Photo: SplaTT / CC BY 2.0
At the remote junction of three states—South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales—Cameron Corner is a true outback icon. Named after surveyor John Cameron, this dusty survey marker on the edge of the Strzelecki Desert offers a profound sense of isolation and the quintessential Australian road-trip thrill. Reaching it requires a serious 4WD adventure along the Birdsville Track or the Strzelecki Track, but the reward is standing at one of the country's most significant geographical points, surrounded by endless red dunes and blue skies.
Highlights & What to See
- The Corner Post: The original wooden post and modern concrete pillar mark the tri-state border. Snap a photo with one foot in three states.
- Cameron Corner Store: A legendary outpost offering cold drinks, basic supplies, and a chance to chat with fellow travelers. Don't miss the famous 'Corner Burger'.
- Strzelecki Desert Dunes: The nearby dunes are perfect for a short walk or sandboarding—the red sand contrasts brilliantly with the blue sky.
- Birdsville Track & Strzelecki Track: The journey itself is a highlight. These historic stock routes are lined with remote ruins, old pubs, and endless horizons.
- Stargazing: With zero light pollution, the night sky here is among the darkest in Australia. The Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour at the corner itself, taking photos and enjoying the store. However, the journey there is a full-day affair from either Birdsville or Innamincka. Plan for at least two days if driving from the nearest towns, allowing time for the rough tracks and overnight stops. Many self-drive itineraries combine Cameron Corner with the Birdsville Races or a longer loop through the Channel Country.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Birdsville (Qld): Famous for the Birdsville Hotel and the annual Birdsville Races, this outback town is the most common launch point.
- Innamincka (SA): A historic settlement on Cooper Creek, offering the iconic Innamincka Hotel and access to the Cooper Creek wetlands.
- Strzelecki Track: Drive this historic route connecting Lyndhurst to Innamincka, passing the remote Moomba gas fields and the Dunes of the Strzelecki Desert.
- Coongie Lakes (SA): A Ramsar-listed wetland system near Innamincka, teeming with birdlife and ideal for canoeing or bushwalking.
- Sturt National Park (NSW): Just south of Cameron Corner, this park protects arid landscapes and offers camping, 4WD tracks, and the historic Tibooburra township.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Birdsville — Stuart Edwards / Public domain
- Innamincka — Unaipon / CC BY 3.0
- Coongie Lakes — djambalawa ( talk ) / CC BY 3.0
- Sturt National Park — Poyt448 Peter Woodard / Public domain
- Birdsville Track — Summerdrought / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Tibooburra — Peterdownunder / CC BY-SA 3.0