Cooper Creek is one of Australia's most iconic inland waterways, stretching approximately 1,420 kilometres and ranking as the country's second-longest inland river system. Formed by the meeting of the Thomson and Barcoo rivers in Queensland, it flows westward through the channel country past Innamincka in South Australia, ultimately draining into Lake Eyre rather than the ocean. The creek is notable for being one of the world's largest unregulated freshwater systems and drains into the Lake Eyre Basin, a catchment of roughly 1,170,000 square kilometres.

The creek is primarily ephemeral, flowing only after significant rainfall events, with mean annual precipitation of around 125 millimetres. When floods do occur, the Cooper can spread up to 40 kilometres wide. During flood years, the flow can reach extraordinary volumes — 300,000 megalitres per day was recorded in 2010 — though it drops rapidly as conditions dry out. Paddling is therefore a rare opportunity that depends entirely on sufficient upstream rainfall, and the window for navigable water can be brief. The stretch between Nappa Merrie and Innamincka is considered relatively cohesive in terms of channel definition, making navigation more straightforward than in areas where the creek disperses into numerous braided channels.

The primary paddling area around Innamincka falls within Innamincka Regional Reserve and the adjacent Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park, which also encompasses Coongie Lake — a significant wetland in Australia's arid interior. The waters are the traditional country of the Yandruwandha and Yawarrawarrka peoples, who co-manage these parks with the South Australian Department for Environment and Water. Paddlers are asked to respect cultural sites and artefacts, all of which are protected.

Safety is a serious consideration. The area is extremely remote, emergency assistance is limited or can be significantly delayed, and the region is subject to floods, droughts, and extreme weather events. The Department for Environment and Water advises paddlers to be thoroughly prepared before undertaking any trip. The creek and its tributaries remain free of carp, and the fishing for golden perch, grunter, and catfish can be exceptional. During flood periods, the area attracts remarkable concentrations of birdlife and wildlife including freshwater turtles.

Contact the South Australian Department for Environment and Water at parks@sa.gov.au or (08) 8207 7700 for current conditions and any applicable regulations before planning a trip.