South Australia delivers a true taste of the Outback, with legendary long-haul desert tracks, the jagged peaks of the Flinders Ranges, and endless red dirt roads stretching to the horizon. Here, the challenge is as much about distance and isolation as it is about technical obstacles. From family-friendly gorge drives to remote crossings that demand weeks of preparation, SA has something for every off-road adventurer.
“Outback selfie (Oodnadatta Track, South Australia)” by Kevin Rheese
1. Oodnadatta Track
This famous Outback route follows old trade and telegraph lines, connecting Marree to Marla across remote desert country. It’s not technically difficult, but corrugations and distance demand a well-prepared vehicle with a quality performance exhaust. Along the way, you’ll pass mound springs, railway sidings, and even glimpses of Lake Eyre.
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Difficulty: Easy–Moderate (remote, not technical)
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Length/Time: 620 km, 2–3 days
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Location: Marree to Marla
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Best time: Dry season (Apr–Oct)
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Terrain: Corrugations, gibber plains, creek beds
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Permits: None for the main track; side trips may need permits
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Vehicle prep: Extra fuel, spares, suspension protection
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Outback history, desert atmosphere, iconic route
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Camping: Bush camps and roadhouse stops
2. Birdsville Track
Once a cattle route, the Birdsville Track is now a bucket-list desert run. Linking Birdsville in QLD with Marree in SA, it offers endless horizons across gibber plains and sandy stretches. It’s not the toughest drive, but the remoteness and changing conditions mean it still commands respect.
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Difficulty: Moderate (remote travel)
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Length/Time: 517 km, 2 days
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Location: Birdsville to Marree
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Best time: Winter months
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Terrain: Gibber plains, sandy sections, floodplains
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Permits: None required
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Vehicle prep: Long-range tank, UHF, recovery kit
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Historic stock route, wide-open Outback, classic crossing
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Camping: Roadhouses and bush camps
3. Strzelecki Track
The Strzelecki is another classic desert road, linking Lyndhurst with Innamincka. While it’s generally easier than the Birdsville or Oodnadatta, rain can turn sections into a quagmire. For those who want to experience big-sky country without the technical extremes, it’s a great choice.
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Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
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Length/Time: 475 km, 1–2 days
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Location: Lyndhurst to Innamincka
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Best time: Dry season
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Terrain: Dirt, sand, floodplains
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Permits: None for the main route
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Vehicle prep: Spares, recovery gear, suspension upgrades are helpful
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Cooper Creek scenery, remote camping, endless horizons
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Camping: Innamincka and Cooper Creek campgrounds
4. Simpson Desert – French Line
Crossing the Simpson is a rite of passage, and the French Line is its most direct (and dune-heavy) route. With more than 1,000 sand dunes, it’s an endurance test that requires patience, skill, and careful preparation. The sense of achievement when you roll into Birdsville is unmatched.
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Difficulty: Challenging–Extreme
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Length/Time: ~430 km, 4–6 days
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Location: Mt Dare to Birdsville
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Best time: Winter only (closed in summer)
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Terrain: Sand dunes, salt pans, clay
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Permits: Desert Parks Pass required
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Vehicle prep: Sand flag, long-range fuel, recovery kit, compressor, snorkel
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Dune after dune, remote desert camping, bucket-list crossing
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Camping: Bush camping only
Photo by Stephen Mabbs on Unsplash
5. Flinders Ranges – Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges
For a mix of rugged tracks and incredible scenery, the Flinders Ranges are hard to beat. Bunyeroo and Brachina wind through dramatic gorges, with creek beds, rocky climbs, and sweeping views. It’s a more accessible way to experience the Outback while still feeling remote.
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Length/Time: 30–50 km, half to full day
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Location: Flinders Ranges National Park
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Best time: Autumn–Spring
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Terrain: Rocky tracks, creek beds, ridgelines
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Permits: Park entry fee required
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Vehicle prep: High clearance recommended, A/T tyres
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Towering gorges, geology, accessible wilderness
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Camping: Wilpena Pound and NP campgrounds
6. Googs Track
Googs Track is like a mini Simpson Desert, with over 300 dunes between Ceduna and Tarcoola. It’s a fantastic training ground for bigger desert crossings and a great adventure in its own right. Expect sand, scrub, and the occasional corrugated stretch.
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Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
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Length/Time: 200 km, 2 days
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Location: Ceduna to Tarcoola
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Best time: Winter months
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Terrain: Sand dunes, scrub, corrugations
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Permits: Parks pass required
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Vehicle prep: Sand flag, compressor, recovery boards
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Hundreds of dunes, desert camping, Simpson-style adventure
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Camping: Googs Lake and bush camps
7. Arkaba Station Tracks (Private)
For those wanting a guided or more supported experience, Arkaba Station offers private 4WD routes through the Flinders. It’s less about extreme driving and more about exploring landscapes and wildlife with expert local knowledge.
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Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
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Length/Time: Half to full day
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Location: Near Wilpena Pound
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Best time: Autumn–Spring
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Terrain: Station tracks, rocky climbs, creek beds
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Permits: Station booking required
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Vehicle prep: Suitable for most 4WDs; A/T tyres ideal
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Guided access, wildlife encounters, stunning scenery
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Camping: Station stays and nearby campgrounds
South Australia: Desert Crossings & Outback Spirit
South Australia is all about wide horizons, remote tracks, and classic Outback experiences. Whether you’re driving through the dunes of the Simpson, tracing history along the Oodnadatta, or exploring the rugged Flinders Ranges, the sense of adventure is unbeatable. Preparation is non-negotiable—fuel range, suspension, recovery gear, and performance upgrades make all the difference when you’re hundreds of kilometres from the nearest town.
DEA Performance can help you prepare for whatever lies ahead. Explore our blog for more off-road inspiration, or check out our high-performance exhaust kits to get the most from your 4WD on your next SA adventure.
