Innamincka Hotel, South Australia
The Innamincka Hotel is so much more than just a pub. Located on the edge of two deserts, this remote outpost is a surprising oasis in the South Australian outback.
Located just a stone's throw from the mighty Cooper Creek, the biodiversity of channel country surrounds Innamincka with beautiful bushland, lively birds and wildlife, and tranquil waterways to explore. Follow the trail of Burke & Wills to the Dig Tree, cruise or kayak along the Cooper Creek or wet a line in Australia's largest billabong, the Cullyamurra Waterhole.
Providing a warm welcome to this picturesque ecological sanctuary, the Innamincka Hotel offers comfy beds, beautiful pub meals and the kind of outback hospitality you need after a long day of travel and exploration.
The History of Innamincka
The region around Innamincka is rich with fascinating stories; the Yandruwandha people have lived in the region for over 40,000 years, and in the 1860s the ill-fated journey of Burke & Wills came to its grim conclusion along the Cooper Creek.
The pub was built in the 1880s, a welcome addition to the small but growing town. Until 1901, Innamincka prospered as a customs depot where state taxes were collected from increasing numbers of drovers who moved cattle from Queensland into South Australia and down the Strzelecki.
These days, the Innamincka Hotel is the perfect home base to stay while you explore the region's rich, and sometimes wild, history.
Campers and caravans will find plenty of space to stay in town as well, so wherever you set up, make sure to stop by the pub for a game of mini golf, or a beer and a yarn in the Outermincka bar.
Must Try Experiences
- Cooper Creek Cruise with an EcoCertified Tour Guide
- Follow the trail of Burke & Wills to the Dig Tree
- Hire a kayak and go for a paddle on the Cooper or the Cullyamurra Waterhole
- Have a drink and a round of mini-golf in the Outermincka bar
Getting to Innamincka
Along with the Birdsville Track, the Strzelecki Track is a legendary stock route populated by pastoralists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries after rustler Harry Readford cheekily drove 1,000 head of stolen cattle down the track and sold them at Blanchewater Station before scarpering to Adelaide.
Later, and with the discovery of gas by Santos in the 60s, the track became a well-used route to and from Moomba and today some sections of the track are sealed to allow for overtaking. Depending on the season, travellers can expect corrugations, stones, bull dust and flooding after heavy rains.
Points of interest include Montecollina Bore, the Dingo Fence, Blanchewater Homestead ruins, Cobbler Desert, Lake Blanche, and the Moomba viewing platform.
The Cordillo Downs Road links Birdsville and Innamincka and is part of The Outback Loop Itinerary. The road, which travels through the seemingly endless gibber plains of the Strzelecki and Sturt Stony deserts, is unsealed and recommended for 4WD vehicles only as road conditions vary dramatically depending on the weather and traffic. The Cordillo Downs Road links with the Birdsville Development Road from Windorah. Surprisingly, this rugged country is home to some Australia’s richest cattle country.
Points of interest include Dripie Creek, Cordillo Downs Historic Woolshed, and Caldelga Ruins.
From Birdsville Via Walkers Crossing Track (365kms)
For the adventurous only, this 4WD only track links the Birdsville and Strzelecki tracks through dune country. It is only drivable during dry weather and closed over the hotter months between December and February.
The Bulloo Developmental Road is part of the Adventure Way and runs from Cunnamulla (via Thargomindah) to the Strzelecki Track just south of Innamincka. This is a fairly easy travelling with entire road sealed on the Queensland side up to the SA border. The last 19kms from the border is on an unsealed road but still easy to drive. Care should be taken if there has been recent rains or if the Cooper Creek is in flood.
Points of interest include Burke & Wills 'Dig Tree', Lake Bindegolly National Park, Leahy Historical House.
After taking the Silver City Highway from Broken Hill, the roads from Tibooburra to Innamincka are all unsealed. The route takes travellers along Riecks Road past Cameron Corner to Merty Merty up to where it joins the Strzelecki Track to Innamincka. Like many of the roads in the area, the route is prone to flooding and all but impassable when wet. It also passes through the Sturt National Park and a pass may be needed. Care must also be taken when travelling in summer with extreme temperatures.
Points of interest include Cameron Corner marker, Cameron Corner store, the Dingo Fence.
If I could give 6 stars I would. Loved this place! A+ for everything. Rustically sophisticated if you know what I mean. Interesting and delicious native food choices - emu parfait lipsmackingly great - indigenous art gallery vibe, with some seriously good art for your visual pleasure, and awesome service. All this after exploring spectacular Flinders Ranges country. As good as it gets.
