Oodnadatta Track road conditions can change very quickly.
Although the Oodnadatta Track is a relatively easy outback track to drive, after rain it can become impassible.
Keeping up to date with the road conditions on this track is essential.
This page tells you about the track’s conditions and provides links to sites which will help keep you up to date.
Current Conditions
UPDATE 10 October 2013
Detailed advice for the Oodnadatta Track:
- Oodnadatta to Hamilton HS – Open
- Oodnadatta to Marla – Open
- Oodnadatta to William Creek – Open, but drive to conditions
- Oodnadatta to Coober Pedy – Open
- Coober Pedy to William Creek – Open
- William Creek to Bopeechee – Open
- Bopeechee to Roxby Downs (the Borefield Track) -Open
- Bopeechee to Marree – Open
ALSO NOTE:
Access to Lake Eyre via Halligan Bay and Level Post Bay are open.
Also note: Simpson Desert will be CLOSED from 1 December 2013 – 15 March 2014
We last drove the Oodnadatta Track in June 2013. It was in good condition, (apart from a few minor trouble spots between Algebuckina and Oodnadatta).
General Advice
Oodnadatta Track road conditions can vary widely. The road is well maintained and graded often. After it’s been graded, it’s a wide, smooth and rather ‘fast’ dirt road.
The first part of the road from Maree to William Creek (206 km) travels through gibber plain and open grassland with very few hills or sand dunes. Generally, this is the best part of the road with the fewest corrugations.
From William Creek to Oodnadatta (202 km) there are a few more hills and winding sections of the road.
We’ve found that this section of the road attracts the most corrugations – especially around the hills before and after Algebuckina Bridge (Neales Creek).
Take care in this section as the bends can really sneak up on you.
Remember to slow down when passing other vehicles to avoid windscreen damage.
The last part of the track from Oodnadatta to Marla winds through sandier country, and as you get towards the Stuart Highway, crosses a few creeks.
The track narrows a little in this section and is not quite so ‘fast’ to drive. There’s generally not a lot of corrugations in this section, but sandy creek crossings could be a problem at times.
Hazards on the track include cattle, camels, kangaroos and emus, as well as corrugations and the odd bit of slippery gravel. Remember to avoid driving at dusk and at night to avoid hitting a large animal.
A small amount of rain can close the track or turn it into a bog.
The Oodnadatta track is often closed after rain. If you find that the track is closed, please don’t drive on it.
Driving on wet, muddy tracks destroys the road surface for other road users. If you ignore closure signs, you risk getting stuck in the middle of nowhere – perhaps for several days.
Information About Road Conditions
Information about the Oodnadatta Track can be found at several places online.
The offical place to find out about the conditions on the Oodnadatta track is at the Transport South Australia’s page. This page is updated daily and contains detailed information about many outback tracks in remote South Australia.
Visit Transport South Australia’s Oodnadatta track road conditions page by clicking here
The Pink Roadhouse is another excellent source of local advice about road conditions on the Oodnadatta Track.
You can phone them toll free from anywhere in Australia on 1800 802 074 and find out the latest info on the road. Click here to visit their website
The Lake Eyre Yacht Club website also has some information about Oodnadatta track road conditions. Click here to visit the site.
