The Darling River Run

The Darling River Run from Walgett to Wentworth is a spectacular journey stretching nearly 950 kilometres following alongside the mighty Darling.

This memorable road trip is rich in history of pioneering days, showcases impressive scenery and highlights indigenous history and culture. Meandering alongside the Darling River be sure to keep your eyes peeled for an abundance of flora and fauna endemic to the region along the Darling River Run

Overview

A journey of discovery along one of Australia’s most iconic rivers. Steeped in indigenous culture and pastoral history, an adventure along the Darling can include staying at any of the Outback Beds members along the river, and in the surrounding area when venturing away from the river to explore the wonderful Outback NSW.

Like many parts of outback Australia, the Darling basin is rich with Indigenous history, spirituality and living culture, as well as being an integral part of early European history and exploitative efforts of iconic Australians like Burke & Wills, Sturt, and Major Mitchell.

The Darling River, Australia’s longest, is 2,740km through outback NSW. Part of the Murray-Darling basin, the river is fed primarily from the summer rains of southern Queensland that makes its journey south-west across the state to Wentworth where it joins the mighty Murray River, the two rivers flow as one on to Lake Alexandrina and into the Great Australian Bight.

The touring route, one of the best Outback NSW attractions and travel experiences, can be undertaken in whole or in part… that is the beauty of this adventure. Many people cover particular sections of the Run enroute to or from other parts of Outback NSW and beyond or take one of the many side-trips and then rejoin the route to continue along the course of the river.

The river starts near Walgett, but the route should also include Lightning Ridge as well as other towns off the actual river as it is the best way to experience the best of Outback NSW towns and National Parks. The touring route follows the course of the Barwon River past Brewarrina onto its junction with the Bogan and together they flow, as the Darling River, to Bourke, Louth, Tilpa, Wilcannia, Menindee, Pooncarie and then on to the confluence with the mighty Murray River at Wentworth.

Lightning Ridge – Louth (Upper Darling Section)

The upper Darling section of the Run encompasses the tributaries that flow from Queensland’s Darling Downs as well as those flowing north-west like the Macquarie, Namoi, and Barwon rivers.

Iconic towns like Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke and Louth offer plenty for the visitor (not to mention Lightning Ridge to the north). The towns and regions of the upper Darling are steeped in indigenous history and living culture as well as European pastoral history.

While Lightning Ridge is not actually on the river, it should always be considered when travelling the Upper Darling… it really is one of those ‘must-see’ destinations and no stay at the ‘Ridge’ would be complete without a stay at Carinya Station, our member in Lightning Ridge.

Walgett < > Brewarrina

The first downstream sector of the Run follows the Kamilaroi Highway along the Barwon River before crossing the river just before Brewarrina. The upper Darling is a wonderful region to tour for some unique experiences.

East Route: Kamilario Highway (Sealed) 133km

Brewarrina < > Bourke

The Brewarrina to Bourke section of the touring route is an easy drive along the Kamilaroi Highway but without much access to the river. There is an alternate route via the Culgoa River which follows the river’s path down to where it meets the Darling River. With so much on offer in Bourke, allow at least 2 nights, and there is the option of staying out at Mt Oxley, about 40km east of town at Mount Oxley Rossmore Station or in Bourke itself.

East Route: Kamilaroi Highway (Sealed) 97km

West Route: Kamilaroi Highway, Collerina Road, Weilmoringle Road, Mitchell Highway (Some Unsealed) 125km

Bourke < > Louth

Travelling along the Darling from Bourke to Louth is normally via the Bourke-Wilcannia Road on the east of the river past Gundabooka National Park. An alternative route is possible on the west side of the river which passes through some wonderful red soil country, crossing the Warrego River. Trilby Station, considered by many as one of the best in the area, is our Member near Louth (on the western side of the river).

East Route: Bourke-Wilcannia Road (Unsealed) 99km

West Route: Wanaaring/Tibooburra Road, Bourke-Hawker Gate Road, Louth Road (Unsealed) 125km

Louth to Menindee (Central Darling Section)

The Louth to Menindee Lake section is a real outback adventure through the heart of Outback NSW. Wonderful farm-stays along magnificent stretches of the Darling River with outback small iconic towns like Louth & Tilpa and boom towns of yesteryear like Wilcannia.

The lifeblood of the outback is water and the magnificent Menindee Lakes, into which the Darling River flows, is a mecca for outback visitors wishing to camp on the shores of these expansive lakes. Add to that, Kinchega National Park, with its great riverside camping and wonderful interpretive indigenous and European historical displays, is one place all outback travellers should visit.

Louth < > Tilpa

The Louth to Tilpa section of along the Darling is one of the best with two great options; the east route provides some great access to the river along the way, while the western route passes some great historic properties like our member Kallara Station.

East Route: Bourke-Wilcannia Road (Unsealed) 92km

West Route: MR68A from Louth (Unsealed) 89 km

Tilpa < > Wilcannia

With the choice of an eastern and western route, the Tilpa-Wilcannia section of the Run passes though some wonderful country of the Central Darling. The eastern route passes though the Paroo-Darling National Park (and the wonderful Wilga camping site) while the western route tracks through the Paroo-Darling conservation area.

East Route: MR68A from Tilpa (Unsealed) 145km

West Route: Bourke-Wilcannia Road (Unsealed) <> Barrier Highway  129km

Wilcannia < > Menindee

The Wilcannia-Menindee section of the Run has a western and eastern route. The western route travels to the north west of Lake Pamamaroo , approximately 1 hour to north of Menindee is our Outback Beds member Nelia Gaari Station. The eastern route passes to the south of Lake Tandure and crosses the Darling into Menindee at the southern end of the township.

East Route: Wilcannia MR68B <> Menindee Rd (Unsealed) 154km

West Route: SR10 <> Menindee Road (Unsealed) 151 km

Menindee to Wentworth (Lower Darling Section)

Starting the run or finishing the run, the Lower Darling section of the touring route between Menindee Lakes and Wentworth covers some of the best outback attractions and experiences of Outback NSW.

Lake Mungo (Mungo National Park) is a ‘must-see’ destination with its much-photographed ‘Walls of China’, dunes, and Lunette landscapes. But it is more than just outback beauty, there is a very unique story to be told about the richness of indigenous culture.

The other major unique feature of the Lower Darling is the confluence of the Murray River and Darling River, and standing at the point they meet and continue their journey as one to the Southern Ocean via Lake Alexandrina.

Menindee < > Pooncarie

The Menindee to Pooncarie section of the Run can be undertaken via western side of the Darling River, locally known as the ‘scenic route’ (through Kinchega NP) and via our Outback beds member, Bindara Station, a must do stopover situated approximately half way between Menindee and Pooncarie townships, Or the eastern side which is the more direct route, known locally as the ‘business road’, between the two towns.

East Route: Menindee-Pooncarie Road ( Unsealed) 125km

West Route:  (Unsealed) 184km * (includes 45km travel through Kinchega National Park to Tandou Road )

• Tandou Road < > Old Pooncarie Road 17kms
• Old Pooncarie Road Tandou- Bindara 30kms (Shows on GPS as Tandou-Bindara Road)
• Old Pooncarie Road Bindara- Polia (shows on GPS as Bindara-Coona Point Road)
• Polia Road < > High Darling Road < > Wentworth-Pooncarie Road

Pooncarie <> Wentworth

This section of the run can be undertaken via the east of the Darling River (which will enable you to visit Lake Mungo and the Mungo National Park) or the western side which affords more access to the river. When visiting Pooncarie make sure to stay at Outback Beds member Garraways Cottage. And if you’re looking for something a little different or a bit of luxury visit Outback Almonds, a working almond farm on the banks of the Darling River at Wentworth offering glamping and cottage accommodation and dining experiences.

East Route: Wentworth – Pooncarie Rd (Sealed) 120km

West Route: High Darling Road (Unsealed) <>Low Darling Road (Unsealed) <> Silver City Highway 127km

Darling River Run Touring Map