Innamincka Hotel: In the Outback Region of South Australia

Up north in one of the remotest parts of South Australia, more and more travellers make their way to the town of Innamincka, a staging post on the Strzelecki Track. Here on the banks of the Cooper Creek the living is easy as visitors enjoy a classic bush setting on what's known as the Town Common. Other accommodation options include the Innamincka Farm Stay where the outdoor dunny has caused a spot of confusion for the wary international tourist. Other spots to stay include the cabins at the Trading Post and, of course, the Innamincka Pub, the social hub of this outback town.

At the end of hard slog on the Strzelecki Track, travellers and locals alike gather to down a few ales while in the courtyard outside they can experience the true intoxication of the desert sky at night.

By day you get a sense of just how isolated this town and its pub really are and yet more and more flock here for a true outback experience. There are a few dining options in town. Of course, there’s the Innamincka Bar inside the pub. Then there's the ‘Outamincka Bar’ - a great place for a Saturday night barbie. Then finally, the true alfresco option.. The ‘Outa Outamincka Bar’. A great place to swap a few yarns with blokes like the Ingram Brothers from mallee country near Swan Hill in Victoria.

“This is an outback trip for us encompassing the history of Burke and Wills. It’s taken us thirteen days so far and it’s been magnificent.”

In the early days the pub was a stopover for shearers who, believe it or not, rode their push bikes to woolsheds up and down the Strzelecki Track. It's also been a watering hole for those who've broken down and have had to call it quits. And in a sense that's what happened to the town and it's original hotel last century. Depression and sand drifts closed the track and it's 1880s pub. Now the old ruins and the bottle heap provide a talking point for drinkers in the new hotel. But take publican Des Nicholl's advice when organising a trip on the Stzelecki because occasional freak conditions in summer can be unbearable and dangerous.

“We once had 64 degree days for seven days.” What do you do then I asked. “Hide,’ was Des’ wry answer.

But between May and October the weather is generally wonderful, perfect for tucking into one of the pub's legendary steaks.

The Innamincka Pub is on the Strzelecki Track. For bookings contact 8675 9901. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au