Menindee

Outback history 

Menindee was founded in the 1850s and the first business to open its doors was the Menindee Hotel, now known as the Maidens Hotel. It’s the second oldest hotel in NSW and you can still call in for a meal or a drink. Burke and Wills stopped here in 1860 as they made their way north, searching for a route across the continent. 

Just outside of town, you’ll find the exact place where Burke and Wills camped beside Pamamaroo Creek. The site of the Old Kinchega Homestead tells the story of the region’s Aboriginal and European heritage. Once the heart of a vast sheep station, the ruins paint a captivating picture of life in the late 19th century. 

Step back in time at the historic Kinchega Woolshed, built in 1875 from corrugated iron and river red gum. This woolshed is a well-preserved piece of Australian pastoral heritage, with six million sheep sheared here during its 97-year history. See the machinery room and original steam engine that powered the hand shears. 

Kinchega Woolshed, Kinchega National Park

Natural wonders 

Follow in the footsteps of explorers Burke and Wills on a tour of Menindee Lakes with Broken Hill City Sights Tours. Visit Sunset Strip, find an oasis within the desert and explore the main weirs. Add an optional riverboat cruise (subject to operator availability) to sail down the Darling River, winding your way past ghostly river red gums and thousands of flocking waterbirds.

Kinchega National Park is also famous for its birdlife. Flocks of black swan, pelican, duck and egret live on the banks of the Menindee Lakes. There are many self-drive routes through the park and you can camp by the river. The Kinchega Homestead Billabong walking track takes in historic homestead ruins and ancient Aboriginal sites. 

Menindee Lakes, Kinchega National Park

Where to stay 

There are a number of accommodation options in Menindee. Camp by the river at Nelia Gaari Station, a 20,000-acre working sheep station where visitors can enjoy fishing, bird watching and a nine-hole bush golf course. Get a taste of the pastoral history of Kinchega National Park by staying overnight at Kinchega Shearer’s Quarters. Book in to a room at the historic Maiden’s Hotel. Or set up among nature at one of the campgrounds, such as Emu Lake, Cawndilla or Darling River. 

Sunset Strip, Menindee Lakes

Getting there  

Menindee is a one-hour drive from Broken Hill, 11.5-hour drive from Sydney, around nine hours from Canberra and Melbourne, and seven hours from Adelaide. Visitors can also fly into Broken Hill and hire a car. You may need a 4WD for unsealed roads and national parks.