We’ve listed 27 of the best free and low cost camp sites on the Oodnadatta Track South Australia. The Oodnadatta Track is one of the most iconic outback tracks in Australia.
The Oodnadatta Track is a 620 km dirt road that connects the towns of Marree and Marla in South Australia. The track is rich in history, culture, and natural wonders, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves camping, and outdoor adventure. Please keep in mind that you will need to be self sufficient and well prepared to travel the Oodnadatta Track. And please avoid it during the summer months when temperatures can soar northwards of 40 degrees Celsius for weeks on end. Peak times to experience the track are from May to the end of September.
Map Of Camp Sites On The Oodnadatta Track South Australia
Camp Sites On The Oodnadatta Track South Australia
1. Farina Camping Grounds
Technically this one isn’t on the Oodnadatta Track South Australia however we have always camped here either before doing the track or after we have finished so we have included it. It’s an absolutely awesome campground in the Ghost Town of Farina. Hot showers and flushing toilets are available.
Cost: $10 per person per night or $20 per car per night
Type: Bush Camping / Campground
Location: -30.062407°, 138.274768°
Distance From Marree: 58km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 462km
Distance From Marla: 774km
Remote Camping At Farina
2. Campground Marree Hotel
Camping behind the Marree Hotel. Toilets and showers available and great meals and beer! Very friendly location.
Cost: Free. $2 donation to use toilets and showers. Do the right thing and have a meal in the pub.
Type: Pub Camping
Location: -29.649041°, 138.064652°
Distance From Marree: 0km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 406km
Distance From Marla: 660km
3. Marree Oasis Caravan Park & Cabins
Powered and unpowered sites. Showers and toilets. Laundry facilities.
Cost: Powered $35. Unpowered $30.
Type: Caravan Park
Location: -29.646530°, 138.061902°
Distance From Marree: 0km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 405km
Distance From Marla: 659km
4. Bridge Ruins
This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.650705°, 137.716823°
Distance From Marree: 34km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 371km
Distance From Marla: 625km
5. Alberrie Creek Bridge
This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.647019°, 137.639436°
Distance From Marree: 42km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 363km
Distance From Marla: 617km
6. Gregory Creek Campsite
This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.564041°, 137.334957°
Distance From Marree: 74km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 332km
Distance From Marla: 586km
7. Curdimurka Railway Siding
Curdimurka Siding is an abandoned railway siding on the Oodnadatta Track. This is free camping between the Old Ghan Railway and the Oodnadatta Track with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.476580°, 137.084610°
Distance From Marree: 101km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 305km
Distance From Marla: 559km
8. Stuart Creek
This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in. Turnoff is just before the concrete for when travelling from Marree. Large flat area with plenty of firewood.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.489504°, 137.076053°
Distance From Marree: 102km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 303km
Distance From Marla: 557km
9. Coward Springs Museum & Campground
This is a paid campground. Showers and toilets. Coward Springs was a railway station of the Central Australia Railway on the Old Ghan Railway. The name refers to a nearby mound spring on the Oodnadatta Track adjacent to the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park.
Cost: $15 per person per night
Type: Paid Campground
Location: -29.401325°, 136.813945°
Distance From Marree: 131km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 275km
Distance From Marla: 529km
David & Amanda In The Spring At Coward Springs
10. The Amphitheatre
Large flat abandoned quarry 9km NW of Coward Springs. This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.337625°, 136.748336°
Distance From Marree: 141km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 265km
Distance From Marla: 519km
11. Beresford Bore Railway Siding Ruins
Beresford Bore Railway Siding is an abandoned railway siding on the Oodnadatta Track. It’s pretty cool to check out and explore. It has a mostly intact water softener setup used for treating water to go in to the old steam trains that used the old Ghan Railway. This is free camping between the Old Ghan Railway and the Oodnadatta Track with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.239932°, 136.656277°
Distance From Marree: 155km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 251km
Distance From Marla: 505km
Camped At Beresford Siding
12. Warriner Creek Ghan Rail Bridge Camp
This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.139629°, 136.566467°
Distance From Marree: 169km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 236km
Distance From Marla: 490km
13. Near Irrapatana Sand Hills
Dirt track leading to a big flat area behind station. Near a fenced dam. Would be very boggy if wet. Was a lot of old fence posts lying around for firewood when we were there in 2019. This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.085839°, 136.529259°
Distance From Marree: 177km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 230km
Distance From Marla: 484km
14. William Creek Hotel Camping Ground
Campground/Caravan Park across the road from the iconic William Creek Hotel. Toilets and showers available and great meals and beer! Laundry facilities. Dog friendly. Fuel available. Awesome meals available at the pub. Very friendly location.
Cost: About $35 per night powered and $30 per night unpowered. Varies depending upon season.
Type: Caravan Park / Paid Campground
Location: -28.909119°, 136.338610°
Distance From Marree: 204km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 202km
Distance From Marla: 456km
Amanda At William Creek Hotel
15. Box Creek Bush Camp
If heading north take the first turn left immediately after the sign for Box Creek and drive to the end. This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -28.714409°, 135.970542°
Distance From Marree: 248km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 157km
Distance From Marla: 411km
16. Quilters Ruins
When you see a cattle yard follow the track down to a T intersection. It won’t be very busy so there are no traffic lights or stop signs or anything like that. At the T turn right and drive until you find the ruins. You’ll know them when you see them. This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in. This is the quintessential Oodnadatta Track camping experience.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -28.632512°, 135.891761°
Distance From Marree: 260km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 145km
Distance From Marla: 399km
17. Duff Creek Bridge
This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in. Nice old Ghan Railway bridge to explore. Road in was a bit corrugated in 2022. Duff Creek was a former railway siding on the old Ghan Railway line.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -28.529812°, 135.872557°
Distance From Marree: 272km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 133km
Distance From Marla: 387km
18. Algebuckina Bridge
An absolute pearler of a camp site. We’ve stayed here a few times. This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in. The Algebuckina Bridge camping area is on Peake Creek. Sometimes it has plenty of water in it and other times we’ve seen it completely empty. The bridge is an old railway bridge on the Old Ghan railway. At one time it was the longest railway bridge in South Australia.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -27.902157°, 135.812224°
Distance From Marree: 348km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 57km
Distance From Marla: 311km
Free Camping At Algebuckina Bridge On The Oodnadatta Track
19. Algebuckina Waterhole, The Peake
This is on the opposite side of the Oodnadatta Track to the Algebuckina Bridge. This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -27.897280°, 135.821374°
Distance From Marree: 349km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 58km
Distance From Marla: 312km
20. Oodnadatta Free Camp
Very flat, clean and close to the small town of Oodnadatta. This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -27.544493°, 135.446421°
Distance From Marree: 406km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 700m
Distance From Marla: 254km
21. Oodnadatta West Free Camp
Large open space with a few low trees a long way back off the road. Turn in at the Telegraph Monument. This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -27.540314°, 135.410365°
Distance From Marree: 410km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 4.6km
Distance From Marla: 250km
22. Oodnadatta Pink Roadhouse & Camp
Campground/Caravan Park behind the iconic Pink Roadhouse. Toilets and showers available although there are only a few of each. Laundry facilities. Dog friendly. Fuel available.
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
Pink Roadhouse Oodnadatta
23. Small Hills Near Angle Pole
This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -27.490360°, 135.418222°
Distance From Marree: 413km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 7km
Distance From Marla: 247km
24. Kathleen Creek, Oodnadata Track
This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -27.204822°, 134.752916°
Distance From Marree: 489km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 84km
Distance From Marla: 170km
25. Oolarinna Creek
This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in. Please don’t cut down the trees for firewood. They may look dead however they are only dormant. They will spring to life once it rains however not if they have been cut down.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -27.162411°, 134.621032°
Distance From Marree: 503km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 98km
Distance From Marla: 156km
26. Coongra Creek
Fairly flat spot next to the creek with easy access. Travel further along the track if there are people camped up the front. There is plenty of room for everyone. Also don’t cut branches off the trees. There is [lenty of dead wood lying around. This is a free campground with no facilities. Dog friendly. Be responsible and take out what you take in.
Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -27.177435°, 134.320392°
Distance From Marree: 534km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 129km
Distance From Marla: 125km
27. Marla Travellers Rest
This is either the beginning or the very end of the Oodnadatta Track. Toilets and showers availabl. Water. Laundry facilities. Dog friendly. Fuel available.
Cost: About $30 per night powered and $20 per night unpowered. Varies depending upon season.
Type: Caravan Park / Paid Campground
Location: -27.304126°, 133.622447°
Distance From Marree: 603km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 254km
Distance From Marla: 0km
About The Oodnadatta Track South Australia
The Oodnadatta Track is one of the most iconic outback tracks in Australia. It is a 620 km dirt road that connects the towns of Marree and Marla in South Australia. The track is rich in history, culture, and natural wonders, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves camping, hiking, and outdoor adventures.
If you’re planning a camping trip on the Oodnadatta Track, there are a few things you need to know to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know before you go.
Preparing For Your Trip
Before you embark on your journey, it’s important to do some research and plan your route. The Oodnadatta Track is a remote area, and you won’t have access to basic facilities such as fuel stations, shops, and medical services. Therefore, you need to be self-sufficient and prepared for any situation.
Make sure you have enough fuel, food, water, and camping equipment to last the duration of your trip. You should also check the weather forecast, road conditions, and any road closures before you leave. The Oodnadatta Track is prone to flooding, especially during the wet season, so it’s important to check the weather and road conditions before you set out.
Camping options
There are several camping options along the Oodnadatta Track, ranging from free campsites to more established campgrounds. Here are some of the most popular camping spots along the track:
Coward Springs Campground: This is a popular camping spot, and for a good reason. It is a well-maintained campground that offers hot showers, flushing toilets, and a communal kitchen. There are also several artesian springs, which provide a perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of driving.
William Creek Campground: This is another popular campground, located in the small town of William Creek. It is a good spot to set up camp if you want to explore the surrounding area. The campground offers basic facilities such as toilets and showers, but it’s important to note that the showers are coin-operated.
Algebuckina Bridge Campground: This is a free campground that offers basic facilities such as toilets and fire pits. It is located near the Algebuckina Bridge, which is a historic railway bridge that spans the Neales River.
Level Post Bay: This is a free camping spot that offers stunning views of Lake Eyre. There are no facilities available, so you need to be self-sufficient.
Marree Campground: This is a good spot to set up camp if you’re starting or finishing your journey on the Oodnadatta Track. The campground offers basic facilities such as toilets and showers, and it’s located near the town centre.
Things To See & Do On The Oodnadatta Track
The Oodnadatta Track is a historic route through the Australian Outback, passing through some of the country’s most remote and rugged landscapes. Here are some things to see and do on the Oodnadatta Track:
The Mound Springs: There are two well-known mound springs known as showcase mound springs, Blanche Cup and The Bubbler. They are located about 6 kilometers south-east of Coward Springs on the Oodnadatta Track. Standing and looking at these permanent pools of water, you will realize how important they were to early European explorers. Overland Telegraph and Ghan Railway routes were determined by their presence here.
Lake Eyre: Lake Eyre covers an area of over 8000 square kilometres and is usually dry. A large amount of outback rains in Queensland, which feed the river systems that feed Lake Eyre, have brought water to Lake Eyre for the last three years, an event that happens rarely. Lake Eyre can be seen from,
- In the vicinity of Coward Springs, the Oodnadatta Track can have water in it after local rain in Lake Eyre South.
- ABC/Halligan Bay, a day trip from Coward Springs, 70 kms up the Oodnadatta Track to William Creek, then 64 kms into the Lake (4WD only).
- 94 km from Marree on the Birdsville Track at Muloorina Station (2WD is not recommended).
Explore the ruins of the Old Ghan Railway: The Oodnadatta Track was once a major railway line, and the ruins of the old railway stations and tracks can still be seen along the route. Some of the most impressive ruins can be found at Farina, a ghost town that was once a thriving railway community.
Visit the Pink Roadhouse: The Pink Roadhouse is an iconic Outback pit stop, located in the town of Oodnadatta. The roadhouse serves as a general store, fuel station, and café, and is a great place to stock up on supplies and hear stories from other travellers.
Marvel at the Painted Desert: The Painted Desert is a stunning geological formation, with colourful rock formations that resemble a painted landscape. The desert is located near the northern end of the Oodnadatta Track, and can be accessed via a side road.
Oodnadatta Track Road Restrictions Sign
Visit the Marree Mosque: The town of Marree, located near the southern end of the Oodnadatta Track, is home to one of the oldest mosques in Australia. The mosque was built in 1861 to serve the needs of the Afghan cameleers who helped to open up the Outback.
Experience Aboriginal culture: The Oodnadatta Track passes through the traditional lands of several Aboriginal groups, and there are opportunities to learn about their culture and history along the way. The Aboriginal community at Nepabunna offers guided tours and cultural experiences.
Go Stargazing: The Outback is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its clear skies and lack of light pollution. The Oodnadatta Track South Australia is a great place to set up camp and spend an evening marvelling at the stars.
Oodnadatta Track South Australia Road Conditions
Check the official government websites for road conditions and travel advice, such as the South Australian Government’s Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure website. You may also want to consider contacting the local authorities, such as the Outback Communities Authority or the local police department, for the latest information on the Oodnadatta Track road conditions.
Oodnadatta Track Fuel Availability
The Oodnadatta Track South Australia is a remote 620-kilometre dirt track that runs through the Australian Outback, connecting Marree in South Australia with Oodnadatta in the Northern Territory. Fuel is essential for any journey along this track as there are limited fuel stops available. Currently, there are four fuel stations on the Oodnadatta Track – one at the beginning at Maree, one at William Creek, one at The Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta and one at the other end at Marla. It is recommended that you fill up your tank at these stations as you will not find another fuel stop for several hundred kilometres.
| Marree | William Creek | Oodnadatta | Marla |
|---|
| | <- 204km | <- 201km | <- 254km |
| Marree Roadhouse | William Creek Fuel (24hr) | Pink Roadhouse | Marla Travellers Rest |
| 0488 444 544 | (08) 8670 7880 | (08) 8670 7822 | (08) 8670 7001 |
It’s also worth noting that fuel prices can be higher in remote areas, so it’s a good idea to budget accordingly. It’s also important to check the opening hours of these fuel stations in advance, as they may not be open every day or may have limited operating hours. Finally, it’s always a good idea to carry spare fuel with you as a backup, especially if you’re planning on travelling long distances or venturing off the beaten track.
Some Essential Safety Tips For Travelling In The Australian Outback
Here are some essential tips for ensuring your safety while travelling in the Australian Outback.
Choose the Right Vehicle
Your vehicle is one of the most critical components of a safe Outback trip. Choose a four-wheel drive vehicle that is well-suited for off-road driving and can handle rough terrain. Make sure that your vehicle is in good condition and that all essential components, such as brakes, suspension, and tires, are in good working order. It’s also important to carry spare parts, such as extra tires and a spare battery, and to have a basic understanding of how to repair your vehicle in case of a breakdown.
Plan Your Route
Before you embark on your Outback adventure, plan your route carefully. Research the roads and trails you’ll be taking, and make sure you have a detailed map and a GPS device. Know the distance between fuel stops and carry enough fuel to get you to the next station. Consider the time of year and weather conditions and be prepared for sudden changes in weather, particularly if you’re traveling during the summer months when temperatures can soar.
Take Precautions
The Australian Outback can be an unforgiving environment, so it’s important to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Always wear a hat, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the sun and heat. Carry plenty of water and food, and make sure you have a first aid kit on hand. It’s also a good idea to carry a satellite phone or emergency beacon, in case of an emergency.
Drive Safely
Driving in the Outback requires a different set of skills than driving on a highway. Reduce your speed and take it slow on dirt roads, particularly if you’re driving on unfamiliar terrain. Be aware of wildlife on the roads, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and always wear your seatbelt.
Avoid Driving at Night
Driving at night in the Outback can be hazardous, particularly if you’re driving on dirt roads or unlit highways. Wildlife is more active at night, and the risk of a collision is higher. Additionally, it can be difficult to judge distances and navigate unfamiliar terrain in the dark. Plan your travel so that you’re off the road before sunset.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Even with careful planning and precautions, emergencies can still happen. If you’re involved in an accident or experience a breakdown, stay with your vehicle and make yourself visible to passing traffic. Use your emergency beacon or satellite phone to call for help. If you’re stranded, conserve your resources and stay in the shade during the day and wrap up warm at night.
Conclusion
The Oodnadatta Track South Australia is a truly awesome outback adventure. Travelling in the Australian Outback can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience, but it’s important to prioritise safety, particularly when it comes to road and vehicle safety. Choosing the right vehicle, planning your route, taking necessary precautions, driving safely, avoiding driving at night, and being prepared for emergencies are all essential steps in ensuring a safe and enjoyable Outback adventure. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the stunning landscapes and unique culture of the Australian Outback while keeping yourself and your travelling companions safe.
