William Creek Hotel

Trevor and Diane were friendly and helpful, even pitching in when our aircraft had a flat tire. Flying into Williams Creek as part of a fly-away trip was an amazing adventure, a bucket-list visit for any private pilot. It lived up to everything we'd heard and more. We'll be back!

The hotel room was spacious and comfortable, and the pub served great meals with icy cold drinks. On the morning we were leaving, the Manager stopped what she was doing to give me a jump start. Without her help, we might have been there a little longer, which we wouldn't have minded.

The food was great, and the goat curry is worth trying. You can also bring your dog into the bar, which is a plus. But this didn't feel like a traditional Outback pub where you'd have a good chat with the landlord. It felt corporate, as the place is part of the flight company running the sightseeing trips over the lake. The aircraft company owns the whole “town,” and nobody actually lives here. There's even a corporate video about the tourist flights playing on a big screen in the bar. The bar staff were backpackers who didn't seem interested. The flight people had told us we could leave our dog there, but the bar staff said they were short-staffed and too busy. We had to push the issue or ask for a refund. I also upset the town owner's wife by taking a photo in the bar, even though only her back was in it. She made a big fuss.

Even if you're not staying overnight, stop in for a cold drink or a warm coffee. The Creek never disappoints. It's my number one spot on the Oodnadatta, and you can't do better in Outback Australia. There's a choice of rooms, glamping tents or a whole house, with that pure Aussie Outback hospitality. Fuel is available 24/7, and WrightsAir is there for a fang over the area. Food depends on the season, but even off season you can get a feed. The beers are always cold, and tyre repairs are available.