Oodnadatta
A historic centre with a large Aboriginal population, Oodnadatta has retained much of its pioneering character. Learn how the town once worked, and explore Aboriginal culture and bush foods at the Rail Station Museum. Pick up an access key from the Pink Roadhouse or Oodnadatta Transcontinental Hotel.
Amenities include the Oodnadatta Hotel, which reopened in 2017 and includes hotel accommodation, swimming pools and Wi-Fi, with public internet access at the local school.
The outlandish and fun Pink Roadhouse is a meeting place for travellers and locals, housing a licensed restaurant, visitor information outlet, service station, caravan and cabin park.
On the town common, there’s a 20-minute, free amateur driving loop called the ‘6x4’, designed to teach the value of low tyre pressures in extreme environments and provide practice for those considering crossing the Simpson Desert.
The Simpson Desert is the largest parallel dune system in the world, covering 170,000 square kilometres and crossing the corners of three states. Access is via the Warburton Crossing turn-off. Only well-prepared 4WD vehicles with UHF radios should take this journey. A Desert Parks Pass is required, with the desert closed in summer. For more information, phone 1800 816 078.
Be prepared before tackling the Oodnadatta Track
Follow the Aussie Travel Code and come prepared. Check your tyre pressure and get up-to-date road information by calling the Road Conditions Hotline on 1300 361 033. During office hours, you can call the Oodnadatta Roadhouse from up to 100km away on UHF duplex channels 1, 4, 6, 7 and 8. On the Oodnadatta Track, large official satellite-controlled signs advise of any travel restrictions from rain at each town.
