Our two stays at Coward Springs Campground: Oodnadatta Track advice, donkey boiler showers and the springs – caravanning in SA’s outback.
Coward Springs campgrounds is a desert stop on the Oodnadatta Track that is full of history. Located along the famous Oodnadatta Track in South Australia’s outback, Coward Springs mixes history, nature and adventure. We first camped here in September 2019 with our Supreme Getaway off-road caravan and returned in August 2022 while on another trip. Both trips showed us what makes this spot special – and what challenges to expect.
Camping At Coward Springs Campground
Coward Springs Campground
Address: Oodnadatta Track, Stuarts Creek, South Australia 5733
GPS: -29.401325°, 136.813945°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Email: contact@cowardsprings.com.au
Website: http://www.cowardsprings.com.au
Phone: +61 8 8675 8336
Cost: (2025) $18 per adult & Children (3–15 years) half price
Adults: $15 per night
Bookings: https://cowardsprings.com.au/booking/
Amanda Checking In At Coward Springs
The Story Of Coward Springs
Coward Springs started as a stop for the Old Ghan Railway in the late 1800s, using water from the Great Artesian Basin to power steam trains. When the railway closed, the site nearly vanished until locals restored it in the 1990s. Today, you can explore the old railway workers’ huts, a small museum and the natural springs that keep this place alive.
Our 2019 vs. 2022 Experience
We’ve compared our two visits to help you plan better. We loved both stays!
| Aspect |
September 2019 |
August 2022 |
| Crowds |
Busy by 4 PM; all 20 campsites full. |
Quieter, with half the sites empty midweek. |
| Weather |
Warm days (25-30°C), chilly nights (5°C). |
Cooler days (18–22°C), freezing nights (0-3°C) – bring something warm to sleep in! |
| Natural Spring |
Waited 20 minutes for a soak. |
Walked straight in – no queues. |
| Road Conditions |
Dry, smooth gravel roads from William Creek. |
Recent rain caused minor rutting and corrugations; 4WD recommended. |
| Facilities |
Donkey boiler showers worked well. |
New compost toilets added. |
10 Activities Near Coward Springs
- Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs
Visited twice – the bright blue water of Blanche Cup never gets old!
- William Creek Pub
Ate their famous pie in 2019; tried lamb shanks in 2022. Both meals hit the spot.
- Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda)
Flew over in 2019 (water present), drove to Lake Eyre South in 2022 (bone-dry).
- Strangways Springs Ruins
More signage added by 2022 – easier to understand the history.
- Algebuckina Bridge
Have camped there three times. Great for sunset photos. See if you can find the graves.
- Coward Springs Walk
The 1.5 km loop felt quicker in 2022 with cooler weather.
- Mutonia Sculpture Park
New plane wreck art added near Lake Eyre since 2019. we’ve called in here every time we’ve travelled the Oodnadatta Track.
- Stargazing
Clearer skies in August 2022 – saw the Southern Cross and Orion.
- Oodnadatta Track Drive
Noticed more roadside rest areas by 2022.
- Chat with Travellers
Met more international visitors in 2022 post-COVID border reopenings.
What We Learned Across Both Trips
- Best Time to Visit
- September: Warmer days but crowded. Book early.
- August: Quieter but pack warm clothes and bedding for freezing nights.
- Packing Tips
- 2019 Misses: Forgot to bring firewood with us. We ran out the night before.
- 2022 Wins: New caravan had a gas heater installed.
- Campground Changes (2019 vs. 2022)
- Improved: New compost toilets, better signage for walks.
- Same: No drinking water, power, or phone reception.
How To Drive To Coward Springs, South Australia
Reaching Coward Springs requires careful planning due to its remote location on the Oodnadatta Track, a historic outback route in northern South Australia. The track is largely unsealed, with gravel, corrugations, and occasional rutting after rain. A 4WD vehicle is recommended although 2WDs can manage in dry conditions if driven cautiously. From Adelaide, most travellers take the Princess Highway to Port Augusta, then head north via Leigh Creek to Marree—the official start of the Oodnadatta Track. From Marree, it’s a 160 km drive north to Coward Springs. Fuel, water, and spare tires are essential, as services are limited beyond Marree and William Creek. Always check the [SA Outback Roads Report](https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/OutbackRoads) before departing.
Donkey Boiler
Driving Distances And Times
From Capital Cities
| Starting Point |
Distance to Coward Springs |
Estimated Driving Time |
Key Route Notes |
| Adelaide, SA |
845 km |
9–10 hours |
Via Port Augusta, Leigh Creek, and Marree. Mix of sealed and unsealed roads. |
| Melbourne, VIC |
1,200 km |
13–14 hours |
Follow Mallee Highway to Adelaide route, then north via Port Augusta. |
| Sydney, NSW |
1,500 km |
16–17 hours |
Via Broken Hill and Port Augusta. Mostly sealed until Marree. |
| Brisbane, QLD |
2,000 km |
22+ hours |
Through Bourke, Broken Hill, and Port Augusta. Long stretches of sealed highways. |
| Perth, WA |
2,700 km |
30+ hours |
Cross Nullarbor to Ceduna, then Port Augusta. Requires multiple overnight stops. |
| Darwin, NT |
2,300 km |
25+ hours |
Stuart Highway to Alice Springs, then south via Kulgera. Mostly sealed. |
Along The Oodnadatta Track
| Starting Point |
Distance to Coward Springs |
Estimated Driving Time |
Road Conditions |
| Marree, SA |
160 km |
2 hours |
Unsealed, corrugated. 2WD possible in dry weather. |
| William Creek, SA |
90 km |
1.5 hours |
Gravel with occasional washouts. 4WD advised after rain. |
| Oodnadatta, SA |
280 km |
3.5 hours |
Rough, sandy sections. 4WD essential. |
| Coober Pedy, SA |
236 km |
3 hours |
Unsealed via William Creek. Carry extra fuel. |
| Lake Eyre South (Halligan Bay) |
110 km |
2 hours |
Requires detour from William Creek. Check access permits. |
Key Tips For Driving
- Fuel Up: Last reliable fuel stops are in Marree (south) or Oodnadatta (north).
- Water & Supplies: Carry 10L water/person/day. No shops between Marree and William Creek.
- Tyres: Reduce tire pressure to 28–32 PSI for corrugations.
- Weather: Avoid travel after rain – roads close quickly.
- Permits: Some detours (e.g., Lake Eyre) require National Parks permits.
By planning ahead and respecting the outback’s challenges, your drive to Coward Springs will be an unforgettable adventure.
Conclusion: Why Coward Springs Deserves A Spot On Your Outback Itinerary
Coward Springs, South Australia, is more than a campground – it’s a portal to the raw beauty and layered history of the outback. From its bubbling artesian spa to the echoes of the Old Ghan Railway, this remote oasis rewards travellers willing to embrace its rugged simplicity. Our two visits – in September 2019 and August 2022 – taught us that timing is key: spring brings warmth and crowds, while winter offers solitude (and chilly nights). The journey here, whether from Adelaide or Darwin, is part of the adventure. The Oodnadatta Track’s corrugations and dust test your preparation, but the payoff – soaking in 29°C mineral waters under a desert sky – is unmatched. While facilities remain basic (donkey boilers and compost toilets included), the camaraderie among campers and the haunting beauty of nearby sites like Wabma Kadarbu Springs elevate the experience.
For caravanners, Coward Springs is a rite of passage. It demands self sufficiency, extra water, firewood and patience – but delivers an authenticity that glossy resorts can’t replicate. Whether you’re tracing Aboriginal trade routes, photographing wedge-tailed eagles or swapping stories at William Creek Pub this corner of South Australia etches itself into your memory.
Final Tip: Plan meticulously, pack your sense of humour and let the outback work its magic. As we’ve learned twice now, Coward Springs isn’t just a destination – it’s a story waiting to unfold.
The Bubbler Moundspring On The Oodnadatta Track
Final Thoughts
- 2019 vs. 2022: Both trips had pros. September’s warmth suited swimming, while August’s quiet let us enjoy the springs alone.
- Would We Return? Yes – but in late autumn (April/May) to avoid extremes.
- Biggest Surprise: The museum expanded by 2022 with railway artifacts dug up locally.
- Essential Tip: Bring 20% more water than you think you’ll need. Both times we ran low.
Helpful Links:
Coward Springs Campground Photos
