| Cost | $10 per night at Town Common (pay at pub or store) |
|---|---|
| Location | Innamincka, South Australia |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Pit toilets at Town Common, water station with amenities (showers and flushing loos) in town for gold coin donation, dump point at toilet block near pub |
| Vehicle Access | Road becomes slippery after very little rain – Coach area best in wet conditions |
| In Camps App | Yes – find all camps and day use areas |
You might think being stuck in Innamincka waiting for South Australia’s Oodnadatta Track to open up after heavy rains would be a disappointment. Well, it was far from it! Here’s what we got up to and where we camped in this classic outback outpost …
Cooper Creek
One of the largest unregulated river catchments in the world – I did not realise the river starts near Charters Towers in Queensland and finishes at Lake Eyre! At first, we could only watch the crossing until the water had subsided enough and the campground over the creek had reopened.
Innamincka Hotel and Motel
What a savior. Due to the creek and roads, there were only a few camps open to explore in our first few days here. So yes, we came to know the team on a first name basis!
Lugging our work up, we ate lunch away from the flies at camp. We were pretty chuffed our family won the trivia competition after dinner, scoring an outback wine pack – already consumed!
The meals here are generous and the team are lovely. It was great talking to the backpackers and relief managers. Plus we can rate the bubbles in a can by Off Track Wines. It is perfectly named for me: “The river is calling”.
The rest of the family stopped at the motel, whilst we found the perfect site on the Cooper Creek at Town Common.
Trading Post and Cabins
The team kept us in treats, fuel, firewood and road updates with the floods. You can have a drink inside, we sorted out some of our itineraries here. Heatley bought some iced vovos, I stocked up on a capsicum and cucumber. And we really loved our burger!
Innamincka “central”
Across from the Trading Post and Pub, you can top up on water at the water station, or enjoy amenities (showers and flushing loos) for a gold coin donation. They are solar showers, so don’t expect a hot one if it has been raining! Sheltered picnic tables were also a welcome stop for lunch when we arrived. Visit the metal silhouettes and more information shelters.
Museum/National Parks Office in the old Nurses Station
Fascinating history here! Do read the nurses’ accounts of life in Innamincka. What hardship and fun. Love hearing the 9pm to 9am dances! Plus the building itself is a landmark of the town.
Mini Golf
Yes – how cool is that? Just collect your club from the pub office and away you go. Our golfing capers produced lots of laughs, stiff competition and whiled away some time.
Sunset Lookout
We drove up above town to the cemetery (you can also walk). Read the signage as well – what a history this town had. Further up the western sunset was spectacular.
The Dig Tree
Maybe you are planning to drive to Birdsville or Cameron’s Corner? The Dig Tree is across the border in Queensland, if you aren’t planning to camp out there or travel that way – I would recommend a day trip. There is a stiff entry fee per vehicle, and I couldn’t believe Burke’s foolhardy decisions – however, the history was an eye opener. As were the Dig Tree/s.
Camping at Town Common
A really lovely camp. Such a great spot to be stuck for a few nights waiting for roads to open. There are pit toilets – and the site is an extensive length along the river. It is $10 per night, you can pay at the pub or store. The dump point here is currently locked and will be replaced in the future. However, a new dump point has been installed at the toilet block near the pub.
We were told that the Coach area of Town Common was the best in rainy conditions, normally it is just for buses and groups. This area does not have river views, however it is easy walking with a path to town. Thankfully, the heavens did not open that much. But please note, the road becomes slippery after very little.
Each night we are treated to cockatoos and galahs, and through the day pelicans, budgies and birds of prey.
Innamincka Regional Reserve
We managed to visit four areas, all the other camping was closed because of the road conditions. However, after seeing what we did, we felt pretty complacent at Town Common. Both campsites both had pit toilets, not in the day use.
Burkes Grave
Although the camping area itself is cordoned off/fenced you have some views to Coopers Creek. It is stark, no shade, dirt base but flat. However, you take your chairs down to the beautiful Coopers Creek.
The walk starts about 500m away from the camp. It is just 300m but it is sandy and quite an effort! There is signage along the way, and a memorial and plaque. It really is a must if you have been to the Dig Tree.
Warning – watch out for low hanging branches on the walk back. I missed it with my cap on and really thumped my skull on a coolibah! Ouch. My teeth actually rattled and I was close to having a cry! So, please be more observant than me (haha).
Queerbidie
Over the creek crossing, turn left almost immediately off the Cordillo Downs Road. Not a lot of shade, more dirt, less grassy sites, steeper banks compared to the Town Common. Also more expensive, and you need a permit – unlike at Town Common. There is a toilet and lovely views of town, though.
And a tip
Bring fly nets!
Find all the camps and day use areas in the CAMPS App, and camps in our travel guides!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to camp at Town Common in Innamincka?
Camping at Town Common costs $10 per night. You can pay at either the pub or the store in town.
What facilities are available at Town Common campground?
Town Common has pit toilets and extensive sites along Cooper Creek. In town, there’s a water station with amenities including showers and flushing loos for a gold coin donation. Note that showers are solar-heated, so don’t expect hot water if it’s been raining. A new dump point is installed at the toilet block near the pub.
Which camping area is best in wet weather at Town Common?
The Coach area of Town Common is recommended in rainy conditions. While it doesn’t have river views, it provides easier access and a path to town. Be aware that the road becomes slippery after very little rain.
Can I visit the Dig Tree from Innamincka?
Yes, the Dig Tree is across the border in Queensland and makes a great day trip from Innamincka if you’re not heading towards Birdsville or Cameron’s Corner. There’s a stiff entry fee per vehicle, and the site offers fascinating Burke and Wills expedition history.
What can I do in Innamincka besides camping?
There’s plenty to do! Visit the museum in the old Nurses Station, play mini golf (collect clubs from the pub), watch sunsets from the lookout near the cemetery, explore Burke’s Grave, cross Cooper Creek when water levels allow, and visit the Trading Post and Innamincka Hotel for meals and supplies.
What wildlife can I expect to see at Town Common?
Each night you can see cockatoos and galahs, and during the day you’ll spot pelicans, budgies and birds of prey around Cooper Creek.
Are there other camping options in Innamincka Regional Reserve?
Yes, Burke’s Grave and Queerbidie are alternative camping spots. Burke’s Grave has no shade and stark conditions but beautiful creek access. Queerbidie is across the creek crossing with less shade than Town Common, steeper banks, and requires a permit. Both have pit toilets.
What should I bring when camping in Innamincka?
Definitely bring fly nets! Also stock up on supplies at the Trading Post, and be prepared for road closures after rain. The team at the Trading Post provides helpful road updates regarding floods and track conditions.
