The good news is you don’t need a 4WD vehicle to reach Ooraminna.
However, Outback roads can be challenging and we recommend travelling in a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or 4WD with a bull bar, if you intend to explore the Central Desert Region.
When coming from Alice Springs, the road is sealed all the way to property’s front gate.
You will pass through Owen Springs Station and Deep Well Station and there may be cattle on the roadside. Just slow down and wave to them as you pass by!
The access road from the front gate into the property is unsealed, but generally accessible by two-wheel drive cars. The only time you might need a 4WD is following exceptionally heavy rain and then we recommend contacting us for a weather report before arriving so that we can assist.
First, a word of caution – Google maps can be unreliable and do not follow a route that takes you past the Alice Springs Airport, or you will end up on a dirt track through Deep Well Station.
For the best route from Alice Springs township, travel out through the Heavitree Gap and head towards the airport.
After the cemetery you will see a turn off to the right, which is the South Stuart Highway to Adelaide – don’t turn here – but take the next road on the right, which is on the bend in the road.
You’ll see a big sign with Ooraminna Station Homestead on the top – Maryvale Road. (If you get to the airport, you’ve gone too far so turn around!)
Turn down the Maryvale Road which is also sign posted to Chambers Pillar, and you will follow a sealed road south for 23km.
Then turn left towards a large steel gate. There is an Ooraminna sign on a rock and a Welcome to Ooraminna sign near the gate.
The gate is closed to secure livestock. It is not locked. Go through the gate and please shut the gate behind you.
The 4km access road is unsealed, but only requires 4WD if very wet. Please drive slowly and be careful of any animals or livestock on the road.
Go over the grid through the gate, close the gate behind you, and follow the sandy dirt road for about 4 km.
Then go over the next grid between two giant posts, past a drum on the left -there is a turn off left BUT DON’T TAKE THAT. You go straight ahead past the movie set building and the big Red Shed with open sides.
At the end of the Red Shed, turn left and run along this road until the end. The first turn left goes to the campground, second turn goes to the Bush Cottage and third left takes you to the Ooraminna Homestead reception.
You will see the homestead nestled at the foot of the hill. Come on up and park – we look forward to helping you check in and begin your stay in the Central Desert.