WELCOME TO INNAMINCKA

Innamincka is one of Australia’s most remote and remarkable communities. Set against a backdrop of vast floodplains, red earth and winding waterways, it’s a place where nature leads and people adapt.

Life here moves to the rhythm of the land: the rise and fall of Kinipapa (Cooper Creek), the shift of seasons, the arrival of travellers from across the country.

[ HISTORY ]

Country & Culture

Innamincka sits on land with deep cultural significance. We acknowledge and respect the Yandruwandha and Yawarrawarrka peoples and recognise their enduring connection to land, water and community.

The landscape holds stories that stretch back thousands of years: stories of survival, knowledge, and belonging.

Stories of the Land

Innamincka’s history weaves together culture, exploration, pastoralism, industry and resilience.

From traditional life to Burke and Wills, early pastoral families and the development of oil and gas in the region, each chapter has shaped the town you see today.

But Innamincka isn’t frozen in history. It’s a living community. Small, proud and welcoming.

[ PLACE ]

Why This Place Matters

People don’t come to Innamincka for convenience.

They come for perspective.

For connection.

For the kind of quiet that resets you.

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about experiencing something real.

[ FAQ ]

Common Questions

  • In the far north-east of South Australia approximately 1000km north of Adelaide, and only 30km from the Queensland Border. Where the Cooper Creek flows into South Australia on its’ way to Kati-Thanda Lake Eyre.

  • The closest towns to Innamincka are Thargomindah to the east (367km), Birdsville to the north-west (419km), Tibooburra to the south-east (300km) and Leigh Creek (510km) to the south-west. The closest major towns are Port Augusta 770km to the south, and Broken Hill 642km to the south-east. 

  • You do NOT need a permit to travel to or stay in Innamincka via the Strzelecki Track, Cordillo Downs Road or Adventure Way.

    However, all other roads and camping require a National Parks permit available at: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/innamincka-regional-reserve

  • Autumn to Spring (March/April to October) is ideal to avoid extreme summer heat. Winter days are generally in the high teens and low twenties and drop overnight, perfect for star gazing and warming campfires.

  • While 2WD vehicles can reach Innamincka via the Adventure Way. A 4WD is highly recommended. The main access is via the Strzelecki Track. Roads within Innamincka Regional Reserve are unsealed and conditions can vary.

  • Yes, along the Adventure Way from Thargomindah or Quilpie/Eromanga in Queensland. In fact you can drive from Brisbane to Innamincka on the bitumen.

  • Both unleaded and diesel fuel are available at the Trading Post and Diesel at the IOR depot 24 hours a day. We are not experiencing any fuel shortages at this time.

    Avgas and Jet A1 available from the Innamincka Trading Post

    For outback fuel availability in Queensland please check: https://fueltracker.swqroc.com.au/

  • As Innamincka sits in the Corner Country close to the QLD and NSW borders, there are three main sources of road information depending on where you are travelling from:

    For SA: https://www.dit.sa.gov.au/outbackroads/outback-road-report

    For NSW: https://www.livetraffic.com/

    For QLD: https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/

    In addition, for road closures within Innamincka Regional Reserve please refer to: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/know-before-you-go/desert-parks-bulletin-2

    For information on closures for the Walkers Crossing PAR please go to: https://www.dit.sa.gov.au/outbackroads/outback-road-report

  • Yes, if you have your own plane or via a charter flight, there are no commercial airline services to Innamincka. The Innamincka airstrip is a sealed, all-weather airstrip located only 600m from the township. 

    Avgas and Jet A1 available from the Innamincka Trading Post

    For all booking enquiries, please email innamincka@innaminckatp.com.au or phone 08 8675 9900.

  • Rooms are available at the Cooper Creek Homestay, Innamincka Hotel and Innamincka Trading Post. Camping is available at the Town Common and National Park Campgrounds.

  • Camping on the Town Common is $10 per vehicle per night, payable at the Innamincka Hotel or Trading Post. National Parks campgrounds must be booked in advance online at https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/innamincka-regional-reserve 

  • Yes, at Caldega ruins, please take all rubbish and leave no trace.

  • The Burke and Wills Dig Tree Historic Site is located in Queensland, 76km east of Innamincka. Camping is available at the Dig Tree, separate fees apply.

  • Yes, outside of the fire danger period which is generally November through to April.

  • Outside of the fireban period, the Innamincka Trading Post normally stocks wood for sale. Firewood collection is prohibited in Innamincka Regional Reserve, so it would be wise to stock up before arrival.

  • Yes, the Innamincka Trading Post sells groceries including meat and veg as well as souvenirs and snacks. 

  • Whilst there is no local pharmacy, and visitors must bring necessary medications, the township is serviced by an RFDS clinic and aeromedical services.

  • Yes, the township has a drinking water filtration system for you to fill containers and vans.

  • Yes, dogs on a lead are permitted in Innamincka (not inside the Hotel or Trading Post) and are also allowed in the Innamincka Regional Reserve. If you wish to travel to Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park you will need to find someone to look after your dog.

  • There is Telstra mobile reception in the township and some campgrounds. There is no Wi-Fi at present in Innamincka. We recommend having a vehicle mounted or portable UHF to communicate in your travels and in case of emergencies. Channel 40 is the main channel used.

  • Yes, fishing is allowed along the Cooper Creek in the Innamincka Regional Reserve. Fishing is not allowed in Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park.

  • Yes, boats are allowed in the Cooper Creek under 10hp and 10knots. Non-powered boats are allowed in Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park.

  • Golden Perch (callop, yellowbelly), Grunter, Bony Bream, Catfish (protected) Yabby and Cooper Creek Turtles (protected).

    https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/landscape/docs/saal/common-native-fish-lake-eyre-basin-rep.pdf

  •  No fishing permit is required in the Cooper Creek in South Australia, but bag and size limits do apply. Protected Species: Cooper Creek Catfish must not be taken. Anglers are restricted to using up to 2 rods or 2 handlines per person. More info

  • Whilst the waters of Cooper Creek are brown, when flowing they are fresh and swimming is safe as long as you take precautions, don’t dive or jump and be aware of submerged obstacles and logs.