William Creek was established as a railway watering and service point on the narrow-gauge Great Northern railway when it reached there in 1885. The site had already been named in 1859 by explorer John McDouall Stuart after the second son of John Chambers, a pioneer pastoralist and a staunch supporter of Stuart’s explorations.

William Creek – effectively half way between Marree and Oodnadatta – has always been a tiny settlement. Even at its peak before the Ghan line was moved further west in 1980 there were only a few cottages, a small school and a hotel/store.

Special attractions

The tiny township is the closest settlement to Lake Eyre North, which - dry or very occasionally flooded - remains a significant drawcard for outback tourists. There is a good airstrip at the township and scenic flights are available during the winter ‘season’ or at other times if there is water in Lake Eyre.

The hotel at William Creek now has an almost legendary status and is the only ‘watering hole’ on the Oodnadatta Track between Marree and Oodnadatta. With the closure of the hotel at Tarcoola, the William Creek pub is the only iron hotel left trading in South Australia. As an original pub it provides a rare insight into an aspect of outback history and is filled with unique momentoes left by thousands of visitors.

William Creek is entirely surrounded by Australia’s spatially largest cattle run, Anna Creek Station, which covers an area of 23 800 sq km. The Anna Creek head station is only 20 km from the township.

Tourist services

The hotel is open every day and provides food, accommodation, camping and fuel, tyres and minor repairs. Additional camping and accommodation are available from a second business in the township which operates during the winter months.

There is a good airstrip and for those who prefer a slower, less impactive pace, camel safaris operate from William Creek.