Margaret Siding was one of many small stops along the historic Old Ghan Railway in South Australia. After leaving Curdimurka Siding where we had camped overnight we stopped in at Margaret Railway Siding for a look. It’s a really interesting site with a lot still left to explore. It played an important role in supporting the railway as it crossed the remote outback landscape.

Just as well we stopped for a look as Amanda found that an unopened jar of crushed garlic had unscrewed it’s own lid on the corrugations along the Oodnadatta Track and spread its contents throughout the fridge. I decided to send up the drone to take some video and photos and left Amanda to clean up the mess – I’m pretty good like that!

Siding On The Oodnadatta Track

Purpose Of Margaret Siding

Built during the late 19th century Margaret Railway Siding served as a minor stop for maintenance and refueling on the Old Ghan line which connected Adelaide to Alice Springs. It was primarily used for water supply and as a place where trains could pass one another on the single-track line.

The Old Ghan Railway

The Old Ghan Railway was a key transportation route traversing the Australian outback. It operated through some of the toughest environments. Ranging from desert plains to rugged mountain ranges. Sidings like Margaret siding were essential for ensuring that trains could complete the long journey particularly when steam engines required frequent stops for water.

Siding On The Oodnadatta Track

Decline And Abandonment

With the introduction of diesel engines and the construction of a more direct and flood-proof rail line, the Old Ghan route became obsolete. By the 1980s, the railway was rerouted and Margaret Railway Siding like many other stops along the old line was abandoned.

Margaret Siding Today

Today very little remains of Margaret Siding but it continues to hold historical significance for railway enthusiasts. The site is a reminder of the determination and engineering needed to build and maintain a railway through the harsh Australian interior.

Abandoned Water Tank On Ghan Railway

Can You Camp At Margaret Railway Siding On The Oodnadatta Track?

Unfortunately you can’t. There is no camping allowed at Margaret Railway Siding on the Old Ghan Railway alongside the Oodnadatta track.

Conclusion

Although Margaret Railway Siding no longer functions as a railway stop. Its legacy is part of the broader story of the Old Ghan Railway. It symbolises the hard work and perseverance required to connect the remote parts of Australia via one of the country’s most iconic railroads.

Camping at Curdimurka Railway Siding located on the Oodnadatta Track in outback South Australia 101km west of Marree is a unique and remote camping experience.

We left Farina and headed into Marree for some lunch at the pub. I had the hamburger as I have a few times before and once again it did not disappoint – it was magnificent. Next task was lowering the tyre pressure on the van and the ute. Before this trip I bought a set of iCheck TPMS Pro Series Automatic Tyre Deflators. The iCheckTPMS Automatic Tyre Deflators allows you to preset your desired pressure then screw them on and walk away. This saves time and your knees from having to kneel down and deflate one tyre at a time and my knees are absolute rubbish! They worked so well I wish I’d had a set of them years ago.

Curdimurka Siding Campsite Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.476580°, 137.084610°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 101km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 305km
Distance From Marla: 559km

Camping At Curdimurka Siding

Then we stopped in at the Marree Roadhouse for some supplies as it was our last chance to do so for quite a few days. I love the Marree Roadhouse as it’s quirky and has just about every basic item you could need. Then we stopped at the road sign for the obligatory photo before heading off down the Oodnadatta Track.

Our Jayco All Terrain And Nissan navara On The Oodnadatta Track

We called in for a look at the sculpture park. We weren’t going to this time however when we got close to it Amanda noticed that there was geocache located there so we called in and grabbed it. Whist there Amanda saw a pure white owl being chased and harassed by a couple of hawks – it was quite something to see.

The Lake Eyre lookout was cool this time as you could clearly see water off in the distance. I wouldn’t have liked to walk out to the waters edge as it was a long way off however it was nice to be able to see the water. As an added bonus we found another geocache down in the dunes.

We set up camp at Curdimurka Siding and then spent a couple of hours exploring what is left of Curdimurka Siding and there is quite a lot left to see. It’s still all in fairly decent condition. We walked out along the tracks to the water tower and bore and it’s in a sad state of decline. It was interesting to have a look at the Curdimurka Siding water softener as well. There’s another water softener at Beresford Siding where we camped on a previous trip along the Oodnadatta Track. These softeners were used to remove minerals from the bore water that created scaling in the boilers of the steam engines that travelled the Ghan.

Water Softener And Tank At Curdimurka

Oodnadatta Track Road Conditions

This is the third time we have travelled the oodnadatta Track and it wasn’t in great condition with the bit between Marree and William Creek being particularly rough. There had been recent rain and the track had suffered as a consequence. We just took our time and it was ok. There were a lot of rutted sections and a few corrugated stretches between Marree and Curdimurka Siding.

Travelling The Oodnadatta Track 2024

Camping At Curdimurka Siding

Curdimurka Railway Siding located on the Oodnadatta Track in outback South Australia 101km west of Marree is a unique and remote camping destination. Once a stop on the historic Ghan railway line, this site offers a glimpse into the region’s rich railway history while providing a serene spot for campers.

Camping At Curdimurka

What To Expect At Curdimurka Siding

• Historic Railway Siding: Curdimurka was an important part of the old Ghan railway network, and the remnants of the railway buildings and infrastructure are still visible today. The old water tower and railway structures add character to the camping experience.
• Remote Camping: There are no formal camping facilities at Curdimurka, making it a true off-the-grid experience. When camping at Curdimurka railway siding you will need to be self-sufficient as it’s 101 kilometres from the nearest roadhouse at Marree.
• Quiet and Scenic: The isolation of Curdimurka offers a quiet and peaceful environment, surrounded by vast desert landscapes.

Curdimurka Siding Entry Gates

Things To Do While Camping

• Explore the Railway History: Wander around the old railway buildings and imagine the days when the Ghan trains passed through this remote outpost.
• Birdwatching: The nearby Lake Eyre Basin attracts a variety of birdlife, especially after rains. Keep an eye out for birds in the area if you’re visiting during the right season.
• Photography: The stark, rugged landscapes provide excellent opportunities for photography, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Camping Tips

• Be Self Sufficient: There are no facilities or shops nearby, so make sure you bring all your supplies, including plenty of water.
• Check Road Conditions: The Oodnadatta Track can be rough especially after rain.  It’s important to check road conditions before heading out.
• Respect the Environment: As this is a remote and untouched area campers should follow the “leave no trace” principle, taking all rubbish with them and respecting the historic site.

Curdimurk Siding Building

History Of The Curdimurka Siding

Curdimurka Railway Siding is a significant piece of South Australia’s railway history. It is located on the old Ghan railway line. Built in the late 19th century, Curdimurka served as a vital watering stop for steam locomotives travelling between Port Augusta and Alice Springs.

Early Years

Curdimurka was established in the 1880s as part of the Great Northern Railway, commonly known as the Ghan Railway. The siding was essential because it provided water for steam engines, which needed frequent refuelling during their long journeys through the arid landscape.  A large water tank was constructed to store water from nearby bores ensuring trains could make the trip across the harsh outback.

The Ghan Railway

The Ghan Railway is one of Australia’s most famous railways. Curdimurka played a small but crucial role in keeping the trains running smoothly, especially during the era when steam engines dominated.  The siding was part of the line that connected Adelaide to Alice Springs helping to develop the remote interior of Australia.

Along The Ghan

Decline And Abandonment

As diesel engines replaced steam locomotives in the mid-20th century the need for water stops like Curdimurka diminished. By the 1980s, the railway line was rerouted, bypassing many of the original sidings, including Curdimurka.  The last train passed through Curdimurka in 1980.  The station was abandoned but it still remains as a site of historical interest.

Bit Late For That

Curdimurka Railway Siding Today

Curdimurka Siding is a reminder of Australia’s pioneering railway history. Although no longer in use the original buildings and water tank are still intact giving a look into the past. The site is popular with history enthusiasts and travellers on the Oodnadatta Track looking to camp for the night as well as explore the remnants of the old Ghan Railway.

Curdimurka Siding Station Board

Conclusion

The Curdimurka Railway Siding is a symbol of the determination to conquer Australia’s vast and challenging interior. Though no longer operational its history remains an integral part of the story of the Ghan Railway and the development of outback Australia. Camping at Curdimurka Railway Siding offers a rare chance to experience the Australian outback’s history and natural beauty. For those who enjoy remote camping and are prepared for the rugged conditions, it’s a rewarding destination with a deep connection to Australia’s railway past.

Camping At Curdimurka Siding Photo Gallery