Friends of Innamincka and Strzelecki Regional Reserves

Innamincka Regional Reserve was proclaimed in December 1988 as a multiple-use Reserve. It is 13 820 square kilometres in area and located in the far northeast corner of South Australia, approximately 1100km from Adelaide via the Strzelecki Track and 420km from Birdsville via Cordillo Downs. The Reserve can also be reached from the Eastern States via Tibooburra to the southeast, and Thargomindah and Windorah to the northeast. Innamincka is located in one of the most arid areas of the world with an average annual rainfall of 172mm and an annual evaporation rate of about 3600mm.

This rather challenging climate is relieved by extensive floodplains, wetlands, swamps, channels and both ephemeral and permanent lakes, which derive from water flow events in Cooper Creek. Contrasting and interposed with these features are vast dunefields and stony plains and tablelands.

The Coongie Lakes wetlands are 100km to the northwest of the township of Innamincka. They are listed under the Ramsar convention as wetlands of international importance, and comprise five, more or less permanent freshwater lakes. The contrast between the lakes and surrounding red desert dune country provide a stunning scenic experience.The wetlands of the Reserve provide important habitat and refuge for vast numbers of waterbirds and other fauna. Approximately 205 species of birds have been recorded in the Reserve. Flood periods provide breeding conditions for many species of waterfowl in large numbers. The lakes are a great place for birdwatchers, photographers, nature lovers or those just wanting to relax in an idyllic setting.

Strzelecki Regional Reserve is located southwest of Innamincka and was proclaimed in 1991. The Reserve covers an area of 11 654 square kilometres between Merty Merty Station and Lake Blanche on the Strzelecki Track, which is the only access track in the Reserve.The major feature of the Reserve is the Cobbler Desert, a vast pale dune desert. The once difficult Strzelecki Track has been upgraded to service the Moomba gas and oil fields and enables good dry weather access. The mostly dry Strzelecki Creek provides important breeding habitat for many inland bird species.

The Parks