Darling River Run
Must do
Highlights
On the road in Outback NSW
You might be surprised by how easy it is to travel in Outback NSW. Although remote places are easily accessible in a conventional vehicle, a 4WD gives you plenty of other opportunities to explore and discover. Use this easy-to-follow four-day itinerary.
Adventure journey on the Darling River Run
The Darling River Run is a 730 km drive that follows the Darling River from the outback town of Walgett in north-western NSW to Wentworth on the Victorian border. It's an amazing journey through isolated outback towns that were once thriving ports on the river - Bourke, Louth, Tilpa, Wilcannia and Wentworth.
Itinerary
Walgett to Brewarrina: Drive west out of Walgett and follow the Barwon River to Brewarrina where it joins with the Darling River Stop to see the ancient Aboriginal fish traps estimated to be over 40,000 years old.
Brewarrina to Bourke: Drive west to Mount Oxley to spot wedge-tail eagles soaring overhead, and then continue to legendary Bourke . Stop for lunch on the main street; then peruse the world-class Back O' Bourke Exhibition Centre, where a series of interactive installations and visual screen displays will immerse you in the Aussie Outback's rich cultural history. The old Carriers Arms Hotel - purportedly Henry Lawson's local - is a great place for dinner before spending the evening in a station stay or motel.
Bourke to Louth: Relax with a morning of sightseeing before getting back on the gravel road. Follow the river redgums to Louth: population 50, and head straight for the town's centrepiece, the pub, for lunch surrounded by photos of life on the Darling. Come to experience Louth's annual race meeting where the population swells to 5,000!
Louth to Tilpa: Drive the scenic Wilcannia-Bourke Road through the Central Darling to Tilpa. Pay your respects at the Boer War memorial then check into the 100-year-old Tilpa Pub. This classic Outback pub is constructed from corrugated iron and timber, with walls covered in travellers' messages. Chat to the friendly locals as you tuck into steak sandwiches and a cold beer before retiring after a long day of driving.
Tilpa to Wilcannia: Drive through open plains to Wilcannia, once one of Australia's busiest inland ports. You'll find the Wilcannia of today a much quieter place, but its historic architecture is well worth a look.
Wilcannia to Broken Hill: Detour from the Darling River Run to visit Broken Hill, the jewel of Western New South Wales. Most famous for its mining, the town offers stunning arid landscapes, heritage buildings and a thriving arts scene including the Pro Hart Gallery. Stop for lunch and be sure to visit Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, the oldest in the state. You can even travel a little further to see the nearby Sculpture Symposium and visit Silverton with the car made famous in the 'Mad Max' films.
Broken Hill to Menindee: Drive 110km to the red sandhills of the Menindee region, the Darling River's first European settlement. Visiting the Menindee Lakes is a must. The region hosted some of Australia's most eminent explorers, and with an abundance of wildflowers and orchards, is something of a desert oasis. Photograph the lakes at sunset, fish for perch at dinner, and spend the night explorer-style at Pamamaroo Creek's Burke and Wills campsite.
Menindee to Mungo National Park: Drive past the tiny township Pooncarie. Then, whatever you do, don't miss out on a side trip into Mungo National Park - part of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area and about 75km south-east. The park offers fascinating features such as ancient dry lake, Lake Mungo. This is the site of discovery of significant archaeological remains, including the 60,000-year-old Mungo Man; and has crescent-shaped dunes called the Walls of China which stretch along the eastern side of the lakebed and look magnificent at sunset.
Mungo National Park to Wentworth: Head southeast to Wentworth, where you'll find a variety of things to see and do - from outback adventure tours to wine tastings and water skiing. An important colonial-era river port, Wentworth also has much to interest history buffs, so stay awhile in this fascinating town where the mighty Darling River meets up with the Murray.
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Sign for Louth Races, Silverton
Creatively recycled car, now a sign for Louth Races, near Silverton Outback NSW. Image Mike Newling -
Tilpa Pub, Outback NSW
The local Tilpa pub, Outback NSW. Image Mike Newling -
Dogs hitch a ride on a car, Outback NSW
Getting around in the Outback with the dogs - near White Cliffs, Outback NSW. Image Dorothea Schmid -
River Boat, Darling River
Ferry on the Darling River at Wentworth, Outback NSW
Darling River Run - don't miss things to do
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Outback 5 day Adventure Bike Tour Bourke, Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Outback NSW
An outback adventure not to be missed! From Sawtell to Bourke, then Tibooburra, Cameron Corner, back to Tibooburra and Bourke. Coffs Harbour Detour G...
www.coffsharbourdetour.co- Additional Information
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Mungo National Park and Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area
Wentworth Area, Outback NSW, Wentworth
Mungo National Park is recognised for its outstanding international value as part of the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area and well-known for...
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov- Additional Information
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Silverton Heritage Walking Trail
Broken Hill Area, Outback NSW, Silverton
Take a scenic walk on Silverton's Heritage Walking Trail, it takes around two hours walking time taking in all of Silverton's sights and his...
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Outback Ultimate Broken Hill, Silverton, Tibooburra, Outback NSW
Day 1 (Sunday) - Silverton Ghost Town and Sunset Scuylpture Symposium.Day 2 (Monday) - Wetlands Cruise, Menindee and Kinchega National Park.Day 3 (Tue...
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13 Day NSW Heritage and Culture Tour
Bourke, Dubbo, Katoomba, Lightning Ridge, Pokolbin, Outback NSW
Tyranny and hideous massacres, convicts and bushrangers, pioneers and explorers, the gold rush immigrants of Italy and China, and most importantly of ...
www.wildernesstoursaustra- Additional Information
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Penrose Park
Broken Hill Area, Outback NSW, Silverton
Penrose Park was opened in 1937 as a recreational reserve for miners and their families. It is named after John Penrose - who was Silverton's mayor fo...
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Bells Milk Bar and Museum
Broken Hill Area, Outback NSW, Broken Hill
For generations people have been coming from far and wide to taste the famous sodas, spiders and milkshakes from this magical and special shop. You c...
www.bellsmilkbar.com.au- Additional Information
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Varapodio Estate
Wentworth Area, Outback NSW, Wentworth
Varapodio Estate is a family owned and operated olive grove, just over the Murray River in Buronga. The estate processes its own olive oil and sells i...
www.varapodioestate.com.a- Additional Information
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Broken Earth Cafe Restaurant
Broken Hill Area, Outback NSW, Broken Hill
Enjoy spectacular views and stunning sunsets whilst having dinner in their fine dining Al a Carte restaurant, Broken Earth Cafe Restaurant. If you can...
www.brokenearthrestaurant- Additional Information
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City Sights and Heritage Tour Broken Hill, Outback NSW
Tour runs on Tue, Wed, Thurs and SatThis tour covers 50 kilometres of this unique city. Your tour guide will tell you of the impact the enormous wealt...
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- Half Day or less.
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