How long is Oodnadatta Track?
Australia, oceania
622 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to South Australia and want an epic outback adventure? Check out the Oodnadatta Track! This legendary dirt road stretches for 622km (386 miles), connecting Marree in the south to Marla in the northwest, offering a real alternative to the Stuart Highway if you're heading to the Northern Territory.
So, how tough is it? Well, most vehicles can handle it when it's dry, but a 4WD will make the journey way more comfortable, and it's a must if there's been any rain. Think well-maintained gravel, but watch out for washouts, sandy patches, potholes, and those bone-jarring corrugations, especially between William Creek and Oodnadatta. You'll also be crossing a few creeks and rivers, usually dry though!
When's the best time to go? Aim for April to October. Trust me, you do NOT want to be out there between November and March – it's brutally hot.
How long will it take? Non-stop, you're looking at 11-13 hours, cruising at around 60-80 km/h. But you'll definitely want to stop and explore! This track follows an old Aboriginal trading route and the scenery is stunningly semi-desert. You'll be skirting the southern edge of Lake Eyre National Park, passing through outback settlements like William Creek and Oodnadatta. Keep an eye out for the remnants of old railway sidings and telegraph stations, like Coward Springs Campground (with its artesian spa!) and Curdimurka. Plus, there are tons of natural springs along the way, fed by the Great Artesian Basin. It's the perfect introduction to outback driving!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 622 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
hard1. Preparing the Vehicle for Heavy Gear
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're heading out to explore the stunning Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains, and the road there? It's an adventure in itself! This route isn't super long, but don't let that fool you. It packs a punch with steep sections that will test your car's mettle, especially if you've got a full load. The elevation changes mean you'll be working that engine. Keep an eye out for tight turns and sections where you might need to give way to oncoming traffic – it can get pretty narrow. What makes it worth it? The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Think dramatic cliffs, lush forest, and that incredible feeling of being deep in the mountains. Just remember to take it slow, stay focused, and enjoy the ride!
extremeTaking on the Twists and Turns of Crown Range Summit in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Crown Range Road in New Zealand's South Island, somewhere between Arrow Junction and Wanaka. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though! This fully paved road clocks in at 50km (31 miles) and climbs to a whopping 1,079m (3,540ft) above sea level. Now, let's be real – this road's got some bite! Think hairpin turns galore and some seriously steep drops into a breathtaking gorge. It's not for the newbies or anyone towing a caravan, and definitely not for vehicles over 12 meters. But hey, if you're up for a challenge, the views are totally worth it! They say it's the highest main road in New Zealand, nestled right in the Southern Alps. Winter (May to October) turns it into a snowy wonderland, but be warned – ice and snow chains are your best friends. But seriously, the mountain views are insane! Every twist and turn reveals a postcard-worthy scene. Give yourself plenty of time (about 1.5 hours without stops, but who can resist stopping?!) and be prepared to pull over for photo ops. The late afternoon light as you descend into the alpine valley? Pure magic. Just keep your eyes on the road, because those views can be dangerously distracting!
extremeWhat is Sandover Highway?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up for the Sandover Highway! This outback track in the Northern Territory is seriously remote – almost 600km (350 miles) of sand hills and corrugations, making it a legendary 4WD adventure. Starting north of Alice Springs and heading northeast to the Queensland border, this unsealed road cuts through the heart of Australia. It was built to connect a few huge cattle stations, and now it's a popular route for travelers exploring the historical pioneering country of the Alyawarra people. Expect to cruise through classic scrub and spinifex landscapes, following the namesake Sandover River. The road itself is pretty rough, with bull dust hazards and black-soil plains that turn into a total bog after rain. While the initial section might be doable in a regular vehicle, you'll definitely want 4WD after Ammaroo. Seriously, don't attempt it in a 2WD unless you're looking for an excuse to buy a new car! Spring and autumn are the best times to tackle this adventure. Just remember, this is serious remote-area travel. Be completely self-sufficient with water, fuel (the longest stretch between refills is around 320km), and communications, because you won't find any mobile service out here. Even 4WDs break down, so be prepared. Also, regularly check your radiator – spinifex can block airflow and cause overheating. This road demands careful driving. The highway can flood during the wet season. Black soil is extremely nasty after rain, so check local weather conditions. Take plenty of water and fuel, and be aware that the road isn’t heavily trafficked. It's a real test of your vehicle and your endurance.
moderateHow long is Desert Road NZ?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through New Zealand's North Island on State Highway 1, and suddenly you're smack-dab in the middle of the Rangipo Desert on the legendary Desert Road. This fully paved stretch of highway is a straight shot for 63 km (39 miles), slicing right through this alpine desert. You'll be traveling from the cute town of Turangi, nestled on the North Island Volcanic Plateau, all the way to Waiouru in the Ruapehu District. It's called the Desert Road for a reason. It's seriously remote! This area is a barren, desert-like environment where the weather can turn on a dime. They built this road in the 1940s to draw tourists in and it's a very unique environment. The scenery is something else! But be warned: the land is so unproductive it's basically uninhabited. So yeah, remote! The wind is a constant companion here, blasting the plants and making things seriously chilly, especially in winter. You'll climb to 1,078m (3,536ft), the highest point on the whole New Zealand state highway network! Heads up, this road closes for short periods during winter due to snow and ice. The winds are crazy strong and cold. You could technically drive it in about an hour without stopping. But seriously, why would you? This is an unforgettable road trip through an epic landscape, with incredible views of the Tongariro National Park volcanoes. Plus, they filmed the Black Gate of Mordor from Lord of the Rings here! Worth it? Absolutely!