After leaving there relics and amazing stories of Farina, the road north led us to Marree and the intersections of the iconic Birdsville Track and the Oodnadatta Track. Theres history abound here dating back to the early explorers heading north to the Gulf.
Our option was to head west up the Oodnadatta to a free camp some 60 km along. Some of the track follows the Old Ghan railway so it was great to see it trackside here and there.
The goal in sight was Coober Pedy so spending time exploring the statues and old ruins along the way was time well spent. Our route took us past the many statues in the Mutonia Sculpture park at Aberrie Creek.
Over the years monster size sculptures have been erected and a bit of fun along the way. It also too us on the southern side of Lake Eyre and seeing water glistening in the distance on the salt pans was great - did you know that you go down to -12 metres below sea level here ?
Theres many old sidings along the way and one of the best is Curdimurki nearly mid way between Alice Springs and Port Pirie.
The siding dates back to 1888 and today is the last remaining rail yard to contain an array of implements, including the siding, station, treatment plant, water tanks, yards and more.
The big red tank is a lime-soda plant where it was used to deal with the highly mineralised bore water that was needed for the steam engines.
With a quick stop at William Creek pub for a lemonade we gave the Oodnadatta track there flick and headed directly west on the William Creek Road through the massive Anna Creek Station and into the Woomera area.
Theres only several roads that you're legally allowed to use on through the prohibited area and this is one. Another legal road is the track into a lake that has the longest name in Australia.
Named Lake Cadibarrawirracanna, its a salty lake but little fish and birds have adapted. Last free camp before hitting the crazy opal mining town of Coober Pedy !!
