Be sure to pack your camera on this one! Surreal landscapes and an abundance of history awaits on this 4-day journey along the Darling River.
Start the day off nice and early, preferably with an energy-boosting breakfast and coffee at Silly Goat Café if you are staying in town.
Head southeast towards the first stop, Menindee, the oldest European settlement in western New South Wales. There is plenty of exploring to do around the area, in particular, the Menindee Lakes (if you are a keen photographer, be sure to check out Lake Pamamaroo at sunset).
However, the real star of the show is the nearby Kinchega National Park. An area known for a multitude of birdlife especially when the lakes are full, as well as a rich pastoral history. There are plenty of self-guided tours around the park and lakes, but be sure not to miss the Kinchega Woolshed as you go.
There are plenty of campsites in and around Kinchega National Park equipped with basic amenities. Alternatively, you can take a step back in time and experience the pastoral history of Kinchega National Park firsthand by spending the night at Kinchega Shearers Quarters.
A little more of a drive awaits on day 2, but rest assured it’s worth it. Continue following the Darling River south for 1.5 hours towards Pooncarie.
An hour away from Pooncarie is the Mungo National Park, a truly otherworldly landscape that is not to be missed. Before we continue on, be sure to drop into the Old Wharf Café, a quaint spot by the river’s edge that serves up homemade delights.
It is highly recommended that you plan to arrive at the Mungo Lodge well before sunset. The Lodge runs guided sunset tours of the park with experienced locals to guide you to the best lookouts and help you unearth the history of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady.
The Mungo Lodge has several accommodation options and a restaurant serving hearty country meals open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Mungo can be done as a day trip, however staying overnight gives you the chance to see the sunset and sunrise – there’s just something about that red glow! Make sure you book in advance as there is limited accommodation.
The option is yours this morning, take another guided tour from Mungo Lodge, or take a self-guided drive tour around the park – a hot tip is to catch the sunrise at Red Top lookout which is about 15km from the Lodge.
Once you’ve filled the camera with breathtaking sunrise photos, it’s time to continue your journey down the Darling to its confluence with the Murray in Wentworth. This is the southernmost point of the route until heading back up north toward Broken Hill.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Wentworth from caravan parks to motels and resorts. The Darling Junction Motor Inn is a solid option that is only a short walking distance into town.
Before making the 3-hour trip back to Broken Hill, it’s definitely worth checking out the Old Wentworth Gaol. Take one of their self-guided tours around the first Australian-designed gaol. On the way out of Wentworth, there is one last photo opportunity at the Perry Sandhills – a location so stunning it has even been featured in multiple movies and TV shows.
