Major city · Australia
Innamincka
Go only if you have a 4WD, fuel and water: 2 nights covers the town, Cooper Creek and the Dig Tree; 3–4 nights adds Coongie Lakes.
Innamincka is a 15-person town on Cooper Creek in the far north-east of South Australia, 465 km from the nearest fuel at Lyndhurst and 612 km from Cunnamulla. It is a base, not a destination: the draw is the waterholes, the Dig Tree and the road in. Come with a full tank, spare water and a satellite phone, and plan two nights minimum.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (extreme heat, 45–55 °C (113–131 °F))avoid Nov–Mar (extreme heat, 113–131 °F (45–55 °C))
- Airport
- INM
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Innamincka000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Innamincka, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyRemote and genuinely risky: no fuel for 465 km (289 mi), no phone signal outside a 7 km (4.3 mi) radius, and summer heat that can kill.Remote and genuinely risky: no fuel for 289 mi (465 km), no phone signal outside a 4.3 mi (7 km) radius, and summer heat that can kill.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportINM Innamincka Airport (No scheduled commercial flights; charter and outback tour aircraft only.
- Getting aroundDrive.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or cold drinkA$5–8 (≈ US$4–6)
- Budget bedTown Common campsite, a night, per personA$15 (≈ US$10)
- Mid-range bedTrading Post donga, a night, per roomA$150 (≈ US$100)
- High-end bedTrading Post donga, a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$60 (≈ US$40) · Mid A$140 (≈ US$95) · High A$300 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- INM Innamincka Airport (No scheduled commercial flights; charter and outback tour aircraft only. Check with operators.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Feb
Avoid
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Mar
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Apr
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Dec
Avoid
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Best: Apr–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)), coolest Jul (6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C) low), wettest Jan (3 rain days), driest Mar (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Innamincka: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
3 rd
Feb
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
3 rd
Mar
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
3 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
3 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Nov
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Dec
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Drive. There is no car hire in Innamincka, so you must arrive in your own vehicle via the Strzelecki Track (D96) from Lyndhurst or the Adventure Way from Cunnamulla. The town grid is 1.5 km end to end and walkable, but everything else — the Dig Tree, Coongie Lakes, Cullyamurra — needs a vehicle.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Burke and Wills Dig Tree
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Drive via the Adventure Way, mostly sealed with some dirt
The most famous camp of the Burke and Wills expedition; go early and carry water.
Coongie Lakes
overnightDoor to door: 2–3 h each way
4WD only, about 100 km (62 mi) on sand and dirt tracks; follow local signs, not GPS4WD only, about 62 mi (100 km) on sand and dirt tracks; follow local signs, not GPS
1.9 million ha of lakes and floodplain. Road conditions vary with weather — ask rangers first.
Cullyamurra Waterhole
goDoor to door: Under 30 min
Drive, then short walk
Deep permanent waterhole on Cooper Creek; good for birdwatching and a swim when conditions allow.
Lyndhurst
overnightDoor to door: 6–8 h
Strzelecki Track (D96), 465 km (289 mi)Strzelecki Track (D96), 289 mi (465 km)
The supply run out. Do not attempt as a same-day return.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Innamincka Hotel, South Terrace
The only pub, restaurant and bar in the region; most travellers stay here.
Cooper Creek Homestay, Stuart Street
Small independent option in the town grid.
Innamincka Town Common
Camping on the Old Strzelecki Track; the only campground with toilets. Coin-operated showers in the town square.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget (camping, self-catering)
- A$60–110 (≈ US$40–75) excl. bed
- Mid (hotel room, pub meals)
- A$120–200 (≈ US$80–140) excl. bed
- High (charter flights, tours)
- A$300 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Innamincka Hotel room1 × 2 nights × A$200 | A$400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$140 | A$560 |
| Pub meal, main2 × A$30 | A$60 |
| Fuel, per litre (remote premium)2 × A$3 | A$5 |
| Drinking water at the town square2 × A$2 · QR code payment only | A$4 |
| Buffer 15%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$154 |
| Trip total≈ A$296 per person per day, bed included | A$1,183≈ US$800 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and vehicle costs excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Pub meal at the Innamincka Hotel | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Coffee or cold drink | A$5–8 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Fuel, per litreRemote pricing | A$2.20–2.80 (≈ US$2) |
| Camping fee, Town Common | A$15–30 (≈ US$10–20) per night |
| Drinking water, town square | Small fee, QR code only |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No fuel between Innamincka and Lyndhurst (465 km (289 mi)) or Cunnamulla (612 km (380 mi)): fill up before you leave.No fuel between Innamincka and Lyndhurst (289 mi (465 km)) or Cunnamulla (380 mi (612 km)): fill up before you leave.
- Only Telstra has coverage, roughly a 7 km (4.3 mi) radius around town; nothing on the tracks. Carry a satellite phone or UHF radio.Only Telstra has coverage, roughly a 4.3 mi (7 km) radius around town; nothing on the tracks. Carry a satellite phone or UHF radio.
- The Cooper Creek crossing on Cordillo Downs Road floods after rain; check with rangers before committing.
- Summer heat is dangerous: 45 °C (113 °F) and above is normal, and walking in it can kill. Do not drive here Nov–Mar.Summer heat is dangerous: 113 °F (45 °C) and above is normal, and walking in it can kill. Do not drive here Nov–Mar.
- Drinking water at the town square is paid by QR code only — no cash, no card. Bring a phone with data or bring your own water.
- The Dig Tree and Coongie Lakes are on 4WD tracks; a 2WD will not make Coongie.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
InnaminckaInnamincka
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No consulates in Innamincka; nearest consular help is in Adelaide. US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand citizens should register travel plans with their embassy before heading outback.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fuel, Innamincka to Lyndhurst: 465 km (289 mi) with no fuel stop; fill up before leaving289 mi (465 km) with no fuel stop; fill up before leaving
- Fuel, Innamincka to Cunnamulla: 612 km (380 mi), road now sealed380 mi (612 km), road now sealed
- Dig Tree drive: About 1 h each way, mostly sealed with some dirt
Say or show
- Where is the fuel? — Where is the fuel?
- Is the road open? — Is the road open?
- I need help — I need help
- How far to the next town? — How far to the next town?
No phone signal outside a 7 km radius of town. Carry a satellite phone or UHF radio.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Innamincka. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Sep · avoid Nov–Mar (extreme heat, 45–55 °C) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for INM: charter operators field-checked, no scheduled service, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters: town grid, Cooper Creek frontage, Town Common.
- Place pages with verified access notes (Dig Tree, Coongie Lakes, Cullyamurra, Elizabeth Symon Nursing Home) and eat pages with pub hours.
- Fuel and water fixtures so gates A–D can go green.