Darling River Run
Must do
Drive from Walgett to Wentworth in Outback NSW along the Darling River Run and experience the diverse beauty and history this region is famous for.
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.
Gallery
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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
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Tilpa Pub, Outback NSW
The local Tilpa pub, Outback NSW. Image Mike Newling
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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
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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 Wanderer Broken Hill, Menindee, Silverton, White Cliffs, Outback NSW
ex SydneyArrive in Broken Hill on Outback Explorer. You will be met by Host from Silver City Tours and escorted to accommodation. Day 2 (Tuesday) - Ci...
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- Extended.
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Oasis Desert Lavender
Broken Hill Area, Outback NSW, Broken Hill
Capture the essence of relaxation in the Outback! Lavender is an aromatic essence which is available for you to capture at Oasis Desert Lavender Farm ...
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Wentworth Sporting Complex
Wentworth Area, Outback NSW, Wentworth
Tennis, Golf, BowlsThe sporting complex on 10.4 hectare incorporates an 18 hole championship golf course with magnificent greens, 14 tennis courts, si...
www.wentworthclub.com.au- Additional Information
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Music Under the Stars at Perry Sandhills
Wentworth Area, Outback NSW, Wentworth
*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***Held annually as part of the Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival, Music Under the Stars is held at the...
www.artsmildura.com.au- Additional Information
- Sunday 10 March 2013
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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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Adelora Houseboats
Wentworth Area, Outback NSW, Wentworth
Only in Wentworth at the confluence of Australia's two greatest rivers, the mighty Murray and the Darling, can you have the best of both rivers.A...
www.adelora.com.au- Additional Information
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Two Hour Cruises
Menindee, Outback NSW
A commentary is given on each trip, which includes information about:- the Barkindji people who once lived alongside the Darling River; birdlife, anim...
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- Half Day or less.
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Four Day Flinders Ranges
Broken Hill, Outback NSW
Experience life on one of the most historic sheep stations in the Flinders whilst being captivated by the inspiring scenery of the beautiful and rugge...
www.tristate.com.au- Additional Information
- Extended.
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Stephens Creek Reservoir
Broken Hill Area, Outback NSW, Broken Hill
Stephens Creek Reservoir - Stephens Creek Weir is located 17 kilometres from Broken Hill on the Barrier Highway. In the past, water shortages were al...
www.visitbrokenhill.com.a- Additional Information
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Royal Flying Doctor Service
Broken Hill, Outback NSW
Tour runs on ThursdayVisit the famous Royal Flying Doctor Service. Learn how these dedicated people provide medical service to outback areas. This har...
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- Half Day or less.
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