The all dirt Oodnadatta Track runs for 600 kilometres along the western shores of Lake Eyre between Marreee at the bottom of the Birdsville Track and Marka on the Stuart Highway.
The basic route of the Oodnadatta Track was pioneered by Major P.E. Warburton and the famous Scottish explorer John McDouall Stuart who ultimately succeeded in crossing the continent from south to north and back again in 1862. In 1872 the historic Overland Telegraph Line was constructed along the route and by 1891 the original and now abandoned Ghan Railway was also constructed along the same basic path.
Make sure you stop to see the massive Lake Eyre system that is roughly the size of Holland. This lake is usually dry with a brilliant white salt crust. See the impressive lake from the air on scenic flights from William Creek or Coober Pedy.
About 40km from Marree you will came across the Dog Fence - the longest fence in the world. The 5,300km Dog Fence separates the rich sheep-growing areas in the south from the dingoes of central Australia.
Traversing the bumpy track to the Mound Springs is rewarding. The fabulous mound springs of The Bubbler and Blanche Cup are fed from the Great Artesian Basin. The plants and waterbirds that support this unique environment are fascinating. For detailed information about the plant life, water systems and landforms of The Oodnadatta Track, download The Oodnadatta Track - String of Springs brochure PDF(6MB).
For more information on the towns and there services along the Oodnadatta Track click on each of the town names below.
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Experience a true Outback adventure. Travellers are driven by the mysticism of the Outback and the promise of a cold beer in the legendary Mungerannie and Birdsville pubs. Between Mungerannie and Birdsville the seemingly endless expanse of Sturt's Stony Desert makes way for the Diamantina floodplain. The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive ambled down this track in 2002 and 2005.
For more information on the towns and there services along the Birdsville Track click on the town name below.
Along the "Strz" you will see the old and new worlds intertwine. The old Legend of Harry Readford who pioneered the track while stealing 1000 beasts from a Queensland cattle baron, and Burke and Wills tragic fate, commemorated at the Dig Tree near Innamincka. To the Moomba oil and gas field of today, the 770 km track services these fields and is therefore reasonably well maintaned. Do not miss Cooper Creek or Coongie Lakes.
For more information on the towns and there services along the Strzelecki Track click on each of the town names below