First (short) leg of the Oodnadatta Track today. Like the Birdsville it’s recently graded so not too many corrugations, but a much more interesting route. A mix of historic and quirky points of interest (I’ll let the photos below speak for themselves).


By far the most spectacular part of the day was our stop at the Lake Eyre look out. Hard to describe the sheer beauty of the vast expanse of the salt pans  with the water behind. We walked as far as we could towards the edge. Initially quite crunchy we were able to walk out across the pan- but the further we walked the further away the water seemed. Eventually the salt crust thinned and we found ourselves sinking into the murky black mud below so we had to retreat. We were passed by one optimist who had bought a stone with him to throw into the lake- not sure if he retreated it or if ‘his ghost will be heard as you pass by that billabong…..’

Complete with political statements

We finished our day at Coward Springs-where we will spend the next 2 nights. This gorgeous oasis is on a working date farm which also hosts an artesian bore. The small ‘cafe van serves great coffee and all things date including date scones (2 down xxx to go). The showers are heated by a wood burner which you need to fire up in advance. This place should definitely be on everyone’s must visit outback list.  Loving the short rest from the road and not having to pack up/down for a couple of nights.

Mound Springs

David 2 in Coward Springs did a quick drive from our camp spot to Mound Springs-these mounds are formed when layers of salt and sediment bubble up from the artesian basin, making for spectacular landscape.