The legendary Pink Roadhouse in Oodnadatta
Oodnadatta’s legendary Pink Roadhouse – which has been owned by the Plate family for nearly four decades – has been sold.
After arriving in the South Australian outback town as ‘hippies’ back in the 1970s, Adam and Lynnie Plate slowly built the roadhouse into a world famous destination … and welcomed thousands upon thousands of grey nomads and others during their tenure.
Sadly, Mr Plate was killed when his car hit a tree and rolled during the Targa Adelaide rally last year.
Before the new owners arrive and a new era begins, there will be a community barbecue at the roadhouse on July 12 to give Mrs Plate and her family a chance to say farewell and thank you. All are welcome at the event, which will follow the official naming of the Adam Plate Airstrip.
The popular Oodnadatta Bronco Branding and Campdraft even will be held the following day on July 13.
The Plate family has become synonymous with Oodnadatta and will be sorely missed by all who live – and pass through – the character-filled community.
Have you been to Oodnadatta? What did you think? Comment below.
Always sad when an era ends and another begins. The Roadhouse is on my personal bucket list and if it wasn’t for the years of love and care by The Plate Family it would just be another stop on the way from here to there.
The Plate family took it to another level as the destination as well.
Best wishes to the family in the future.
Sad to hear. My abiding memory of a visit to the Pink Roadhouse in 2002 is a pink canoe ‘parked’ near the main entrance – an incongruous sight in the desert and typical of outback humour. Good luck to the new owners.
Thankyou to a wonderful ‘stop’ in the desert. The work that has gone into the roadhouse and all the signs along the roads helping travellers on their way is terrific – I am sure the Oodnadatta community will miss the family. Best of luck Plate family in your future endeavours.
First visited the Pink Road house when we drove the Oodnadatta track back in 1979 and it sure was a surprise to see pink building,phone box and bowsers we liked it so much we spent the night out the back, we wish the Plate family well and will call and say gday to the new owners when we cross again
We were there last year, just before Adam entered the Adelaide Targa. We met both Adam and Lynnie, and were impressed with Adam’s information and help. We were still in SA when Adam passed away, when heard about it, we were saddened by the news.
We loved all the informative ‘drum lids’ all along the Ooodnadatta Track. Must have taken so much time and effort.Surely made the trip much more interesting.
Their care about the track and the people who travel it will be remembered by many. It was well known that if you had any questions or concerns you could ring ‘The Pink Roadhouse’ for advice which was given freely . One special era coming to an end. We hope they enjoy the next phase of their life journey. 🙂
Been to the Pink Roadhouse twice in the last ten years. Went back the second time because of the marvellous first visit. I hope the new owners keep up the excellent work and hospitality of Adam and Lynnie.