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An oasis you didn’t expect and won’t forget!
[ ABOUT ]â–
Where the road slows down and the stories begin.
In South Australia’s far north-east, where the Kinipapa (Cooper Creek) winds through vast landscapes and big skies stretch for days, Innamincka offers something rare: space, connection, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Video courtesy of Tim Rumble
[ EXPERIENCES ]PLAN YOUR TRIP
Discover innamincka
Tucked near the Queensland border and surrounded by the raw beauty of the outback, Innamincka is remote, and that’s exactly the point.
It’s where families swap screens for campfires.
Where couples and friends find quiet moments under impossibly bright stars.
Where travellers chasing something different realise they’ve found it.
This isn’t polished resort living. It’s rugged, welcoming, and quietly surprising.
Nature That Feels Untouched
Explore Cooper Creek (Kinipapa), walk ancient landscapes, watch birdlife gather at dusk, and experience the stillness that only distance can create.
Stories That Run Deep
From Traditional Owners to explorers, pastoralists and modern-day locals, this land carries stories and you can feel them when you’re here.
A Town That Comes Alive
A handful of events each year bring the community together and welcome visitors into the fold. When something’s on, everyone knows about it.
What You Can Experience
Spend your days exploring national parks, fishing along the creek, photographing dramatic landscapes, or simply slowing down.
Stay at the iconic Cooper Creek Homestay, Innamincka Hotel, camp beneath wide skies, or find your own quiet base to unwind.
There’s more here than you might expect, but it’s still beautifully simple.
Plan With Confidence
Getting here takes intention. Being here is worth it.
We’ll help you understand the roads, the seasons, the facilities available, and what to expect, so you can plan well and enjoy every moment once you arrive.
Innamincka changes with the seasons. Water levels shift. Wildflowers bloom. Birds come and go. Events pop up. Sunsets never repeat themselves. Follow along to see what’s happening and start imagining your own journey.
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Our town
INNAMINCKA OUTBACK, SA
Innamincka is more than a dot on the map.
It’s a small outback community shaped by Country, history, resilience and the rhythm of Kinipapa. From Traditional Owners to explorers, pastoralists and the locals who call it home today, this place carries stories that run deep.
[ TESTIMONIALS ]"Accommodation was great, in fact better than we expected. Food was fantastic and moderately priced considering the location, especially the roasts were fantastic. Great friendly hosts. Fantastic spot we will be back next year for longer.
3 nights were to0 short!"
Mike C, Tripadvisor review
[ FAQ ]
Common Questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Yes, along the Adventure Way from Thargomindah or Quilpie/Eromanga in Queensland. In fact you can drive from Brisbane to Innamincka on the bitumen.
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Both unleaded and diesel fuel are available at the Trading Post and Diesel at the IOR depot 24 hours a day.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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Yes, at Caldega ruins, please take all rubbish and leave no trace.
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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.
https://www.thedigtree.com.au/
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Yes, outside of the fire danger period which is generally November through to April.
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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.
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Yes, the Innamincka Trading Post sells groceries including meat and veg as well as souvenirs and snacks.
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Whilst there is no local pharmacy, and visitors must bring necessary medications, the township is serviced by an RFDS clinic and aeromedical services.
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Yes, the township has a drinking water filtration system for you to fill containers and vans.
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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.
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There is no Wi-Fi at present in Innamincka, but there is Telstra mobile reception in the township and surrounding campgrounds.
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Yes, fishing is allowed along the Cooper Creek in the Innamincka Regional Reserve. Fishing is not allowed in Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park.
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Yes, boats are allowed in the Cooper Creek under 10hp and 10knots. Non-powered boats are allowed in Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park.
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Golden Perch (callop, yellowbelly), Grunter, Bony Bream, Catfish (protected) Yabby and Cooper Creek Turtles (protected).
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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
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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.