Innamincka is a tiny settlement on Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Country, on the banks of Cooper Creek. In 1861 the explorers Burke and Wills died near here after returning from the Gulf to find the depot party had left that day. Today the town is surrounded by the Innamincka Regional Reserve and is a hub for travellers on the Strzelecki Track and Adventure Way.
Things to do
Cooper Creek. Camp, paddle and birdwatch along the permanent waterholes, which are lined with coolibahs and red gums.
Burke and Wills sites. Visit the memorials marking where Burke and Wills died and where King, the sole survivor, was found and cared for by the Yandruwandha people.
The Dig Tree. Across the border, the coolibah blazed by the expedition's depot party is one of Australia's most famous historic sites.
Coongie Lakes. North of town, these wetlands are internationally significant for birds. Access is by 4WD.
Australian Inland Mission hospital. The restored AIM nursing home now houses the reserve's visitor information.
History and Country
Innamincka is on the Country of the Yandruwandha and Yawarrawarrka peoples, for whom Cooper Creek's permanent waterholes have sustained life for thousands of years. In 1861, the Burke and Wills expedition returned from the Gulf to the depot on the Cooper (at the site now known as the Dig Tree, across the border in Queensland), only to find the depot party had left that morning. Burke and Wills died along the creek, while John King survived with the help of the Yandruwandha people until a relief party found him. The memorials to Burke, Wills and King, and to the Yandruwandha people, can be visited near town.
The settlement developed in the late nineteenth century as a customs post near the Queensland border. The Australian Inland Mission opened a nursing home here in 1928, which served the region until the 1950s; the restored building now houses the visitor centre. The town was nearly abandoned for decades before tourism and the oil and gas industry revived it.
Innamincka Regional Reserve
The reserve covers a large area of the Cooper Creek floodplain and is managed for conservation as well as resource use. It includes Coongie Lakes, a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance, which is a haven for waterbirds. Camping along the Cooper is available at several sites; a Desert Parks Pass or camping permit is required — check National Parks and Wildlife Service SA for the current arrangements.
The Dig Tree
The Dig Tree, on Nappa Merrie Station across the Queensland border, is a coolibah blazed by the depot party in 1861. A small entry fee is charged by the station for maintenance. Interpretive signs tell the story.
Activities
- Canoeing on the Cooper's waterholes — bring your own or hire locally.
- Fishing for yellowbelly and other native fish; follow SA fishing rules.
- Birdwatching for pelicans, cormorants, raptors and parrots.
- Stargazing under some of the darkest skies in Australia.
Seasons
April to September is best. Summer heat is extreme, and flooding can close roads after rain.
Getting there
Innamincka is reached via the Strzelecki Track from Lyndhurst (about 460 km), or via Thargomindah and the Adventure Way from Queensland. Both routes have long unsealed sections. Check SA outback road warnings and QLDTraffic.
Safety
Carry water, fuel, spare tyres and a satellite communication device.
The Strzelecki Track
The Strzelecki Track runs about 460 km from Lyndhurst to Innamincka through dune country, passing the Moomba gas fields (no public services). The track is unsealed, carries heavy oil and gas traffic, and can close after rain. Travellers need to be self-sufficient. Montecollina Bore, a historic artesian bore, is a popular rest stop.
Oil and gas
The Cooper Basin around Innamincka and Moomba is one of Australia's largest onshore oil and gas provinces. The Moomba plant processes gas sent by pipeline to Adelaide and Sydney. The industry's presence means heavy vehicles on the tracks; give way and keep a safe distance.
Who it suits
Innamincka suits 4WD travellers, campers, history enthusiasts and birdwatchers. It is a long way from anywhere, so plan at least two nights to make the journey worthwhile.
Cullyamurra Waterhole
East of Innamincka, Cullyamurra Waterhole is one of the largest and deepest permanent waterholes on Cooper Creek, and a popular camping area within the regional reserve. Near the Cullyamurra Choke, Aboriginal rock engravings can be seen on rock outcrops. Treat the site with respect: don't touch the engravings, and follow any signs. Camping areas along the Cooper require the appropriate permit or Desert Parks Pass; check with National Parks and Wildlife Service SA before you go.
Supplies and fuel
Innamincka's trading post supplies fuel, groceries and basic hardware, but stock and hours can be limited, especially in the hot months. Arrive with enough food and water for several days and a fuel reserve.
Where to next
- The Dig Tree — east, across the Queensland border.
- Thargomindah — east via the Adventure Way.
- Cameron Corner — south-east via station tracks (check conditions).
- Coongie Lakes — north, 4WD access only.
Packing tips
Bring a canoe or kayak if you have one, fishing gear, insect repellent, and warm clothes for winter nights. Carry rubbish out with you — there are limited waste facilities in the reserve.
Innamincka's history in buildings
The Department for Environment and Water says Innamincka began as a police camp in 1882. The town's best-known building is the old Elizabeth Symon Nursing Home, built by the Australian Inland Mission. It opened in 1928 and closed in 1951. After years as a ruin, it was restored and reopened in July 1994 as the headquarters for Innamincka Regional Reserve, and it now houses displays on the town's history.
The Moomba gas fields lie about 90 km south-west of town. The Burke and Wills Dig Tree, across the border in Queensland, is about 68 km away, or roughly an hour's drive.
Services
DEW lists two main businesses in town: the Innamincka Hotel (08 8675 9901) and the Innamincka Trading Post (08 8675 9900). Call ahead to check opening hours, especially in summer. For the reserve itself, see our Innamincka Regional Reserve guide.
Practical information
Innamincka has fuel, a store, a hotel and camping. Desert Parks Pass requirements may apply to camping in the reserve. Read the Adventure Way for a route from Brisbane.
Explore nearby
Related park guide: Malkumba-Coongie Lakes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Innamincka?
Via the unsealed Strzelecki Track from Lyndhurst, the Adventure Way from Queensland via Thargomindah, or roads from Birdsville and Moomba. All include long unsealed sections that close after rain.
Where is the Dig Tree?
The Burke and Wills Dig Tree is on Cooper Creek just over the Queensland border at Nappa Merrie Station, about 70 km east of Innamincka.
How far is the Dig Tree from Innamincka?
The Burke and Wills Dig Tree is about 68 km from Innamincka, roughly an hour's drive, according to the South Australian Department for Environment and Water.
When did Innamincka start?
The South Australian Department for Environment and Water says Innamincka began as a police camp in 1882.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Innamincka Regional Reserve — National Parks and Wildlife Service SA
- Outback road warnings — Department for Infrastructure and Transport SA
- The Dig Tree — Dig Tree / Nappa Merrie
- Innamincka Regional Reserve — Department for Environment and Water, South Australia
