Outback 2011

Marree to Coober Pedy

		Marree was also on the old Ghan train line, and has some relics at the remains of the station. *
		There is also an interesting rendition of a camel. †
		The sign at the beginning of the Birdsville Track just outside Marree, showing that it is open to all traffic. *
		The Oodnadatta Track north out of Marree passes close to Lake Eyre South, which is still more salt than water. *
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		Shoes abandoned near the lake. *
		Remains of the old Ghan railway line near the road. *
		This is the William Creek pub, where we had lunch. It is also the entire town of William Creek (population 7). *
		Unofficial sign in William Creek, showing distances to other places. †
		Official sign at William Creek. There is no food, water, fuel, or anything else between William Creek and either Oodnadatta or Coober Pedy. †
		The road between William Creek and Coober Pedy. *
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		Crossing of the dog-proof fence which runs from Queensland to the South Australian coast. *
		This was our motel in Coober Pedy. Like many dwellings in the town, it is built into the side of a hill so that its rooms are underground. *
		Town sign at the entrance to Coober Pedy, complete with Land Cruiser and tour party. *
		Our bedroom. *
		After dinner, we visited an underground Serbian church. *
		The area around Coober Pedy has hundreds of little mines, with individuals or small groups looking for opals. *
		Signs warn of the dangers of mine shafts, although this one has some unauthorised additional information. *
		Just north of Coober Pedy are these extraordinary rock formations called The Breakaways. †
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		Just outside Coober Pedy is the dugout that was occupied by "Crocodile Harry", an interesting character. He died a few years ago, and the dugout is now open to the public. It is said that he was given an item of underwear by every woman who shared his bed, and the place is certainly festooned with them. *
		Harry also had his own idea about toilet design. *

Then from Coober Pedy, it was down a long, straight road to Woomera.