THINGS TO DO IN INNAMINCKA

[WHAT'S ON]
[EXPLORING INNAMINCKA]

Throughout the year, Innamincka hosts community events that bring locals and visitors together.

When something’s happening here, the whole town gets involved, and visitors are part of it. Events are announced seasonally, so check in before you travel to see what might be on during your stay.

Coming up:

start your day in town

Begin with sunrise over the Australian Inland Mission building or along the banks of the Cooper Creek. Grab breakfast or a cuppa at the Innamincka Hotel or Trading Post, then take a walk through town.

Follow the historic walk to:

  • The Australian Inland Mission Museum

  • The Royal Flying Doctor Service clinic

  • The Old Police Station

  • The Old Hotel Bottle Dump

  • The Cooper Creek crossing

  • The Cooper Creek Homestay

  • The Historic Cemetery

  • The Airstrip

  • The Trading Post and Innamincka Hotel

Inside the Australian Inland Mission building you’ll find interpretive displays sharing Aboriginal and European history, pastoral stories and the history of nursing in the outback.

[SPEND THE DAY]

On the Water – Cooper Creek & Waterholes

Cooper Creek is the heart of Innamincka.

  • Fish for Yellowbelly and Bony Bream (size and bag limits apply)

  • Try your luck catching yabbies

  • Watch for Cooper Creek turtles

  • Canoe in the Cooper Creek, Cullyamurra Waterhole or Coongie Lakes

  • Launch a motorboat from the Town Common boat ramp (motorboats permitted in Cooper Creek only)

  • Take a lunchtime or sunset cruise with Inna Cruises when the creek is flowing

Swimming in the Cooper is part of the outback experience but always assess conditions and swim safely.

Birdwatching & Wildlife

The waterways and floodplains around Innamincka are internationally significant habitats. The nearby Malkumba-Coongie Lakes are Ramsar-listed wetlands of international importance.

After rains, the region comes alive with pelicans, budgerigars, cockatiels, chats and migratory species that have travelled thousands of kilometres.

Keep an eye out for:

  • Grey Falcons near wooded watercourses

  • Flock Pigeons after good seasons

  • Hopping mice tracks in sandy country

  • The endemic Cooper Creek Turtle

  • Desert Trilling Frogs emerging after rain

  • Cooper Creek Catfish in permanent waterholes

Give yourself time. Wildlife here rewards patience.

Historic Sites + Burke and Wills

Several significant sites along the Cooper Creek are linked to the Burke and Wills expedition, including the following, located in Innamincka Regional Reserve:

  • Wills’ Grave

  • King’s Site

  • Burke’s Grave

  • Yulkuparlu Walk 

NOTE: vehicle entry fees apply

Short walks and interpretive signage provide context to one of Australia’s most well-known expeditions and a deeper understanding of the Yandruwandha and Yawarrawarrka knowledge that sustained life here for thousands of years.

You can also take a scenic 63km drive across the Queensland border to the Dig Tree Reserve, keeping a base at Innamincka.

[SPEND LONGER]

Scenic Drives & 4WD Adventures

Innamincka sits at the meeting point of legendary outback routes including the Strzelecki and Birdsville Tracks. Many travellers choose to set up a base here, leaving caravans, campers or camps safely in town or at designated camping areas, and then head out to explore the surrounding tracks and attractions by 4WD. It’s an ideal hub for day trips, allowing you to travel light while knowing your base is secure.

Short scenic drives include:

  • Old Strzelecki Track

  • Bore Track North

  • Montepirie Track to Kudriemitchie Outstation

  • Merninie Loop to the Dig Tree

  • Coongie Track to Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park

Longer day trips:

  • Cordillo Downs Woolshed (approx. 177km) is home to one of Australia’s largest historic woolsheds

  • Cameron Corner Store

  • Exploring sections of the Strzelecki Track

  • Noccundra Hotel

Roads are unsealed and conditions vary. Check access and travel prepared.

Relax, Refuel, Reconnect

  • Enjoy putt putt golf and a cold drink at the Innamincka Hotel

  • Play a game of pool

  • Pack a picnic and head to Minkie, Policemans, Ski Beach, Cullyamurra or Queerbidie waterholes

  • Watch sunset from the hill at the top of Browne Street or the airstrip

Whew, that’s too much for one day.

Stay a little longer!

Places to stay

  • "Had a great pub meal at Innamincka, camped on the town common on the banks of the Cooper creek. Ended up staying 3 x night. We did the Inna sunset cruise with Steve, he was knowledgeable with a great sense of humor and lots of stories. The platter and drinks on board were delicious while having birds and plants pointed out to us with plenty of photo opportunities! The trading post staff were very helpful with information. We’ll be back ! Well done Innamincka:)"

    Wendy P.

  • "A lot of fun Great food, good staff . Do a trip down Cooper Creek in an organised tour in a large tinny ( 12 people capacity) to see wildlife. You will enjoy. We did a 3 day air charter with Seair Charter flights from Gold Coast to Birdsville and Innamincka. A must, the guys from Seair were fantastic."

    Elly

[ FAQ ]

Common Questions

  • 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.

  • 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/https://www.livetraffic.com/

    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.

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

  • 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 no Wi-Fi at present in Innamincka, but there is Telstra mobile reception in the township and surrounding campgrounds.

  • 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).

  •  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.