Road sign to Oodnadatta

Oodnadatta SA 5734 (Pop 280)
Pic: by krafol

Oodnadatta is a fascinating Outback settlement located 1 039 km north of Adelaide on the famous Oodnadatta Track. Early graziers were granted very large land holdings due to the lack of water. With the sinking of the first bore (1893), the town became an important railway town but went into decline when the line closed (1981). Today Oodnadatta is a quiet mainly Aboriginal community who run most of the town’s businesses. Race Meeting (May), Bronco Branding (Aug/Sept), Cattle Drive (Sept/Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Railway Museum (key at General Store) (1890) interesting historical displays and photographs.

Nearby:
Witjira NP (180 km north) comprises 769 000 ha of beautiful desert landscapes and most famously home to the Dalhousie Springs, Australia’s largest complex of artesian springs. These thermal springs are said to be therapeutic and the pools have pleasant swimming temps between 20-45 deg C. Oodnadatta Track (212 km n-w) 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. Painted Desert (100 km s-w) the rich colours of the Arckaringa Hills created by millions of years of erosion and climatic conditions, result in this exceptional vista.

Accommodation:
Oodnadatta has a hotel and caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: Pink Roadhouse, Ikaturka Tce. Tel (08) 8670 7822 or 1800 802 074.

Airport:
Coober Pedy Airport (CPD), Airport Rd off Stuart Hwy. Tel (08) 8672 5298. (194 km s-w).

Hospital:
Oodnadatta Hospital & Health Services, Oodnadatta Track. Tel (08) 8670 7803.