Old Ghan train in Marree

Marree SA 5733 (Pop 130)  

Marree is a fascinating Outback settlement near Lake Eyre and located 671 km north of Adelaide. Established as Hergott Spings in 1872 for the Ovrland Telegraph Line workers, it also serviced the Afghan camel drivers during 19^th century. The railway arrived in 1883 and due to anti-German WWI feelings, the town was renamed Marree. Picnic Races & Gymkhana (June), Aus Camel Cup (July), Gymkhana (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Maree Museum Park includes Tom Kruse’s old mail truck that used to carry the post along the Birdsville Track in 1950s. Aboriginal Heritage Museum,  Arabunna Aboriginal Community Centre with historic artifacts & displays. Camel Sculpture made of railway sleepers. 

Nearby:
Lake Eyre NP (n-w) is Australia’s largest salt lake and is divided into Lake Eyre North & South. Accessible only by 4WD, it is home to countless varieties of waterbirds when it fills, which has only been 3 times in the last century and a half. Named after explorer Edward John Eyre (1860), it is best avoided during the summer months (Nov-Mar) and a Desert Parks Pass is required before visiting. Sir Donald Campbell set his world land speed record (645 kph) here in 1964. Birdsville Track (north) this historic route was established in 1880s and covers 517 km through to Birdsville. Features along the way include the Lake Harry Homestead failed date palm plantation (30 km north) and the Natterannie Sandhills (140 km north) through the Simpson and Sturt Stony Deserts. Oodnadatta Track (n-w) a 600 km 4WD track from Marree to Marla through some of Australia’s most arid landscapes. Highlights include the Dog Fence (40 km west) and Curdimurka Siding & Bore (90 km west) - railway siding relics from original Ghan railway. Nearby is the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park consisting of 12 000 ha with a number of mounds (The Bubbler & Blanche Cup) fed from the Great Artesian Basin supporting many aquatic plants and waterbird species.

Accommodation:
Marree has a hotel and holiday cabins in the three caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Marree Outback Roadhouse & General Store. Tel (08) 8675 8360.

Airports:
Leigh Creek Airport (LGH) (118 km south); Port Augusta Airport (PUG), off Eyre Hwy. (383 km south).

Hospital:
Marree Health Service, First St. Tel (08) 8675 8345.