Strangways Springs: A Ghost Town On The Oodnadatta Track

We called in to Strangways Springs on the Oodnadatta Track and spent a couple of hours exploring what is left and there is quite a lot to see. Strangways is an historic and not to be missed stop along the Oodnadatta Track located in the South Australian outback. Strangways used to be a telegraph repeater station. It now offers visitors a glimpse into Australia’s pioneering past.

History Of Strangways Springs

Strangways Springs played a key role in the Overland Telegraph Line, which connected Australia to the rest of the world in the late 19th century. Built in the 1870s the station served as an important relay point for messages sent between Adelaide and Darwin. The station was also part of the important infrastructure that allowed communication across vast distances before the advent of modern technology.

Abandoned Water Tank At Strangways

What To See At Strangways Springs

Although the telegraph station was abandoned in the 1890s the ruins of Strangways remain. Visitors can explore the stone buildings that once housed the telegraph equipment and staff. The surrounding area also contains a small cemetery which serves as a reminder of the harsh conditions faced by early settlers and workers in this remote region. An information board at the beginning of a self guided walk explains a lot about what is still there. There are maps available from within a box located at the beginning of the walk.

Getting There

Strangways is located along the Oodnadatta Track, a famous dirt road that follows the route of the old Ghan Railway. It’s about 60 kilometers northwest of William Creek. The drive offers stunning outback scenery, with red desert landscapes, dry riverbeds, and wide-open plains. A 4WD vehicle is recommended, as the track can be rough and dusty.

Strangways Rugged Landscape

Things To Do Nearby

• Visit Lake Eyre: Not far from Strangways Springs is Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest salt lake, which occasionally fills with water after heavy rains.
• Explore William Creek: A small outback settlement with a pub and camping facilities William Creek is a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
• Oodnadatta Track: Continue along the track to see more historic ruins such as the Algebuckina Bridge and old railway sidings.

Camping At Strangways Springs

While there are no official camping facilities at Strangways many travellers on the Oodnadatta Track choose to camp nearby at one of the sidings or it’s also an easy day trip from William Creek. We camped at Curdimurka Siding the night before we visited Strangways and were on our way to William Creek and then camped the night at Algebuckina Bridge.

Maps Available At Beginning Of Strangways Springs Walking Trail

Who First Settled Strangways On The Oodnadatta Track?

Strangways Springs located on the Oodnadatta Track in South Australia, was first settled by European pastoralists in the mid-19th century. It was established as part of the early pastoral expansion into the arid regions of South Australia.

The Strangways Springs area was first settled in 1862 by William Benjamin Rounsevell a prominent South Australian businessman and politician. Rounsevell established a sheep and cattle station there. However the area gained greater significance in the 1870s when it became a key repeater station for the Overland Telegraph Line which connected Australia to the rest of the world via telegraph communication.

The telegraph station was critical in ensuring communication between Adelaide and Darwin and then onwards to international locations, and Strangways became a central point for telegraph operators and maintenance crews. After the decline of the telegraph, the Strangways area reverted to being used primarily for pastoral purposes.

Telegraph Pole At Strangways Telegraph Original Repeater Station

Conclusion

Visiting Strangways on the Oodnadatta Track is a not to be missed opportunity to step back in time and experience a key piece of Australia’s telegraph history. The remote location and rugged landscape make it an ideal stop for those seeking adventure and a deeper connection to the country’s pioneering past.