wastintimewisely

May 11, 20223 min read

Our Oodnadatta Caravanning Adventure

A quick rundown of our stops along the Oodnadatta Track. Our starting Point was Coober Pedy. We did the track in January so it was hot, dry and dusty. The heat is pretty intense and I remember we would turn on the cold water tap and the cold water was non existent so be prepared. Nevertheless we'd happily go again at this time. It was dead quiet!

👉The Pink Roadhouse - This one had been on our bucket list for a while, it didn't disappoint. The pink store in the middle of the outback stood old like no tomorrow. We stopped here overnight and camped in the Caravan Park behind the Roadhouse. They make a great parma so stop in for a meal. The caravan park has a laundry and camp kitchen. The camp kitchen has this outback bar feel to it. Its a pretty cool place to sit and just look take in where you are.

👉Algebuckina Bridge - This is one of the bridges from the Old Ghan Railway and the longest in South Australia. Its located about 55km km east of the town of Oodnadatta. Its in amazingly good condition. There is also a free camping area at the Algebuckina Bridge on the Peake Creek. Handy if your looking for a place to spend the night.

👉Old Peake Telegraph Station aka Peake Ruins was the next stop. (it nearly ruined us lol) The turnoff west is located about 111km north of William Creek and its a public access route so keep a look out for stock. Far out this was supposed to be a quick stop checking out the ruins but it's a 25km, 4WD track in to the ruins from the turnoff and its super slow going. Even with a four wheel drive! We towed the van in ( I know anyone who's been will be thinking what the heck?) and almost gave up. It is worth making the stop though if you love exploring old ruins.

👉 William Creek - Sits roughly half way along the Oodnadatta Track and is home to the well known William Creek Hotel. Opposite the hotel is the camping ground, which is where we stayed for the night. There's powered and un powered sites which are suitable for all types of setups. There's also a camp kitchen, a laundry and showers and toilets as well as a dump point. The kids riding their bikes around with the sun setting in the back-groud will forever be one of my favourite memories. There's just something about the outback!! We had some drinks and dinner at the Hotel and the kids got to leave their mark on the wall for a small donation.

👉Coward Springs - We were all very excited for this stop, the cooler water was a refreshing welcome after the past few days. We stopped here for a short while but next time we would stay overnight at the campground so we could also explore the museum. We had the entire place to ourselves which was lucky. The kids thought the natural spa in the middle of the outback was just the best thing and so did we! As day visitors there was a $2 per person fee A must stop on the Oodnadatta for sure.

👉The Bubbler and Blanche Cup are located roughly 10km east of Coward Springs within the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park - The mound springs are natural outlets for the great artesian basin and are of enormous significance to the Aboriginal People. It is said that the Kuyani ancestor Kakakutanha followed the trail of the rainbow serpent Kanmari to Bidalinha (or the Bubbler) where he killed it.

👉Mutonia Sculpture Park - Sits about 60km west of Maree in the midst of the South Australian desert. This park is full of cool and wacky sculptures made out of recycled metals by mechanic turned artist, Robin Cooke. There's a metal dingo, two full size planes, robot figures and even some musical instruments. Its definitely worth the stop on your way along the Oodnadatta Track.