William Creek Hotel, South Australia
If you're arriving at William Creek, you've most likely been driving for hours, if not days. But suddenly, in the middle of pretty well nowhere, the repetition of the desert gives way to a burst of colour and community. And at the heart of it all is the William Creek Hotel.
The Hotel provides an essential rest and refuel stop along the Oodnadatta Track for tourists, event-goers and workers. Access 24-hour fuel, grab a meal, or enjoy a comfortable night in an air-conditioned motel room before an early scenic flight with WrightsAir.
What's On Around William Creek
If the Hotel is the heart of William Creek, then the voice is Trevor Wright; the Publican, owner of Wrightsair, and a third of the town's permanent population. Despite its tiny size the town has a huge personality, and that's largely thanks to Trevor who has been developing the town for the last 10 years.
The Hotel is located within the Anna Creek Cattle Station which, at roughly the same size as Israel, is the biggest working cattle station in the world. Intriguing paraphernalia is on display throughout the pub and town, and visitors will discover some fantastic stories about the magic and mayhem in the region throughout the years; from Plane Henge to the Old Ghan, and a wayward missile from Woomera Rocket Station.
It's the closest town to the iconic Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre and just a stone's throw to the Anna Creek Painted Hills and Dalhousie Springs. Book with WrightsAir, located right next door to the pub, for incredible scenic flights and guided tours of these natural wonders of the Outback.
The Hotel is also the backdrop to a number of cult-favourite outback events including 500 Miles of Music, the William Creek Fly-In and the Lake Gairdner Speed Weekend. As a gateway town to the Simpson Desert, crowds of happy revellers drop by while travelling to or from the Big Red Bash, the Birdsville Races and the Finke Desert Race.
Everyone is welcome, the food is fantastic and the cheeky, laid-back atmosphere of this outback pub is unforgettable.
Highlights
- Beautiful pub meals, especially the Hotel's signature Goat Curry
- Staying for a few days during one of the Outback events
- Browse the William Creek Museum across the street
- Access Aviation fuel and a 24-hour petrol bowser
- Book a scenic flight with WrightsAir
Getting to William Creek
By Road
The William Creek Hotel is accessible by unsealed road from Coober Pedy, Roxby Downs, Marree, Oodnadatta and Birdsville. Check road conditions at the DPTI website.
Note: Google Maps are unreliable in the outback, and estimated driving times are usually extremely inaccurate. Chat to locals along your route and if in doubt, call the Hotel.
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Via Woomera and Olympic Dam
From Port Augusta. travel to Woomera and turn off in the direction of Olympic Dam. Turn left at the Oodnadatta Track and travel to William Creek. Roads are sealed until Olympic Dam.
Travel time: approx 8 hours. -
From Flinders Ranges
From Port Augusta travel to Marree and on to William Creek.
This is a very scenic route, travelling through the spectacular Ikara-Flinders Ranges and past the majestic Wilpena Pound.
Roads are sealed until Marree. -
From Coober Pedy
William Creek is about a 2 to 3 hour drive east of Coober Pedy, located on the well known Oodnadatta Track.
By Air
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Scenic Flight Transfer
Wrightsair can connect with commercial air services arriving into Coober Pedy, Olympic Dam, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and other locations. We can also pick up from other airstrips around South Australia including Marree, Wilpena Pound and many others.
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Commercial Air Services
- Alliance Airlines flies into Olympic Dam, Moomba, Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock).
- REX (Regional Express) operates scheduled flights into Coober Pedy, Port Augusta, Whyalla and Birdsville.
- Qantas and Virgin Australia operate regular services into Alice Springs
- Jetstar and Virgin Australia operate flights into Ayers Rock (Uluru)
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Self-Flying
- William Creek’s Airstrip is a sealed, all weather airstrip, 300 metres above sea level and 1,200 metres long
- Avgas and Jet A1 are available 24/7 for purchase with a credit card (Mastercard or Visa)
- On request, we can meet you to transfer to your accommodation (subject to availability)
- Contact Wrightsair on 08 8670 7962 for current weather information, fuel availability or flight planning.
Unique and wonderful experience! William Creek Hotel is owned by Trevor Wright who also owns Wrightsair. He and all the staff are 100% committed to giving you a wonderful and unique experience. The hotel is a hive of activity with workers and travelers alike. Great food and accommodation in dongas with en-suites. There is a house with 2 bedrooms which is fabulous. Modern and well presented. Flights are available over Lake Eyre and the Painted Hills. At the Painted Hills there is a landing strip and guided walks are given through the amazing hills. A rainbow of colors of rock literally like someone has spray painted the hills. World class experience. Finally Wrightsair takes extraordinary care with nervous fliers. The staff are highly skilled and the attention to detail unsurpassed.
