Sal, Col, Mike and Jan's Qld and SA Odyssey: Oodnadatta

Day 16

Back on the Oodnadatta Track. Hard to believe it’s been over10 years since we’d driven the southern end of this road, nether having been to Oodnadatta.

The Oodnadatta Track east of Marla

We had reservations at The Pink Roadhouse camp ground mainly as they had powered sites to recharge our batteries. In hindsight, the facilities behind the Transcontinental Hotel would have sufficed and may have been more peaceful.

Pink Roadhouse

Pink Roadhouse Camp Ground

We strolled down the high street to the Transcontinental Hotel and had a chat to the barman who lent us the keys to the Oodnadatta train station and station master’s house that has been converted to a community museum.

Mike and Jan Approaching the Oodnadatta Museum

The museum contained many information boards about the history of this area. This one tickled my fancy and my golfing friends may get a laugh.

How To Set Your Tee In A Clay Pan

As the drive from Marly to Oodnadatta wasn’t that long, we had time in the afternoon to drive out to see the painted desert. Things looked grim as we left Oodnadatta, as the highway sign read that the road was closed. As we didn’t intend to drive all the way through to the Stuart Highway, we decided to give it a crack. About 2 thirds of the way to the painted desert, we started sinking to our rims in soft wet dirt. After deliberation, we aborted this trip and returned to Oddnadatta.

Sorry no pics of the muddy road. Just this one of the best bit with scenery.