Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This old droving trail runs 517km from Marree in SA to Birdsville, just across the border
in Queensland, passing between the Simpson Desert to the east and Sturt Stony Desert to
the west. It's one of Australia's classic outback routes. For road conditions see
www.dpti.sa.gov.au/OutbackRoads (...a 4WD is the best way to go, regardless).
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Strzelecki Track
Meandering through the sand hills of the Strzelecki Regional Reserve
( www.environment.sa.gov.au ) , the Strzelecki Track spans 460km from Lyndhurst, 80km
south of Marree, to the tiny outpost of Innamincka. Discovery of oil and gas at Moomba
(a town closed to travellers) saw the upgrading of the road from a camel track to a decent
dirt road, though heavy transport travelling along it has created bone-rattling corruga-
tions. The newer Moomba-Strzelecki Track is better kept, but longer and less interesting
than the old track, which follows Strzelecki Creek. Accommodation, provisions and fuel
are available at Lyndhurst and Innamincka, but there's nothing in between.
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Innamincka
POP 130
On Cooper Creek at the northern end of the Strzelecki Track, Innamincka is near where
Burke and Wills' ill-fated 1860 expedition expired. The famous Dig Tree marks the ex-
pedition's base camp, and although the word 'dig' is no longer visible you can still see
the expedition's camp number. The Dig Tree is over the Queensland border, though me-
morials and markers − commemorating where Burke and Wills died, and where sole sur-
vivor King was found − are downstream in SA. There's also a memorial where AW
Howitt's rescue party made its base on the creek.
Cooper Creek only has water in it after heavy rains across central Queensland, but it
has deep, permanent waterholes and the semipermanent Coongie Lakes , which are part
of the Innamincka Regional Reserve ( www.environment.sa.gov.au ) . Prior to European set-
tlement the area had a large Aboriginal population, so relics such as middens and grind-
ing stones can be seen around the area.
The Innamincka Trading Post ( 08-8675 9900; www.innaminckatp.com.au ; South Tce;
9am-4pm Mar-Nov, 10am-3pm Dec-Feb) sells fuel, Desert Parks passes, camping permits
and provisions, including fresh bread and rolls.
 
 
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