Longreach to Innamincka

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesLongreach
FinishInnamincka
DifficultyDifficulty 4/5
Suitable ForAWD Motorbike 
Distance859.67 km
Minimum Days3
Average Speed63.95 km/hr
Travel Time13 hrs 26 mins
Page Updated: 21 Oct 2021

Description

This trek note starts at the old and established town of Longreach which lies on the Route 66 Landsborough Highway. It is home of the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Outback Museum. From Longreach, you will travel on some bitumen before hitting the gravel of the Longreach Jundah road through Stonehenge, Jundah and Windorah. From Windorah the red sands ridges and gibber plains dominate the scenery as the trek turns west then south down the Planet Downs – Arrabury road and then the Nappa Merrie road to Cooper Creek and the historic town of Innamincka.

How to Use this Trek Note

  • To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.

TIP

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Environment

Around Longreach the terrain is predominantly Mitchell grass plains punctuated by stony ranges and mesas known locally as jump-up country. This changes to sand ridges and gibber plains from Windorah to Innamincka.

During the summer months the temperatures may reach 45 to 50 degrees C. Travel in the region between October and March is not recommended due to high temperatures and possible flooding.

History

Longreach
The town of Longreach was settled in the 1870s and is now the largest town in the region. The old town from its humble beginnings in the 1870s as a stock route junction on the 'long reach' of the Thomson River is now fully serviced by road, rail and air.
According to history, Longreach is famous for its role with Qantas having the original hangar that housed Australia’s first six aircraft were built between 1922 and 1934. This airline which began life in Queensland's Outback, subsequently grew into our first international carrier. Longreach also has the Australian Stockman’s Hall Of Fame, which is a memorial to the explorers, overlanders, pioneers and settlers of remote Australia. It was in 1974, that Hugh Sawrey, a well known stockman and outback artist, enlisted supporters for his dream for this 12.5 million dollar memorial.

J.C. Hotel
The name came about after John Costello carved his initials in a Bauhinia tree here while he was out "looking at country". Those who came after him would use that blazed tree as a marker, and eventually a pub was built on the spot to cater for the ever-increasing trade. The manager of Canterbury station got a little weary of pulling his stockmen out of the pub and bought it and ripped the roof off. The weather did the rest, and today there is little left but mounds of clay and a few rotting timbers. Nearby there's a graveyard that reminds you that this was not a really good place for women and young children.

Windorah
Windorah’s history is linked with Isisford for it was the Whitman brothers who established both towns. Originally known as Stony Point, its current name is the Aboriginal word for 'place of large fish'. This relates to Cooper Creek, which is formed by the junction of the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers just south of Jundah.

TrekID: 146

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.
Travel from Windorah via the Planet Downs Arrabury road and the Nappa Merrie road requires a high level of vehicle preparation. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended and you should carry sufficient water for 4 days, at least one spare tyre AND tyre repair equipment, as well as fuel sufficient for the 600 kilometres legs where no fuel is available.

From Windorah this is very remote area travelling and preparations for travel should take this into consideration. If your vehicle breaks down or you have some other trouble, stay with your vehicle.

Supplies
Restocking of supplies is possible at Winton, Longreach, and Innamincka and to some extent at Opalton.

PUBLIC NOTICE
Tyre and Mechanical services at Innamincka will be opened by local John Osborne for approx 1 hour first thing in the morning daily. This is for tyre enquiries only and is from Monday 18th Feb 2008 until approx 18th April 2008. Services that will be available from April onwards will be advised later.

Fuel Usage

DieselULPLPG
4cyl 121 litres4cyl 139 litres4cyl 172 litres
6cyl 132 litres6cyl 156 litres6cyl 151 litres
8cyl 132 litres8cyl 143 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

May to September

Closest Climatic Station

Windorah Post Office
Distance from Trek Mid Point 24.19km NE
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C38.136.634.530.225.321.621.424.128.532.635.537.8
Mean Min. °C24.123.521.116.011.37.66.68.112.116.519.922.5
Mean Rain mm42.649.043.119.518.816.315.19.710.517.622.230.5
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

Longreach to Landsborough Hwy & Thomas Dev Rd
Driving: 1.38 km
Heading: 305°
Avg Speed: 32 km/hr
EST Time: 02:35
  • Drive southwest on Eagle Street. for: 0.12 km time: 00:25
  • Enter the roundabout and take the 3rd exit, onto Swan Street for: 0.21 km time: 00:38
  • Turn right onto Emu Street. for: 0.23 km time: 00:30
  • Turn left at the end of the road, onto Landsborough Highway for: 0.76 km time: 00:56
  • Enter the roundabout and take the 1st exit, onto Spoonbill Street for: 0.07 km time: 00:07
Landsborough Hwy & Thomas Dev Rd to Thomas Dev Rd & Additional Area Rd
Driving: 35.02 km
Heading: 195°
Avg Speed: 79.69 km/hr
EST Time: 26:22
Thomas Dev Rd & Additional Area Rd to Bimerah
Driving: 83.77 km
Heading: 227°
Avg Speed: 88.76 km/hr
EST Time: 56:37
Bimerah to Thomas Dev Rd & Stonehenge Connection Rd
Driving: 32.7 km
Heading: 238°
Avg Speed: 78.15 km/hr
EST Time: 25:06
Thomas Dev Rd & Stonehenge Connection Rd to Stonehenge Connection Rd & Stonehenge Longreach Rd
Driving: 2.58 km
Heading: 299°
Avg Speed: 64.84 km/hr
EST Time: 02:23
Stonehenge Connection Rd & Stonehenge Longreach Rd to Stonehenge
Driving: 1.28 km
Heading: 230°
Avg Speed: 57.43 km/hr
EST Time: 01:20
Stonehenge to Thomas Dev Rd & Jundah Stonehenge Rd
Driving: 5.01 km
Heading: 173°
Avg Speed: 67.71 km/hr
EST Time: 04:26
Thomas Dev Rd & Jundah Stonehenge Rd to Thomas Dev Rd & Glenariff Access
Driving: 19.66 km
Heading: 191°
Avg Speed: 79.68 km/hr
EST Time: 14:48
Thomas Dev Rd & Glenariff Access to Jundah
Driving: 41.95 km
Heading: 214°
Avg Speed: 89.83 km/hr
EST Time: 28:01
Jundah to Thomas Dev Rd & Winton Jundah Rd
Driving: 10.58 km
Heading: 283°
Avg Speed: 71.31 km/hr
EST Time: 08:54
Thomas Dev Rd & Winton Jundah Rd to Thomas Dev Rd & Jundah Lina Glen Rd
Driving: 2.59 km
Heading: 237°
Avg Speed: 91.22 km/hr
EST Time: 01:42
Thomas Dev Rd & Jundah Lina Glen Rd to Thomas Dev Rd & Diamantina Dev Rd
Driving: 78.48 km
Heading: 202°
Avg Speed: 83.07 km/hr
EST Time: 56:41
Thomas Dev Rd & Diamantina Dev Rd to Windorah
Driving: 5.55 km
Heading: 217°
Avg Speed: 75.1 km/hr
EST Time: 04:26
Windorah to JC Hotel Ruins
Driving: 80.98 km
Heading: 274°
Avg Speed: 74.32 km/hr
EST Time: 01:05:22
JC Hotel Ruins to Diamantina Dev Rd & Birdsville Dev Rd
Driving: 29.21 km
Heading: 269°
Avg Speed: 79.55 km/hr
EST Time: 22:01
Diamantina Dev Rd & Birdsville Dev Rd to Birdsville Dev Rd & Planet Arrabury Rd
Driving: 54.57 km
Heading: 227°
Avg Speed: 89.38 km/hr
EST Time: 36:37
Birdsville Dev Rd & Planet Arrabury Rd to Bush Camp - Planet Downs Arrabury Road
Driving: 5.41 km
Heading: 211°
Avg Speed: 65.22 km/hr
EST Time: 04:58
  • Head northeast on Planet Arrabury Road for: 5.38 km time: 04:58
  • Turn right onto Birdsville Developement Road (14) for: 0.03 km time: 00:01
Bush Camp - Planet Downs Arrabury Road to Planet Arrabury Rd & Haddon Corner Access
Driving: 35.01 km
Heading: 196°
Avg Speed: 66.01 km/hr
EST Time: 31:49
  • Head north on Planet Arrabury Road for: 35.01 km time: 31:50
Planet Arrabury Rd & Haddon Corner Access to Haddon Corner
Driving: 13.23 km
Heading: 275°
Avg Speed: 43.62 km/hr
EST Time: 18:11
Haddon Corner to Planet Arrabury Rd & Haddon Corner Access
Driving: 13.23 km
Heading: 95°
Avg Speed: 43.62 km/hr
EST Time: 18:11
Planet Arrabury Rd & Haddon Corner Access to Planet Arrabury Rd & Arrabury Rd
Driving: 115.59 km
Heading: 188°
Avg Speed: 60.27 km/hr
EST Time: 01:55:04
Planet Arrabury Rd & Arrabury Rd to Arrabury Rd & Lake Pure Rd
Driving: 63.82 km
Heading: 163°
Avg Speed: 73.66 km/hr
EST Time: 51:59
Arrabury Rd & Lake Pure Rd to Arrabury Rd & Dig Tree Rd
Driving: 42.32 km
Heading: 185°
Avg Speed: 59.5 km/hr
EST Time: 42:40
Arrabury Rd & Dig Tree Rd to Dig Tree Road & Cooper Creek Rd
Driving: 11.92 km
Heading: 225°
Avg Speed: 56.47 km/hr
EST Time: 12:39
Dig Tree Road & Cooper Creek Rd to The Dig Tree
Driving: 2.16 km
Heading: 188°
Avg Speed: 32.8 km/hr
EST Time: 03:57
The Dig Tree to Dig Tree Road & Cooper Creek Rd
Driving: 2.16 km
Heading:
Avg Speed: 32.8 km/hr
EST Time: 03:57
Dig Tree Road & Cooper Creek Rd to Arrabury Rd & Dig Tree Rd
Driving: 11.92 km
Heading: 45°
Avg Speed: 56.47 km/hr
EST Time: 12:39
Arrabury Rd & Dig Tree Rd to Adventure Way & Nappa Merrie - Santos Rd
Driving: 10.45 km
Heading: 195°
Avg Speed: 57.54 km/hr
EST Time: 10:53
Adventure Way & Nappa Merrie - Santos Rd to Adventure Way & Bullah Bullah Crossing Access
Driving: 2.64 km
Heading: 233°
Avg Speed: 22.97 km/hr
EST Time: 06:53
Adventure Way & Bullah Bullah Crossing Access to Border Sign Post
Driving: 14.41 km
Heading: 232°
Avg Speed: 67.45 km/hr
EST Time: 12:49
Border Sign Post to Adventure Way & Bore Track
Driving: 11.8 km
Heading: 246°
Avg Speed: 65.79 km/hr
EST Time: 10:45
Adventure Way & Bore Track to Nappa Merrie Rd & Cullyamurra Waterhole Access
Driving: 12.07 km
Heading: 279°
Avg Speed: 69.52 km/hr
EST Time: 10:25
Nappa Merrie Rd & Cullyamurra Waterhole Access to Adventure Way & Dillons Hwy
Driving: 2.94 km
Heading: 213°
Avg Speed: 37.84 km/hr
EST Time: 04:39
Adventure Way & Dillons Hwy to Innamincka
Driving: 3.28 km
Heading: 298°
Avg Speed: 60.61 km/hr
EST Time: 03:14
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

What to See

Stockmen’s’ Hall of Fame, JC Hotel Ruins, Haddon’s Corner, The Dig Tree, Cullymurra Waterhole, Burkes Grave and more.

Facilities

Where to Stay

Camping permits are required within the Innamincka Regional Reserve.

Services & Supplies

No Services & Supplies available for this trek

Wildflowers

Related Travel Journals

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