Page 33 - 2018 Coober Pedy Visitor Guide

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park Port Augusta
Australia’s largest Salt lake - 144km long & 538km south of Coober Pedy and situated at
77km wide and at 15.2 metres below sea level, the northern top of Spencer Gulf, Port Augusta
it is the lowest point in Australia. is the most northerly port in South Australia
This 1,228,000 hectare remote and arid Park and an important link on the east-west Indian
includes all of Lake Eyre North and the Tirari Pacific Railway as well as the famous Ghan
Desert, conserving the desert wilderness. Train to Darwin.
Lake Eyre is a dry salt lake that occasionally
floods and it was here that the late Sir Donald NORTH
Campbell once set the world land speed record Explorer Highway (Stuart Highway)
of 645km/h in a jet-powered car. Access is Marla
7km east of William Creek then 53km east to 233km north of Coober Pedy, one of SA’s
Halligan Bay or 3km west from Marree and then newest outback communities, Marla’s name
90km north. Roads are 4WD only and careful is derived from the Aboriginal word ‘marlu’
planning and preparation is required. A Desert meaning kangaroos. The small town straddles
Parks Pass is required. the Ghan railway line and the Stuart Highway,
both critical lifelines to the south and north.
Marla also marks the northern access to the
Oodnadatta Track. A road west leads 33kms
to the opal fields and settlement of Mintabie.
Prior to entry, a permit must be obtained from
the Marla Police Station.
159km north of Marla lies the Northern
Territory border.
The Kulgera Roadhouse is located 19km from
the border and the Erldunda Roadhouse 74km
north of Kulgera. From Erldunda the sealed
Lasseter Highway leads 244km to Yulara, the
Explorer Highway (Stuart Highway) SOUTH base for the world renowned Uluru and Kata
Tjuta National Park, also known as Ayers Rock
Glendambo and the Olgas. From the Lasseter Highway
252km south of Coober Pedy. The Glendambo Luritja Road leads north to the majestic
Roadhouse complex is built from natural Watarrka National Park, also known as Kings
materials and has been designed as a Canyon.
traditional outback homestead and woolshed.
The Roadhouse provides all main services. Set almost in the geographic centre of
Australia lies the most famous town in the
Pimba Northern Territory, Alice Springs, (685km north
366km south of Coober Pedy. Pimba lies at the of Coober Pedy). The town offers a host of
junction for travellers going to Roxby Downs, a attractions as well as modern facilities to cater
service town for the Olympic Dam Mine (82km), for almost all requirements.
the historic opal mining town of Andamooka
(110km) or the Oodnadatta Track (216km). It ALICE SPRINGS VISITOR
also lies next to the Trans Australian Railway INFORMATION CENTRE
line where both the Indian Pacific and Ghan
Trains pass through. There are several salt BOOK ACCOMMODATION, TOURS & CAR HIRE THROUGH US!
lakes near Pimba such as Lake Hart in the north
and Island Lagoon in the south. Both can be
seen from lookout points along the Highway.

Woomera
8km north of Pimba, Woomera was established Corner of Todd Mall & Parsons Street
in 1947 as a site for the launching of British Bookings: 1800 645 199 or Coober Pedy
experimental rockets. info@discoverca.com.au
www.discovercentralaustralia.com
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