Marree
Outback South Australia

Restored Ghan Locomotive

Marree is at the junction of two of the great Outback droving and supply routes, the Birdsville Track and the Oodnadatta Track. The township was originally known as Hergott Springs but the name was changed during the anti German paranoia of the First World War.

The town has an interesting mix of Afghan, Aboriginal and European heritage and this is reflected in the buildings and in the amenities.

The old mud brick mosque, the palm trees and the camel made of railway sleepers are reminders of the time when Hergott Springs was the supply hub of the outback. Camel teams, carrying everything from wool to flour and even building materials moved constantly through the town.

The Aboriginal Corporation has a strong presence in the town and the community centre caters for all aspects of their work in the area.

It is a pity that the impressive rail terminal was removed. This building was once used as an exchange area when the old railway line changed from the standard gauge from Adelaide to the narrow gauge of the line to Oodnadatta.

The township was also an important supply post and repeater station for the Overland Telegraph.

The first four fatalities on this part of the Ghan railway are buried in the cemetery here. They were killed near Boopeechee siding when their hand powered trolley collided with a supply train.

There are two caravan parks and an imposing hotel to cater for visitors and service at the stores is both friendly and comprehensive.

It is a great little town to take a breather before heading further “out bush”.

From Marree to the Oodnadatta Track