Cooper Creek

About Cooper Creek

The Cooper Creek is one of the most famous rivers in Australia because it was the site of the death of the explorers Burke and Wills in 1861. It is sometimes known as the Barcoo River from one of its tributaries and is one of three major Queensland river systems that flow into the Lake Eyre basin.

History and Heritage

Indigenous Australians have inhabited the area for at least 50,000 years, with over 25 tribal groups living in the Channel Country area alone. Charles Sturt named the river in 1845 after Charles Cooper, the Chief Justice of South Australia. It was along Cooper Creek that the explorers Burke and Wills died in 1861, and is the site of the famous ‘dig’ tree.

Places to stay

There are numerous beautiful camping spots in the area, and for those wanting a bit more luxury, there are home- and farm-stays, and hotels in nearby Innamincka.

Things to do

Boating, birdwatching, wildlife, camping, 4WDing – or simply soaking up the magnificent outback ambiance….