phone coverage works fine
  • Hot showers with good pressure

Pricing And Practicalities

Service Details Notes
Powered Sites $45 a night Book early afternoon for best availability
Unpowered Sites $25 a night Roundabout-style layout
Fuel Diesel and petrol Occasional supply disruptions possible
Supermarket Full range of supplies Cold goods, camping gear, mechanical items
Café/Restaurant Breakfast, lunch, dinner Good portions, fresh vegetables
Bar Happy hour specials $5 beers during happy hour
Swimming Pool Clean and maintained Great for cooling off
Amenities Exceptionally clean Hot showers, good water pressure

Get in by early afternoon if you want a powered site. Place fills up fast, especially when there’s fuel issues elsewhere along the highway. We’ve seen it absolutely packed by nightfall, but it stays surprisingly quiet given the numbers.

Oodnadatta Track Considerations

Whether you’re starting or finishing the Oodnadatta Track, Marla serves a crucial role. Heading out? This is your last reliable chance to grab supplies, top up water and fuel up properly. The next decent services are a long way away. Coming back? Time to celebrate with a cold beer and hot shower after days of rough camping.

The supermarket stocks more than you’d expect for such a remote location. They’ve got the basics covered plus camping accessories and some mechanical gear. Won’t replace proper preparation, but handy for last-minute items or emergency supplies.

What It Is

It’s not fancy. You’re paying for location and reliability rather than luxury. When you’re this far from anywhere location and reliability matter more than fancy landscaping. The pool’s clean, the showers are hot and the bar serves cold beer at good prices. Hard to ask for much more.

Road noise exists but it’s not excessive. Most nights stay pretty quiet despite being right off the highway. The grass areas give you somewhere decent to sit outside your van rather than just dirt or gravel.

End Or Start Of The Oodnadatta Track At Marla

Amanda & I At The End Or Start (End For Us This Trip) Of The Oodnadatta Track At Marla In 2024

Bottom Line

Marla works because it delivers the essentials without fuss. Clean facilities, fair prices, reliable services and everything you need for track preparation or recovery. We keep coming back because it consistently meets expectations rather than promising more than it delivers.

For anyone serious about the Oodnadatta Track this stop makes sense. Just don’t expect to roll in at 5pm and get your pick of powered sites.

Oodnadatta Track Fuel Stops – Complete Guide

Oodnadatta Track Fuel Stops – Complete Guide

Oodnadatta Track Fuel Stops – Complete Guide

Complete list of Oodnadatta Track fuel stops and contacts for your outback adventure along one of Australia’s most iconic tracks.

Fuel planning is absolutely critical for this journey as services are limited and distances between fuel stops can be substantial. We’ve been to and used all of these stops many times. Here’s our complete guide to fuel availability along the track.

Oodnadatta Track Fuel Stops Map Infographic

Oodnadatta Track Fuel Stops Map (Not To Scale)

Distance Summary & Fuel Planning

Route Section Distance Fuel Strategy
Marree → William Creek 196km Fill at Marree, top up at William Creek
William Creek → Oodnadatta 201km Mandatory fuel stop at William Creek
Oodnadatta → Marla 254km Fill at Oodnadatta for final stretch

List Of Oodnadatta Track Fuel Stops Grouped In Order Of Location

1. Marree General Store & Fuel

Marree is the south eastern beginning of the Oodnadatta Track. The Marree Roadhouse, Oasis Cafe/Bistro is open 7 days a week from 7.30am till 6.30pm for all your general needs, take away meals, coffee, cold drinks, ice, groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, souvenirs, camping equipment and tools. EFTPOS is available. This is one our favourite Oodnadatta Track fuel stops and we ALWAYS call in here for fuel and to stock up. I’ve been wearing a hat I bought here 10 years ago whenever I go outside!

Address: Oodnadatta Track, Marree, South Australia 5733
GPS Coordinates: -29.6497°S, 138.0413°E
Types Of Fuel Available: Diesel, Unleaded Petrol
Phone: (08) 8675 8352 – (08) 8675 8360
Opening Hours: 7 Days 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Fuel Availability Hours: Same as opening hours
Services Available: General store, camping supplies, ice, basic groceries, mechanical services, accommodation bookings
Website: https://marreemotel.com.au

2. William Creek Hotel & Roadhouse

William Creek is just about right on the halfway mark if you’re driving the full length of the track. William Creek is the smallest town in South Australia. This is the only fuel stop between Marree, Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta – making it absolutely essential for track travelers. There is both Unleaded and Diesel at the bowser located outside the William Creek Hotel. Fuel is available 24hrs a day at the self service bowser and there’s always plenty of fuel available all year round.

Address: Oodnadatta Track, William Creek, South Australia, 5710, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -28.9333°S, 136.3500°E
Types Of Fuel Available: Diesel, Unleaded Petrol
Phone: (08) 8670 7880
Opening Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fuel Availability Hours: 24-hour fuel available (self serve after hours)
Services Available: Hotel accommodation, restaurant, bar, camping ground, general store, mechanical repairs, scenic flights booking
Website: https://www.williamcreekhotel.com/

3. Pink Roadhouse – Oodnadatta

The iconic Pink Roadhouse is a legendary outback stop famous for its Oodnaburgers. This is your last fuel stop before heading northwest to Marla or south back toward civilization.

Address: Oodnadatta, SA 5734
GPS Coordinates: -27.5553°S, 135.4467°E
Types Of Fuel Available: Unleaded petrol, Diesel
Phone: (08) 8670 7822
Opening Hours: 7 Days 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (extended hours during peak season)
Fuel Availability Hours: Same as opening hours
Services Available: Accommodation (cabins and camping), restaurant (famous Oodnaburgers), general store, mechanical services, camping supplies, ice, tourist information
Website: https://pinkroadhouse.com.au/

4. Marla Travellers Rest

Located on the Stuart Highway Marla serves as the northwestern access point to the Oodnadatta Track. Marla Traveller’s Rest is a sprawling roadhouse, hotel/motel, restaurant, service station, supermarket and more all in one place.

Address: Stuart Highway, Marla, SA 5724
GPS Coordinates: -27.3000°S, 133.0833°E
Types Of Fuel Available: Unleaded Petrol, Premium unleaded, Diesel, LPG
Phone: (08) 8670 7001
Opening Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fuel Availability Hours: 24-hour fuel available (card payment after hours)
Services Available: Accommodation (motel units), restaurant, takeaway food, general store, camping ground, ATM, mechanical services
Website: https://www.marla.com.au/

5. Lyndhurst Fuel Options

Lyndhurst is at the end of the Strzelecki Track and you will pass through it coming from south to join the OOdnadatta. While not directly on the Oodnadatta Track it’s a great fuel stop for those approaching from the south or connecting to other outback routes.

5a. Perrys Lyndhurst

Address: The Outback Hwy, Lyndhurst, SA, 5731
GPS Coordinates: -30.28719903045753, 138.34923743900703
Types Of Fuel Available: Diesel
Phone: (08) 8636 2274 – Perrys Head Office
Opening Hours: 24 Hours (self serve card only)
Fuel Availability Hours: 24 Hours
Services Available: Fuel
Website: https://perrys.com.au/

5b. IOR Lyndhurst

Address: 3 Short Street, Lyndhurst SA 5731, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -30.287481786739995, 138.35235109667667
Types Of Fuel Available: Diesel
Phone: 1300 457 467 – IOR Head Office
Opening Hours: 24 Hours (payment using Fuel Charge App https://www.fuelcharge.com.au/)
Fuel Availability Hours: 24 Hours
Services Available: Fuel
Website: https://www.ior.com.au/

6. Coober Pedy Fuel Options

Coober Pedy famous for its opal mines and underground houses has multiple fuel options.

6a. Shell Coober Pedy

Address: 454 Hutchison St, Coober Pedy SA 5723
GPS Coordinates: -29.0147°S, 134.7544°E
Types Of Fuel Available: Unleaded petrol, Premium unleaded, Diesel
Phone: (08) 8672 5350
Opening Hours: 7 Days 24 Hours
Fuel Availability Hours: 7 Days 24 Hours
Services Available: Convenience store, food options, ATM
Website: https://find.shell.com/au/fuel/10111493-shell-coober-pedy-roadhouse/en_AUhttps://find.shell.com/au/fuel/10111493-shell-coober-pedy-roadhouse/en_AU

6b. Perrys Coober Pedy

Address: Flat Hill Rd, Coober Pedy SA 5723
GPS Coordinates:
Types Of Fuel Available:
Phone: (08) 8636 2274 – Perrys Head Office
Opening Hours: 24 Hours (self serve card only)
Fuel Availability Hours: Same as opening hours
Services Available: Fuel
Website: https://perrys.com.au/

7. Mount Dare Hotel

Mount Dare is north of Oodnadatta near the border with the Northern Territory. This remote location is a gateway for those continuing north to Alice Springs and for exploring the western MacDonnell Ranges.

Address: Mount Dare, SA 5734
GPS Coordinates: -26.6833°S, 135.1833°E
Types Of Fuel Available: Unleaded Petrol, Diesel
Phone: (08) 8670 7835
Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (seasonal variations)
Fuel Availability Hours: Same as opening hours
Services Available: Hotel accommodation, restaurant, bar, camping ground, general store, mechanical services
Website: https://www.mtdare.com.au/

8. Roxby Downs

Borefield Road (Borefield Track) is a popular entry point to the Oodnadatta Track. Borefield Road starts in Roxby Downs and meets the Oodnadatta Track 68km west of Marree, or 136km east of William Creek. Roxby Downs and Olympic Dam just north of Roxby are the last available fuel before either william Creek or Marree when travelling Borefield Road.

8a. BP Roxby Downs

Address: 26 Olympic Way, Roxby Downs SA 5725
GPS Coordinates: -30.553387473299107, 136.89372145435607
Types Of Fuel Available: Diesel, Unleaded Petrol, Premium Unleaded Petrol
Phone: (08) 8419 4683
Opening Hours: 7 Days 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Fuel Availability Hours: Same as opening hours
Services Available: Convenience Store, Food, Toilets
Website: https://map.bp.com/en-AU/AU/gas-station/roxby-downs/ampm-roxby-downs/5500

8b. Lavricks Roadhouse

Address: Olympic Way North, Olympic Dam
GPS Coordinates: -30.48424453960465, 136.89301790788122
Types Of Fuel Available: Diesel, Unleaded Petrol, Premium Unleaded Petrol, LPG
Phone: (08) 8671 0554
Opening Hours: 7 Days 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fuel Availability Hours: Same as opening hours
Services Available: Convenience Store, Food, Roadhouse, Toilets
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Lavricks-Roadhouse-Olympic-Dam-61556682005282/

Main Track Fuel Stops (South to North)

Location & Facility Address & GPS Distance From Previous
MARREE
Marree Roadhouse & Oasis Cafe
Railway Terrace, Marree SA 5733
29°39’01″S, 138°02’29″E
Starting Point
WILLIAM CREEK
William Creek Hotel
William Creek SA 5710
28°56’00″S, 136°21’00″E
215km from Marree
OODNADATTA
Pink Roadhouse
Main Street, Oodnadatta SA 5734
27°33’19″S, 135°26’48″E
207km from William Creek
MARLA
Marla Traveller’s Rest
Stuart Highway, Marla SA 5724
27°18’00″S, 133°13’00″E
220km from Oodnadatta

Last Updated: August 2025 – Information subject to change. Always verify current details before travel.

Small Hills Near Angle Pole Campsite – Oodnadatta Track

Small Hills Near Angle Pole Campsite – Oodnadatta Track

Small Hills Near Angle Pole Campsite – Oodnadatta Track

Small Hills Near Angle Pole Campsite offers free camping near Oodnadatta. Perfect for self-contained campers wanting peace, views and quiet. Most people driving the Oodnadatta Track either push through to Marla or stop in town at the Pink Roadhouse. But there’s another option that many campers miss – a small free camping area tucked behind some weathered hills just north of Oodnadatta.

Small Hills Near Angle Pole Campsite Location Map

Small Hills Near Angle Pole Campsite Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: Small hills near angle pole, South Australia
GPS: -27.490360°, 135.418222°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 413km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 7km
Distance From Marla: 247km

Angle Pole Memorial Sign

Angle Pole Memorial Sign Courtesy Of The Pink Roadhouse

Finding Small Hills Near Angle Pole Campsite

You’ll see vehicle tracks heading towards some low rocky hills. Sometimes someone will have left a branch marking the turn-off, sometimes not. The drive in takes a few minutes following wheel ruts for around 700 metres.

Watch out for one steep dip that can catch low vehicles off guard. Most standard caravans handle it fine, but check your clearance first. Don’t attempt entry after heavy rain – the clay soil turns into the caravan equivalent of a venus flytrap and you could be there for days.

The Camping Area

You’ll find yourself in a sheltered spot between small hills and a dry creek. The ground is mostly gravel and gibber stones, which makes for good drainage. There’s room for three or four rigs without crowding, plus space to turn around even with a big setup.

Old fire pits dot the area from previous campers. The real draw is scrambling up one of the nearby hills for the view. Takes maybe five minutes to reach the top and you can see for kilometers in every direction. Oodnadatta looks tiny from up there.

What To Bring

Everything. Water, food, fuel, toilet paper – the works. No bins either, so pack out your rubbish. The nearest supplies are back in Oodnadatta and the Pink Roadhouse closes early.

Phone signal is patchy at best. Climb a hill and you might get one bar of Telstra coverage if you’re lucky. Forget about streaming anything or video calls.

The Downsides

  • Flies swarm during the day in warmer weather. Bring fly nets or you’ll go mad. When evening comes the flies disappear.
  • Wind can be strong funneling between the hills. Make sure your awning is properly pegged down.

Why Choose Small Hills Near Angle Pole Campsite Over Town?

  • Simple – peace and quiet. Oodnadatta camping can get very busy at times. The only sounds here is the wind and maybe a distant dingo.
  • Plus it costs nothing. Hard to argue with free when you’re on a tight travel budget.

Railway History

Bits of the old Ghan line are scattered around if you look. Sections of rail and wooden sleepers slowly weathering away. Don’t move anything – it’s part of the area’s character.

The railway used to run right through here before they moved it east. These remnants are all that’s left of that era.

Who Should Stay At The Small Hills Near Angle Pole Campsite

Experienced campers who don’t need facilities will love it. First-timers or those wanting hot showers and flushing toilets should stay in town.

If constant flies annoy you, or if dust bothers you, or if you need reliable phone coverage – this isn’t your spot. But if you want genuine outback solitude with great views it’s hard to beat.

Small Hills Near Angle Pole Campsite On Google Earth

Small Hills Near Angle Pole Campsite On Google Earth

Keep It Clean

This place works because people respect it. Take your rubbish with you.

Bottom Line

It’s basic bush camping at its finest. No frills, no facilities, just you and the outback. The hills provide shelter from wind, the views are spectacular.

Most commercial campgrounds along the Track charge upwards of $25 per night. This costs nothing and offers something money can’t buy – complete silence and a genuine connection to one of Australia’s most remote regions.

William Creek Hotel Accommodation & Campground

William Creek Hotel Accommodation & Campground

William Creek Hotel Accommodation & Campground

Anyone who’s driven the Oodnadatta Track knows the William Creek Hotel Accommodation & Campground. It’s that much needed stop where you can get a hot shower and a cold beer. Right across from the famous William Creek Hotel this campground has saved plenty of travellers from sleeping rough in the middle of nowhere.

William Creek Hotel Accommodation & Campground Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: About $45 per night powered and $35 per night unpowered. Varies depending upon season.
Type: Caravan Park / Paid Campground
Location: -28.909119°, 136.338610°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 204km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 202km
Distance From Marla: 456km

William Creek Campground On Google Earth

William Creek Campground On Google Earth

What You Get at William Creek Hotel Campground

The campground’s got powered and unpowered sites scattered across a decent-sized area. Big rigs fit fine. The amenities block is where this place really shines. Hot showers that actually work, toilets that flush and washing machines that don’t eat your coins.

Powered sites go for about $40-45 a night and come with water but here’s the catch – they fill up by midday during busy periods. Hotel staff aren’t joking when they tell you to get there early. The unpowered area out back has heaps more room and costs around $30 which is good value for what you get and where you are.

Most people camp in the unpowered section behind the main area. More space, less crowded and you’re not crammed in.

Inside The Dining Room At William Creek Hotel Pay for Your William Creek Hotel Campground Accommodation In Here

Inside The Dining Room At William Creek Hotel Pay for Your William Creek Hotel Campground Accommodation In Here

William Creek Hotel Accommodation Beyond Camping

If you’re sick of swags and camp chairs the William Creek Hotel accommodation includes proper rooms and cabins. There’s “The Camel House” cottage that sleeps up to six people, plus regular hotel rooms with different bathroom arrangements.

This place has been operating since 1887, which tells you something. They’ve figured out what works in the middle of nowhere. The rooms aren’t fancy, but after days on corrugated roads, you won’t care about thread counts.

Services That Actually Matter

  • Fuel’s available on site although it’s not at city prices. diesel goes about $3 a litre. It beats running out of fuel in the scrub.
  • Staff know their stuff about breakdowns. Multiple people mention getting help with tyre repairs and even emergency parts deliveries. When your trip depends on keeping your vehicle running, that kind of backup matters.
  • The free desalinated water fill-up is brilliant. Top up your tanks before heading back onto the track.

Leaving William Creek And Heading Towards Oodnadatta In 2024

Leaving William Creek And Heading Towards Oodnadatta In 2024

Food And Drink At William Creek Hotel

The pub does decent feeds, though you’ll pay tourist prices. Chicken schnitzel seems popular and portions are generous enough that people take leftovers back to camp. The key is booking ahead – this place gets packed, especially when tour groups roll through.

Staff are very helpful. Multiple people mention getting good local advice and assistance with vehicle problems.

Lake Eyre Flights And Access

Wright’s Air runs scenic flights from the adjacent airstrip. Currently as of 2025 starting at around $390 per person it’s spectacular. The timing worked out perfectly for recent visitors who have seen the lake full. We’ve been to William Creek loads of times but never done the flight as Amanda is not good with heights. We did a helicopter flight at Kings Canyon on a recent trip so I’m hopeful of getting her on a plane over Lake Eyre next time we’re there.

Many people use William Creek Hotel Campground as base camp for the rough drive out to Halligan Bay. Makes sense – leave your caravan here and take just the vehicle for the challenging 60km track to Lake Eyre’s edge.

William Creek Hotel Accommodation Campground Entrance

William Creek Hotel Accommodation Campground Entrance

What You Need to Know About William Creek Hotel Campground

  • Register at the hotel first, pay upfront, then find your spot. The system works well enough. Unpowered sites behind the main area offer better value and more space, especially important when the wind picks up and everything gets dusty.
  • Campfires are allowed, which is good because evenings can get cold. The camping area has some wind protection, though you’re still in open country where weather happens fast.
  • Dogs are welcome, both in camp and surprisingly in the hotel dining room. That’s unusual for outback pubs and makes this place more appealing for people travelling with pets.

William Creek Hotel Driving School Dave Could do With A Lesson!

William Creek Hotel Driving School Dave Could do With A Lesson!

Why William Creek Hotel Campground Works So Well

After hours of corrugated roads and dust, William Creek Hotel Campground delivers what you actually need – clean facilities, reliable services and genuine outback character. Whether you’re just passing through or using it as base for Lake Eyre exploration, it does the job.

The William Creek Hotel accommodation options work for people who want a break from camping without losing the authentic outback feel. After 130-plus years in business, they’ve earned their reputation as an essential Oodnadatta Track stop.

This isn’t about luxury – it’s about reliable services in unreliable country. Sometimes that’s exactly what matters most.

William Creek Hotel Some New Stubby Holders

William Creek Hotel Some New Stubby Holders

Kathleen Creek Campsite – Oodnadatta Track

Kathleen Creek Campsite – Oodnadatta Track

Kathleen Creek Campsite – Oodnadatta Track

Kathleen Creek campsite is a popular free camp site on the Oodnadatta Track. It’s about 84 kilometres from Oodnadatta heading towards Marla. The creek runs right alongside the track making it easy to spot.

Kathleen Creek Campsite Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -27.204822°, 134.752916°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 489km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 84km
Distance From Marla: 170km

Kathleen Creek Camp Site Oodnadatta Track On Google Earth

Kathleen Creek Camp Site Oodnadatta Track On Google Earth

Finding Kathleen Creek Campsite

There’s no sign telling you where to turn – you just pull off when you see the creek. You can camp on either side, east or west. Most people don’t drive too far in, maybe 100 to 500 metres at most. We’ve seen plenty of big caravans and motorhomes get in here without no trouble.

Recent roadworks have made access much better than it used to be. Still, you wouldn’t want to attempt this after heavy rain. The ground would turn into a real mess.

What’s Available

There are no facilities here. No toilets, no bins, no water taps. You need to bring everything with you and take it all away again. The ground is mostly flat and there’s usually some shade from the trees along the creek.

The creek itself sometimes has water in it but after dry spells it’ll have little to nothing in it. Sometimes there’s enough water for a quick wash or even a swim on a hot day. Other times it’s completely dry. Either way the trees are always there providing habitat for lots of birds.

Choosing Your Spot

  • We’ve camped on the western side of the creek (the eastern side had more evidence of cattle).
  • You can camp close to the road and still get nice creek views.
  • If you want more privacy the tracks continue further along the creek with plenty of options.
  • Even when there are several groups here there’s enough space for everyone.

Birds And Animals

The bird life here is fantastic, especially when there’s water around. We’ve seen budgerigars, wood ducks, various pigeons and plenty of other species. The constant bird chatter really adds to the peaceful atmosphere.

Dingoes and wild dogs visit regularly, particularly at night when they come down to drink. We’ve heard there are dog baits in the area so keep your pets close. You might also spot some feral cats and mice around the camp.

Flies are a problem during the day but they disappear once the sun sets. That’s pretty standard for this part of the country.

Kathleen Creek Campsite Oodnadatta Track

Kathleen Creek Campsite Oodnadatta Track

Campfires

Finding firewood can be hit or miss. Sometimes there’s plenty of dead wood lying around, other times you’ll struggle to find enough for a small fire. Don’t take more than you need – other people will be coming after you.

On our visit here we found a nice little stack of firewood and with some kindling that had been left by previous users of the Kathleen creek campsite. It was a nice surprise. We often do the same before leaving a camp and it was nice to have had the favour returned.

Things You Should Know

When it’s dry, the ground is solid and good for camping. After rain, expect mud and the potential of getting your vehicle bogged if you’re not careful.

There’s no mobile phone coverage here. You’ll need Starlink if you want a connection.

Why People Keep Coming Back To The Kathleen Creek Campsite

This Kathleen Creek campsite on the Oodnadatta Track captures everything good about outback travel. It’s quiet, clean, and feels genuinely remote. The creek setting with trees along the banks means lots of bird activity.

Most folks rock up planning just the one night but then don’t want to leave. You know how it is – you get settled in, the birds are going off, maybe there’s water trickling in the creek, and suddenly you’re thinking “why did I only book one night here?” That’s what happens at Kathleen Creek.

Of course it’ll only stay this good if people behave responsibly. Clean up your mess, put your fire out properly, don’t leave toilet paper lying around.