Cameron Corner Survey Marker: Where Three States Meet
Learn about the Cameron Corner Survey Marker, its history and role in defining three borders plus how and why you really need to go there. Located at the intersection of three Australian states – Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia – Cameron Corner is a destination like no other. This remote spot offers a unique experience for adventurers looking to explore Australia’s outback.
What Is Cameron Corner?
Cameron Corner marks the point where the borders of Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia meet. It’s named after John Brewer Cameron who surveyed the border in the late 19th century. So in a way you could say that Cameron Corner is really Camerons Corner. Do you see what I did there? It’s a place of historical significance and a popular stop for adventurers and outback enthusiasts.
Table Of Contents
Getting There
Reaching Camerons Corner is part of the adventure. Most travellers set out from towns like Tibooburra in New South Wales or Thargomindah in Queensland. The journey involves driving on unsealed roads so it’s essential to have a suitable vehicle usually a 4WD and to check road conditions before you go.
What to See and Do
- Cameron Corner Store: This iconic establishment is the heart of corner country. It’s not just a store but also a pub, fuel stop and a place to meet fellow travellers. Enjoy a cold drink, grab some supplies and chat with the owners about their unique stories.
- Three States Marker: Take a photo at the famous marker where you can stand in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia simultaneously. The Cameron Corner survey marker is a must do for anyone visiting Cameron Corner. To be honest it’s 100% the main reason why you’d visit!
- Sturt National Park: Sturt National Park is situated in far north west New South Wales. Sturt National Park has awesomely stunning landscapes including vast red sand plains, rocky outcrops and unique flora and fauna. Enjoy bushwalking, birdwatching and the incredible outback scenery.
- The Dingo Fence: Cameron Corner is home to a section of the world’s longest fence, built to keep dingoes out of the fertile southeast. Learn about its history and significance while taking in the sheer scale of this impressive structure.
Camping at Cameron Corner
Camping at Cameron Corner is a proper outback experience. The Cameron Corner Store has basic camping facilities, including toilets and showers. Camerons Corner is a great spot to set up camp and enjoy the vast night skies and the peace and quiet that comes from being in the outback.
Camping Tips
It’s always a good idea to be prepared when setting up camp particularly when you are a long way from civilisation. Below are some tips for getting the most out of your camping trip.
- Bring Supplies: The store has basic supplies, but it’s a good idea to bring enough food, water and fuel for your journey.
- Check Conditions: Weather and road conditions can change rapidly. As with any outback destination particularly where dirt roads are involved you absolutely have to check conditions before heading off. The TJ’s Roadhouse (08) 8091 3477 at Tibooburra as well as the Cameron Corner store (08) 8091 3872 are both the best sources of information.
- Respect the Environment: Take all rubbish with you and respect the natural surroundings.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cameron Corner is during the cooler months, from April to September. Summer temperatures are just about always extremely high and this makes travel and outdoor activities challenging.
Why Visit Cameron Corner?
Visiting Camerons Corner is about more than just reaching a geographical point. It’s about getting there by traversing through some of Australia’s more remote and rugged landscapes. It’s about the sense of adventure you need to get there. It’s about history. Whether you’re standing at the Cameron Corner survey marker, having a look through Sturt National Park or simply enjoying a drink at the Camerons Corner Store. This destination offers an unforgettable outback experience.
The Cameron Corner Survey Marker
Cameron Corner, where the borders of Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia meet, is a significant historical site marked by survey markers. These markers have a fascinating history linked with both the exploration and the mapping of Australia’s vast outback.
The Origins of Cameron Corner
Cameron Corner is named after John Brewer Cameron, a surveyor tasked with marking the border between Queensland and New South Wales in the late 19th century. Cameron’s work was important in defining the state boundaries that we recognise today.
The Survey Mission
In 1880, John Brewer Cameron embarked on the challenging task of surveying the 29th parallel of south latitude. Over two years Cameron and his team covered about 650 kilometres. Setting posts and markers along the way. This mammoth task required immense precision and determination as they worked their way through the remote and harsh terrain.
The Importance of Survey Markers
Survey markers play a substantial role in mapping and land management. At Camerons Corner these markers denote the precise meeting point of three states. The main marker, often photographed by visitors, symbolises the completion of a significant surveying feat.
Challenges Faced
Cameron and his team faced many and varied challenges. Including extreme weather, tough sandy desert terrain and limited supplies. Such perseverance under these conditions is a testament to their skill and dedication to accurately mapping our borders.
The Legacy Of The Survey
The work of John Brewer Cameron and his team laid the foundation for future surveys and mapping efforts. Their accuracy and detailed records continue to serve as a reference for modern mapping and land management.
Visiting Cameron Corner
These days the Cameron Corner survey marker is a popular destination for sightseers exploring Australia’s outback. These days the Cameron Corner survey marker is a popular destination for sightseers exploring Australia’s outback. You can stand at the tri-state marker while you think on the history and significance of the survey. The Cameron Corner Store endeavours to provide a glimpse into the area’s unique culture and history providing a perfect stop for adventurers.
The Cameron Corner Survey Marker Itself
The original survey marker at Cameron Corner is a simple post but its significance is far reaching. It acts as the intersection of three vast regions and commemorates the meticulous work of our early surveyors. Nowadays a more substantial concrete marker has replaced the original ensuring its preservation and continued recognition.
Conclusion
The history of the Cameron Corner survey marker is a story of exploration, determination and precision. John Brewer Cameron’s work in the late 19th century continues to impact land management and mapping in Australia. Checking out Cameron Corner and the surrounding areas offers a unique opportunity to connect with this important piece of Australian history.
So whether you’re a history enthusiast or just an adventurous traveller looking to go and see something different Cameron Corner is a destination that offers both insight and inspiration. Standing at the Cameron Corner survey marker you can appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into defining Australia’s borders. Plan your trip, pack your essentials and set out on an adventure to Cameron Corner – a true crossroads of Australia where history, nature and the spirit of exploration meet.