Innamincka & Coongie Lakes
Innamincka Regional Reserve is the only park in South Australia that encompasses an actual township, and one of only a few that allows multipurpose use such as pastoralism and conservation.
See the diverse wildlife of the Cooper Creek system including fish, turtles, frogs and mammals. Explore historic sites and travel through expanses of sandy desert and arid plains. Innamincka Regional Reserve takes in Coongie Lakes National Park, a deeply spiritual site for Aboriginal people and a site that is internationally significant for its abundant and diverse bird life.
Innamincka Regional Reserve Park has dramatic links to some of Australia's most famous explorers, diverse wildlife and extensive wetlands. The reserve includes the Innamincka township, once a vital trading post. Among the must-see sites are the original graves of ill-fated explorers, Burke and Wills, Coongie Lakes, Cullyamurra waterhole, King's site and the Dig Tree historic site.
It's surrounded by sandy desert and arid plains - an oasis of striking contrast where you can boat along a gum-shaded creek, fish and swim in one of the area's many waterholes. Fishing throughout the reserve is subject to restrictions. Fishing is prohibited in the lakes of the Coongie Conservation Zone. Nets are prohibited in all waters of Cooper Creek and the reserve.
Many species of native animal are here, but most are difficult to observe. Dingoes and Red Kangaroos are most easily seen. Water-rats can also be observed, usually at dawn and dusk, swimming beside the banks and diving for mussels and fish. They are a delight to watch, as are the Rainbow Bee-eater birds flitting across the water. Bats are rarely seen, but watch out for them at night near lights where moths gather, and keep your ears open too for Innamincka's fascinating Barking Owls.
The area is home to the world's most venomous snake, the fierce snake or Inland Taipan. Other snakes you may see are the Woma Python, the King Brown and the Western Brown. The Bearded Dragon and Gould's Goanna are two species of reptile seen during warm sunny weather. Tortoises are commonly seen with their head poking out of the water or sunning themselves on a log or rock. Frogs are often heard along Cooper Creek but they are difficult to find. Most desert frogs are active only after rain.
Motorised boats are allowed along Cooper Creek provided the motor is under 10 horsepower and speed is kept below 10 knots. All boats must be registered and a motor boat licence is required. Motor boats are not permitted in the Coongie Conservation Zone.
Camping and Facilities
Good camping sites can be found on the south side of Cooper Creek in the Innamincka Town Common, at other specified sites west of the township and at Cullyamurra Waterhole. Other good camp sites include those at Scrubby Camp Waterhole and Coongie Lake. Please camp in specified camping areas only, and avoid camping close to any pastoral or oil industry property, yards or infrastructure.
Innamincka Regional Reserve facilities include visitor information, toilets, swimming, canoeing, camping, showers, telephone, walking trails, accommodation, guided tours, kiosk, picnic area, ranger on site, caravan sites, barbecuefacilities and drinking water. 4WD access only. Coongie Lakes National Park facilities include visitor information, toilets, swimming, canoeing, camping sites, 4WD access only.
More information
For more details, visit the Department of Environment and Heritage's Innamincka Regional Reserve and Coongie Lakes website, including details of fishing restrictions.
