Oodnadatta Track - Marree to Marla

The Oodnadatta Track is one of those tracks that are a definite on anyone’s around Australia to-do list. It can be done by pretty much anything ranging from a Toyota corolla, to a Winnebago and more commonly road trains full of cattle. The 617km stretch from Marree to Marla is one that is forever changing with sections just been graded making it like travelling on glass, others which is more like dodging craters on the moon, and the section I hate most...the corrugations. The sweet noise of silence is something I treasure now; hours go by when I can’t even hear myself think and even the car tells me it’s over it when random items fall on my lap and the dashboard starts creeping more and more towards me. Luckily, Dave has mastered to art of hovering over the corrugations. Instead of feeling every vibration, having the right car speed allows the vehicle to jump the trough and only touch the crest of the wave. In most cases faster is better.

Along the track we stopped for the night at one of the most popular stops, Curtin Springs. One attractive bonus was the developed thermal spa which was a beautiful 30 degrees. Sitting there with a beer in hand watching the world go by in the middle of nowhere was ....awesome. The camping area was very well maintained but overpriced. We tried to scam the system but were caught out when the site manger rocked up on his hippy bike and asked for another $10.

The track was pretty ordinary from Curtin Spring onward. Dad was doing extremely well keeping up with us. His perception on corrugations was to slow down to an absolute crawl and ride every bump but now, after some training he’s calling us slow coaches. Next stop was William Creek and its classic pub/hotel. Inside was everything I’ve heard of; full of business cards, student ids, dusty hats, photos, t-shirts, everything imaginable. Whatever could be hung on the wall was there.  The only drawback was the insane price of fuel - $2.25 litre. “eek” I said, “we can make it to Oodnadatta”.

The caravan park there was quite nice and reasonable. However, when there is no T.V signal, no mobile reception, and no camp fires allowed, you have be innovative to find free entertainment.

New game: 1 million mice vs. Dads thong.

How to play: place random bits of food around a particular area and use the thong to hit the mice as they come in to feed.    

Jessica 9, Mice 999,991. Damn mice.



He's cool