Innamincka Dreaming

When you're there say hello to Belinda and Bob at the Innamincka trading post for us and give Belinda a cuddle, they helped us out heaps when we were there. Belinda says they get upwards of 1000 ppl thru there during those months so it'll be busy.

Theres some aboriginal rock carvings at Cullyamurra up near the "Choke" as well as lots of Burke and Wills stuff, Burkes grave, Dig tree and the general isolation of the place. Cullyamurra is excellent. As to the leaving of your gear, I reckon its not to bad around there, take your valuables and you should be fine.

Amen re the carvings down by the "choke". You go to the far eastern end of the Cully camping area. You'll see that you can't drive further. There is a walking trail along the lower side of the river. You have to hunt over the rocks at the choke, but there is lots of polished grinding holes and quite a lot of tortoise carvings. Re security, I've not heard of pilfering but that means nothing. Small high value items go in our backpack, second level valuables are locked in the car, and we usually have a fat chain padlocked through the trailer wheel and around the suspension. We then wander off with an air of optimism ! Seems to work fine in the remote areas. Not so in the populated areas, as we have seen in posts here. Re remote areas like Innamincka - not much point in trying to steal a trailer etc - too big to hide and there are authorities in the first town on the way out of the region, all directions.

You will only be walking to check the rock carvings...why not leave the rig with a cd or the radio on as a 'deterent'...anyway there are only fellow travellers in the areas and they are in the same box as yourself..

OK let's see I get to cuddle Belinda and install a cd in my truck. This trip is getting better all the time.

Ok now the next question. What do I need to catch yellowbelly, i have no fresh water fishing gear. just a basic kit will do me.

Waynepd,

Take a shrimp trap with you, put a bit of dry dog food in it to attract the shrimp. This is the best bait for Yellowbelly.

For tackle, start with about size 2 hook underneath a swivel and a ball sinker running on the main line. You can also use a standard "paternoster" style rig being two hooks and fixed sinker underneath a swivel.

Should be an excellent time for Yellowbelly and hopefully they will take your bait before the turtles do. (or are they tortoises)

You have selected an excellent location on the Cooper at Cullyamurra Waterhole and I am envious of you. Have a great time.

P.S. If the fish are off the bite and you catch sufficient Shrimp, boil them up and eat them. A bit fiddly to shell but taste good.

Don't forget the camera and tripod if you have one. The sunsets at Cullymurra can be glorious.

Easiest option is to buy the shrimp from the Innamincka Trading Post. The tortoises take any bait whole, which is a bit sad, so don't be tempted to use meat instead.

And sunlight soap and waterholes don't mix, if looking for shrimp.

Thank You for all the advice people.
I am looking forward to getting out in the red bits again, the city is so bland after having seen the colours of the real country.

I am sure it will be a great trip and there will be more questions b4 i go in July. :)