We left Coober Pedy around 10 o'clock and was soon on our way to Oonadatta. The road was dirt with lots of stones and corrugations, lots of dry creek crossings There was some wildlife along the road, but by and large it was pretty dull. We passed Mt Barry which is also a cattle station and at about 45km's out of Oodnadatta we were stunned by the rocky outcrop called the painted desert. Officially known as the Arckaringa Hills it is a geological wonderland and a photographers delight. The mountains colours change from ochre yellow, oxide red and deep rich browns, contrasting with crisp whites and jet blacks. The painted desert is a superb example of the forces of nature weathering and eroding the desert landscape. Having trouble leaving this amazing place we were once again back on the road to Oodnadatta, just outside of town we were met with a sign reading "Welcome to Oodnadatta the hottest and driest place in Australia". The sign wasn't far wrong it was hot some where around 38c. We set up camp at the free camp just down from the old railway station.
Next day we explored the main street (which is most of the town) so it didn't take long. As you come the first site you see is the Pink Roadhouse and as you can guess everything and I mean everything is painted pink from the bowsers, to the volvo, right down to the canoe hire if you can find any water to put them in. Of course there is the Transcontinental Hotel better known as the Oodnadatta Pub. The train station which was also the Station Masters house has been turned into a museum with the history of the Aboriginal people and the days when the Ghan railway travelled through the area. We picked up the key from the pub and did the self guided tour of the museum, when we returned the key we just had to have a couple of cold ones.
When we got back to camp we were greeted by Ruth and Graham and the pooches. We had planned to leave the next day so once again due to heat it was now 40c we missed catching up with them again.
The one thing that seems to consistent is the glorious sun rises and sunsets in South Australia. We think it is because apart from the Flinders Ranges it is quite flat country and with the sun rising and setting on the horizon you get the full show.
Next day we explored the main street (which is most of the town) so it didn't take long. As you come the first site you see is the Pink Roadhouse and as you can guess everything and I mean everything is painted pink from the bowsers, to the volvo, right down to the canoe hire if you can find any water to put them in. Of course there is the Transcontinental Hotel better known as the Oodnadatta Pub. The train station which was also the Station Masters house has been turned into a museum with the history of the Aboriginal people and the days when the Ghan railway travelled through the area. We picked up the key from the pub and did the self guided tour of the museum, when we returned the key we just had to have a couple of cold ones.
When we got back to camp we were greeted by Ruth and Graham and the pooches. We had planned to leave the next day so once again due to heat it was now 40c we missed catching up with them again.
The one thing that seems to consistent is the glorious sun rises and sunsets in South Australia. We think it is because apart from the Flinders Ranges it is quite flat country and with the sun rising and setting on the horizon you get the full show.
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