Fast facts
- Former Darling River port, now a sleepy village
- Semi-arid outback landscape with eucalypt woodlands
- 1170 km west of Sydney, population 48
Why go there
One hundred years ago, Pooncarie thrived as a port serving the stations further upstream, such as Wilcannia. Today, little remains from this time but there’s an unhurried ambience and the friendly locals are happy to spend some time with curious strangers.
History
The area was opened up for grazing land in the 1840s and a town established as a service centre and river port. This town was gazetted as Pooncaira in 1863.
Things to do
- Picnic under the river gums.
- Imagine how this sleepy township was during the bustling river trade.
- Browse The Pooncarie Outback and Beyond Craft Gallery and Museum, located in the former Pooncarie Police Station.
Events
- The Pooncarie Cup bush race meeting in October is the highlight of the social calendar.
Don’t miss
- Fishing for Murray Cod along the Darling riverbanks.
- The ancient wonders of the expansive outback.
- A round of golf on the nine-hole bush course.
- Mungo National Park, 88 km outside town.
- Cold drinks at the 1876-era Telegraph Hotel.
