A journey to the junction of Cooper Creek and Lake Eyre

In September 1996 I and a small group of friends drove some 60 ks down the bed of the Cooper Creek to the point where it flows into Lake Eyre. The Creek was dry, but traps were never far away!

Amongst other things, we wanted to locate a Visitor's Book that had been placed there on 3 September 1990.

According to my records it was located at these co-ordinates:-
S 28 23 44.5 E 137 41 31.1

Although the book itself had been there for 6 years it was in excellent condition. I have attached photos of each page in it as I thought readers might be interested because of the history caught by the various entries. It looks as if the Creek was in flood when the book was placed there and a flurry of entries occurred around that time. However, there were no further ones until we arrived 6 years later.








Some of the names are well known (D Bartell, Rex Ellis etc) and although each journey must have been an achievement in itself, surely the prize must go to J C Beard, who walked in from Marree! Assuming he went there in a straight line, its a distance of approx. 110 ks, and over some very, very tough country. He was then going to follow the Cooper up to the Birdsville Track to find another adventure, so I would love to know what he has been doing over the last 30 odd years!

Finally, our trip required permission from two property owners (generously given) and National Parks and Wildlife Service SA. I wonder if it could be replicated today and, if so, what other history might be found in that Visitors Book?