Address & Contact
Birdsville Track
Innamincka SA 5731
Phone: N/A
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This memorial commemorates the Page Family who perished on the
Birdsville track in 1963. A memorial headstone was erected at the
gravesite by family members in 2010.
On 21 December 1963 the Page family set out from
Marree in a heat wave to drive to
Birdsville, but apparently lost the track. On 28 December their abandoned car was found, with a note that said they had run out of petrol and were walking south. On New Years Day 1964 a light aircraft pilot spotted the family lying dead under a small tree by the dry Coocherapoonie
waterhole. The five family members were buried together by the coolibah tree.
The Page family made several fundamental mistakes; setting out in a heavily loaded car on uncertain roads in hot weather, not carrying enough fuel or water, and not telling anyone where they were going or when to expect them. Finally, they left their car and set off to walk in conditions that meant certain death.
Police believe the Page family of five died of thirst on Boxing Day 1963, surviving only 48 hours after they walked away from their Ford V8 and trailer on Christmas Eve near Deadmans Sandhill.
More details may be found here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gunVvLvp5PE