Innamincka
Innamincka was originally surveyed as a town of 177 allotments in 1890. There had however been a store there on Cooper Creek since 1884 while a police station had been established there at about the same time.
The original hotel served a large and thirsty area and counted among its regular teams of shearers travelling by bicycle between stations like Cordillo Downs, Nappa Merrie and Blanchewater (now part of Murnpeowie).
An inland mission hospital was established at Innamincka and served the far north east and parts of the Queensland channel country for many years. It has been restored and refurbished now as a headquarters and information centre for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, (now Department for Environment and Water - DEW). DEW administer the Innamincka Regional Reserve which surrounds the township as does Innamincka Station which is part of the regional reserve.
State Government grant to support remote health clinic at Innamincka
Great news for the Innamincka community was received on Monday, 25 February 2019 with an announcement by the Hon Tim Whetstone MP Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) is being offered up to $387,000 from the State Government's Regional Growth Fund to develop a remote healthcare clinic at Innamincka. Click here for the full media release.
Special attractions
The channels of the Cooper around Innamincka have very strong historical connections with the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition. Within easy reach of the township and the permanent Cullyamurra Waterhole are the ‘Dig Tree’, Burke’s Memorial and Wills Grave.
The township is also a jumping off point for exploration of the Coongie wetlands fed by the north west channel of the Cooper and formally recognised internationally as wetlands of importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Tourist services
There is seven-day fuel and service available at Innamincka. The hotel accommodation has been extended over recent years. Paid camping is permitted in parts of the regional reserve and there are sites along the township common or Queerbirdie Waterhole (also virtually permanent) within sight of the hotel. There are public conveniences including coin-operated hot showers for travellers and campers. Two airstrips are available – one at the township and one over the Cooper causeway on Innamincka Station near the homestead.
The Progress Association meets at least every quarter and has limited fundraising activities other than the donations to the town camping ground which is busy during the tourist season. The OCA supports the Innamincka community through a Community Affairs Resourcing and Management agreement.