Oodnadatta Track

Bru · Senior Member

Oodnadatta Track

Dreamcatcher · Veteran Member

No I haven't been along it before but would be interested to hear how it was as I've heard a lot about it and will be doing it next May or June on the way up north

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

The Oodnadatta Track is possibly the most interesting of all of Australia's iconic tracks. It has a very long history going back thousands of years as an Aboriginal trade route. Do some research before you go to get the most from the trip, and allow plenty of time to look around.
In fact, it is a wide, graded gravel road. The condition varied according to the grader timing, the traffic and the weather and unless it is whet (when it will be closed) it is always usable with any vehicle, only the safe speed will vary.

This is a short video clip of a bit of it from a couple of years ago. I would describe this as a "relatively poor condition" piece, but it can be worse. If it is bad, simply slow down some more.

The other comment is that knowing what it is like right now is absolutely useless information relative to a trip planned any time after tomorrow. It can and does change almost on a daily basis. Go and have a look is the best advise.

Cheers,
Peter

-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Friday 27th of November 2015 12:44:29 PM

-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Friday 27th of November 2015 12:46:41 PM

Dunmowin · Guru

At the right time of year the Oodnadatta Track is great to travel, BUT, summer is not the best time to do it. Check with local "specialist" like RAA in South Aust or similar, and not various forums, where you will get uninformed advice. The track differs from season to season. Best time to travel is May - October.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Yes, we travelled it on November 11th 2009 and it was blowing a gale and temperatures were above 45C. The result was a violent dust storm.
Not pleasant, very demanding on vehicles and tyres and potentially dangerous in the event of a break down.

There is not much traffic in the summer.

To make things worse, some of the road was badly corrugated.

09-11-11 058E.jpg

09-11-11 040cE.jpg

Cheers,

Peter

teago · Member

To hot and I would check as to whether it is open and not like the Simpson closed during the hot months

Like all outback tracks some see it rough to others who prepare correctly it can be a day out in the park

You can only make comment after you have done it

teago

Gaz n Shell · Senior Member

We've driven the track several times ,it's always fun and always interesting,we've had some great bush camps along the way and the beer at Oodnadatta's pubs are always cold.
I agree with Pete do ya homework and you will have a good run

cheers

Gaz