Roxby Downs closest neighbours are Andamooka, Woomera and Pimba. We are also a gateway to the Outback with the Borefield Road leading you to the Oodnadatta Track. You can explore the many railway sidings, ruins, natural artesian springs and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park along with the towns of William Creek, Marree and Oodnadatta.

Andamooka

Andamooka is an Opal mining town situated roughly 30kms from Roxby Downs and 620km north of Adelaide, South Australia's capital city with bitumen roads all the way.

With a rich history there is plenty to explore in this little town. Attractions include; historical cottages, historic mining machinery display, underground opal and mineral museum and public noodling area.

Accommodation Options

Dukes Bottlehouse Motel

Opal Creek Blvd. Town hub. (Post office)

Phone: (08) 8672 7007

Andamooka Caravan and Camping Ground - Corner of Water Road and Opal Creek Blvd.

Facilities include; hot showers (coin operated), toilets, potable water (some fees apply), undercover BBQ kitchen, shade shelter, playground and skate ramp. $4 per person per night or $12 per night powered for two people, payment is by honour system in a collection box adjacent to the BBQ kitchen.

Andamooka Retro Short Stay Shacks

Take a step back in time to a more relaxed pace. Short term family and pet friendly accommodation for up to 6 people.

Call 0427 508 075 to find out more.

Tours

Andamooka Observatory can customise tours to include: Night Mining, Black lighting & Naked Eye Astronomy. Visit their website www.andamookaobservatory.com.au or call 0487 112 747 for bookings and enquiries.

Find out more about Andamooka at www.andamooka.sa.au

Woomera

Woomera is situated roughly 80kms from Roxby Downs and 493kms north of Adelaide, South Australia's capital city.

Stop in to learn about Woomera's fascinating history, head to the Woomera Heritage Centre to visit the Rocket Range Museum and Outback Diner, walk through Woomera Missile Park and relax at Breen Park.

Accommodation Options

Eldo Hotel - Kotara Crescent

Phone: (08) 8673 7867

Woomera Travellers Village and Caravan Park

Old Pimba Road

Phone: (08) 8673 7800

Woomera Baker Observatory

Open Friday evenings after dark, weather permitting. For more information regarding viewing times or bookings follow Woomera Baker Observatory on Facebook or contact Richard - 0457 552 355 or Bec 0400 033 014.

For further information about Woomera contact the Woomera Heritage Centre - 1300 761 620

Pimba

A small settlement that sits at the junction of the Stuart Highway and Pimba Road that leads onto Woomera, Roxby Downs and Andamooka. Spuds Roadhouse offers a range of services and facilities including; petrol station, bar, restaurant, accommodation and gaming.

Accommodation

Low cost unpowered camping and caravan sites are available and Deluxe Motel Rooms

For more information contact Spuds Roadhouse - (08) 8673 7473, spuds@spudshotel.com.au or www.spudshotel.com.au

William Creek

Just over 250kms (on unsealed roads) from Roxby Downs you will reach one of the smallest towns in Australia, William Creek. William Creek marks the half way point between Marree and Oodnadatta along the famous Oodnadatta Track.

The town is situated on the world's largest cattle station - Anna Creek Station, and sits 60 kms from the nearby Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park. Operating out of William Creek is the company Wrightsair providing scenic Flights over Lake Eyre and the nearby painted Hills during all seasons. You can learn about the history of the Old Ghan Railway line, view the outdoor museum showing a small collection of rocket memorabilia from the Woomera Rocket Range or simply relax in the historic William Creek Hotel.

Find out more at www.williamcreekhotel.com or to book a flight visit www.wrightsair.com.au

Marree

Sitting at the junction of the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks at just over 180kms drive (on unsealed roads) from Roxby Downs you have Marree. The historic town gives you an insight into past days, see the old mail truck used by renowned Outback mailman Tom Kruse at the Museum Park and also visit the Marree Hotel that hosts the Tom Kruse Collection, a tribute to the legendary Birdsville mailman. Visit the Arabunna Aboriginal Community Centre for authentic artefacts and fossil displays. The Marree Hotel offers friendly outback service and can organise a scenic flight to be taken over Lake Eyre.

Find out more at www.marreehotel.com.au

Oodnadatta

The town for which the Oodnadatta Track was named situated 450kms North (on unsealed roads) of Roxby Downs has to this day retained much of its pioneering character. Main attractions of the town include the Pink Roadhouse, they offer updated road conditions, maps and outback travel advice. You can learn how the town once worked at the Rail Station Museum or test your skills of low tyre pressure driving on the amateur driving loop before crossing the Simpson Desert.

Find out more at www.pinkroadhouse.com.au

Points of Interest along the Oodnadatta Track

Here are our top picks of places to stop in at along the Oodnadatta Track. Before you go make sure you are well prepared with extra food, water and spare tires in case something goes wrong. And check the current road conditions here: www.dpti.sa.gov.au/OutbackRoads

Lake Eyre South Lookout – A large parking bay with interpretive signage about the area, walk out onto the salt expanse (no camping, majority of the time there is no water here)

Curdimurka Railway Siding – View the railway building, water tower, desalination plant, fettlers cottages and Stuart Creek Bridge are still standing and are in reasonable condition, given their age and the harshness of their location.

Coward Springs -  Lovely shaded campground with small natural spa (29 degrees), walking trails, museum. Find out more regarding costs and current restrictions:  www.cowardsprings.com.au

Mound Springs – permanent natural springs that have popped up from the great artesian basin, the Bubbler is a great little spring that does exactly what it says - bubbles! (no swimming / no camping)

Strangway Ruins – Strangways was the site of the first homestead on the pastoral property of the same name (it’s now called ‘Anna Creek’ and is the biggest pastoral station in the world). There are ruins to explore as well as two walking trails. Additional brochures are available at this site to guide you.

Algebuckina – Large railway bridge and sometimes waterhole on the western side of the track. Great spot for photos and camping here. On the eastern side of the track there is a more permanent water hole.

Approximate Travelling Times and Distances

Minimum times you should allow in good weather.

Roxby Downs to Bopeechee (Junction of the Borefield Road and the Oodnadatta Track) 1.75 hours | 122kms

Bopeechee to Marree 1.25 hours | 65kms

Bopeechee to William Creek 2.00 hours | 134kms

William Creek to Coober Pedy 2.00 hours | 160kms

William Creek to Algebuckina 2.00 hours | 143kms

Algebuckina to Oodnadatta 1.00 hour | 56kms

Oodnadatta to Marla 3.00 hours | 208kms

Oodnadatta to Coober Pedy 2.50 hours | 190kms

Oodnadatta to Dalhousie Springs 3.50 hours | 179kms

Dalhousie Springs to Kulgera 3.00 hours | 355kms

Visit our Traveller Information and Resources page for downloadable maps and further information.