Innamincka, Strzelecki Trk, Birdsville Trk

Submitted: Friday, Jul 22, 2011 at 20:46
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After three lovely days camping on the Town Common at Innamincka we packed up quickly and left because it had rained on and off all the thrid day and we were concerned that we would get caught. Despite the rain the Strz was very good and we arrived at Lyndhurst caked in mud, much of which had come from around the Cooper rather than the Strz.

After two days at Lyndhurst where we checked out the coal mine and Leigh Creek (what a great supermarket there! and the cafe does good hamburgers and coffee too) we headed up the Birdsville to the ferry. The trip up was excellent and we enjoyed the country very much. Visited Tom Brennan memorial (someone should write a book about the Birdsville ferries, some good yarns I'm sure) but decided to camp at the ferry.

Brad the ferryman, suggested the south side was far better with fewer mice and rats. So we set up camp there and it was very beautiful, especially at sunset. We paddled up and down the Cooper - a little current gave some much needed exercise.

After only two days (just a couple of mice sighted) it was our turn to ride the ferry. I wish I had known about Brad's new baby. Stephen, please congratulate him from all the EO people.

Mungarannie was jumping with lots of 4x4 nuts (Phil's term) were just leaving after 'a good night'.

A couple of days in Birdsville, Windorah (rats got in the ct!) and now we are at Thargomindah and heading home tomorrow with maybe a couple of nights at Currawinya NP, near Hungerford.

We've had a ball.

Min
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Reply By: happytravelers - Friday, Jul 22, 2011 at 21:08

Friday, Jul 22, 2011 at 21:08
Hi John

Just done a similar trip to you a few weeks ago, although we took the Strz. from Cameron corner to Innaminka. Then up to Birdsville on the Arrabury road, down the Birdsville track to Marree, missed the ferry reopening by three days. Across to Coober Pedy then returned to Marree, Lyndhurst, Leigh Creek and the Flinders ranges.

It's a great country isn't it?

Regards Jon
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Follow Up By: Member - Min (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 26, 2011 at 21:51

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2011 at 21:51
Well, Jon, you'll just have to go back before the ferry stops!

Sounds as if you had a great time too. We definitely have to go back because this was a flying visit as we won't be around in Sept and Oct and later is too hot.

We have not been to Cameron Corner or the Dig Tree and they are musts. And it's too long since we've been to the Flinders. The list gets longer every day.

It is indeed a wonderful country.

Min
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Reply By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Saturday, Jul 23, 2011 at 08:49

Saturday, Jul 23, 2011 at 08:49
Gday Min, Its hardly fair that you guys are up there relaxing while some of us are slogging away at work.. And post as you have, just to rub it in. .:) :) Great spot at Innamincka, wish we were there.. Lucky you are out of Sydney at the moment, the rain and wind is like we haven't seen for a long time.. The wettest July in 50 years!! Enjoy your trip and regards to John. Michael & Janet
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Follow Up By: Member - Min (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 26, 2011 at 21:57

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2011 at 21:57
Hi Michael,

All good things come to those who wait - or get old!

Cheers,
Min
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Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011 at 17:21

Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011 at 17:21
Hi Min, The two seem to go hand in hand, we get old waiting for it!! Michael
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Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Saturday, Jul 23, 2011 at 18:29

Saturday, Jul 23, 2011 at 18:29
Hi Min

Sounds like you had a ball. Glad to hear that you have made a trip and travelled the Cooper Creek Ferry. Did you have a rat problem at Birdsville, as we will be there in a couple of weeks and the last thing we want is a hole in the tent from a hungry rat.

I have put a mention on the forum about Brads new daughter, Alice Joan.

Looking forward to seeing your great images.


Cheers


Stephen
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Follow Up By: Member - Min (NSW) - Monday, Jul 25, 2011 at 15:35

Monday, Jul 25, 2011 at 15:35
Hi Stephen,
I'm in Maca's Narrabri and it's slow as.
The cv park manager said there were a few but we didn't see any. Hope it's the same for you.
Home in couple of days. Will add more then.
Min
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Follow Up By: Member - Min (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 26, 2011 at 22:23

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2011 at 22:23
Hi again Stephen,

We got home at 5.30 tonight. Couldn't face the possibility of rain at Cowra, where we had intended to stay tonight. 700Ks today.

I'm so pleased you talked us into doing the trip. What fabulous country it is and there is so much more to see including the NSW corner country. And who would go that far and not continue to Innamincka again? I hope next time Coongie Lakes are open.

We enjoyed Birdsville, much to our surprise. I thought it was the pub and nothing else but we were intrigued by the geothermal power station and also drove out to see the Acacia peuce (Waddy trees) on the Bedourie road. We also went out to see Big Red, but that's another story... !

Your trip is almost upon you. Take care and have fun.

Cheers,
Min
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011 at 08:52

Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011 at 08:52
Hi Min

I am now looking forward to your great images and blog for the trip.

As for our trip, I have made a slight change in plans, well at this stage. We talked ourselves into going to Birdsville again and that is as far as we will get, why, the water.

We have travelled the Simpson countless times over the years, and each time we head out there we always tell our selves that this will be the last time. Seeing all the water in Eyre Creek and Lake Nappanerica last year we only wished that we had the kayak with us.....

After a clean up Birdsville, we will head out into the Simpson for a few days only as far as Eyre Creek, then head north for a great little spot that we have not been to for about 6 years for remote camping and kayaking by ourselves......


This will be one Simpson trip that I have never seen anyone do before...on kayak.


Lets hope the weather holds. Less than a week now and counting.


Cheers


Stephen
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Follow Up By: Member - Min (NSW) - Thursday, Jul 28, 2011 at 10:55

Thursday, Jul 28, 2011 at 10:55
Stephen --- WOW.

Note that there is a lengthy detour from just out of B'ville to Big Red involving several dunes (which I'm sure are not a problem for you). Get mud map from B'ville visitor centre.

Looking forward to pics.

Min
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Thursday, Jul 28, 2011 at 14:23

Thursday, Jul 28, 2011 at 14:23
Hi Min

We are heading up as far as the old Annandale Ruins, which is almost due north of the Eyre Creek. When I was speaking with David Brook last week, who owns all the land before the National Park, including Big Red, he said that the detour goes down as far as the SA/Qld Border, so it sounds like a lot bigger detour that last year. He said that it was a good graded track compared to last years detour.

The time is now getter closer, so we are getting very excited about this little Simpson adventure with a difference. We are taking the mobile Internet, so it will be very interesting to see if I can send a forum message from on top of Big Red, as I was able to make a phone call from on top last year.


Cheers


Stephen
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