Cooper Creek Camping: Strezelecki Track in the Outback of South Australia
On the Strzelecki Track in the far northeast of the State, distance takes on new meaning as you drive for miles across the red gibber plains.
The sound of a four wheel drive might startle the correllas but soon enough you meet them again on the Cooper Creek because, let’s face it, that’s why they're here. Thirsty galahs and the graceful pelicans that command the air and are so adept at fishing in this amazing desert waterway join them.
The word is certainly out about the varied charms of the Cooper. The day we were there, there were plenty of people camping on the banks - some looked as though they were set up for an extended stay while others like Max Kerr from Echuca were there for a spot of very successful fishing thanks to a local tip on the right bait for catching yellow belly.
“Worms and yabbies and worms and shrimps are the go. This is the first time I've been here and it won't be the last.”
And the same goes for the Jarvis family of Adelaide, who hired some canoes from the nearby Innamincka pub. The pace of life matches that set by mother Katie, daughter Isabel and the family dog.
“Just come and look around you there's so much here. There's bush camping and reading a book by the river.”
Many come here on a pilgrimage to see the graves of Burke and Wills and at the bridge named after the two ill-fated explorers, Melbourne resident and lover of all things outback, Max Biddiscombe had some rather succinct advice for South Aussies who've yet to make the trip.
“Get off you're bum and come and have a look,” Max said with a laugh.
There are many places to camp along the Cooper. The Town Common at Innamincka is one of the most popular. There's an honesty box at the entrance to the campground or you can pay a five-dollar fee at the nearby Innamincka Trading Post. It's there that you can also pick up a Desert Parks Pass and Camping Permit for other areas in the Innamincka Regional Reserve. For more details contact the Desert Parks Hotline. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards.sa.com.au
