Photographing Oodnadatta

About Oodnadatta

Oodnadatta is the tiny town that gives the Oodndatta Track its name. The town has perhaps 20 houses, a Roadhouse that provides fuel, an airport, a railway museum, and a caravan park. There is, or was, a Transcontinintal hotel here, but it was closed when we were there.

The township was the terminus of the Central Australian Railway until 1929, when they finally pushed the railway that extra 450km through to Alice Springs. From 1890 - 1929, Camel caravans took goods from here to more inland areas. It is this association with the "Afghan" (Ghan) camelers that provides the historical background to the town, and to the track which follows the old railway track.

The township is now at the crossroads of several outback tracks, so it is on the way to many outback locations.

The Pink Roadhouse is the main feature of the town. It provides fuel, food, and drinks. It is also where you book in your accomodation for the caravan park, and get the keys to the Railway Museum. When you are here, get one of their free Oondatta Track Maps. This hand annotated map has been updated several times and is one of the best guides to the track available.

Viewpoints

There are only two things to really see in town:

1. The Pink Roadhouse. This provides some nice photos, from the front, the side, and inside. It is busy hub for both locals and those 'doing the track'. Have an Oodnaburger here, and have a look at their free map of the Oodnadatta Track.

The Railway museum. You can borrow the key to this from the roadhouse. It has many nice pictures in the small station.

How I photographed Oodnadatta

What I took - what was in my kit

I took my LowePro Backpack loaded with Canon 5DSR body, Canon 24-70mm zoom, Manfrotto 190 Tripod, and of course a range of lens wipes, spare batteries, sunscreen and bug repellant. Given that the town is tiny, I left most of my kit in the car and just walked with the camera hand held.

Techniques

The desert light is very strong. It is either full sun or full shade. There are no clouds or awnings or buildings to break up the light. I therefore simply shot ISO 100 (for fidelity) and f10 (for diffration). Exposure was to-the-right and set by shutter speed.

Other things to look out for

I suggest you see Oodnadatta Track for details of what is on this famous road.

From Oodnadatta, you can also head to Dalhousie Springs, and to the Simpson Desert.

Location

Oodnadatta, Oodnadatta Track, South Australia. (-27.54896, 135.44838)