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Drive the epic Darling River Run in NSW
Words Hema Maps Editorial Pics Robert Crack and Supplied
The Darling River Run spans 952km through the outback, all the way from Walgett in Outback New South Wales to Wentworth, the Victorian border and the river’s confluence with the Murray River. It’s up to you if you want to tackle the whole track (a week min.) or just parts of it. Keep reading to get our tips on completing this awesome drive.
Driving through the Gundabooka area, Darling River Run (Credit: Robert Crack)
One of the longest river systems in Australia, the Darling River (the Indigenous name for the Darling River is the Baaka) calls to adventurers with its winding course that links outback towns through idyllic landscapes and easy 4WD tracks. This is an epic drive that takes at least a week, so ensure you and your rig are up the to task before setting off on your road trip/outback adventure.
Essential information
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Grading: |
Well-driven easy dirt roads with splattered blind spots |
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Time: |
Seven days minimum |
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Distance: |
952km, Walgett to Wentworth (longer using alternate routes) |
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Longest drive without fuel: |
238km, Menindee to Wentworth (longer via alternative route through Kinchega National Park) |
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Best time of year: |
March–October |
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Warnings: |
Road conditions change rapidly after rain; for the latest information check the Central Darling Shire Council's Road Report on 08 8091 5155 or centraldarling.nsw.gov.au. Wandering stock are a hazard in unfenced pastoral areas. Open fires are not permitted in the park, and there’s a total fire ban from 1 October to 31 March. |
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Facilities: |
Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Louth, Tilpa, Wilcannia, Menindee, Wentworth |
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Important contacts: |
NPWS Broken Hill — 08 8088 3200 |
Permits and fees: |
National Park entry and camping fees apply for Kinchega National Park |
Camping on the Darling River in Kinchega National Park, Menindee Lakes (Credit: Robert Crack)
Camping
Camping along the Darling River Run is prolific and available at the following locations:
- Mitchell Caravan Park
- Kidman's Camp, North Bourke
- Trilby Station, Louth
- Idalia Station, Louth
- Kallara Station, Tilpa
- Tilpa Weir Camping Area
- Victory Park Caravan Park, Wilcannia
- Menindee Lakes Caravan Park
- Menindee Bridge Caravan Park
- Copi Hollow Caravan Park
- Darling River Camping Ground, Kinchega National Park
What to expect
Little Corellas, Kallara Station, Daring River Run (Credit: Robert Crack)
The Darling River Run spans a length of 950km through the outback, all the way from Walgett in Outback New South Wales to Wentworth on the NSW/Victoria border and the river’s confluence with the Murray River. The journey takes travellers through some relatively isolated terrain, which means they need to be fully prepared for the trip.
The journey also delivers glimpses of each of the river ports which were established along the way: Bourke, Louth, Tilpa, Wilcannia and Wentworth. Those looking to traverse the Darling River Run can choose to do it in parts or undertake the entire journey. Whichever option you choose, it’s a great place to flex your four-wheel driving skills.
The drive
The relatively easy drive from Bourke, down the Darling to Wentworth, is a trip through Australian pastoral history. Side trips to White Cliffs, Kinchega and Mungo National Parks make the trip even more rewarding, and a week is the minimum time for an appropriate Darling River experience.
The drive down the mighty Darling River used to be a difficult one but today the dirt roads and gravel surfaces are well maintained for the most part. The roads are closed quickly in wet weather and that prevents tyre rut damage to the track. In dry weather you can easily complete this run in a softroader, provided you keep your speed to less than 80km/h to minimise tyre stress. There’s a low-level river crossing at Louth — if you want to try driving on the western bank for a change, but the road passes closer to the river more often on the eastern side.
There’s an old riverside pub, the Tilpa Hotel (formerly the Royal), at Tilpa, just a short walk from the weir and a high-level water crossing.
The Darling River Road continues southwest to Menindee from a right turn south of Wilcannia. This section of the road is rougher than the northern sections. Pooncarie is the next stop, on the Menindee–Wentworth Road, with a friendly pub, a general store and a beautiful riverside camping area. A detour to Mungo National Park is an alternative to staying on the Darling River Road.
Mungo National Park
Mungo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that houses the Mungo Lady and Mungo Man. The Mungo Lady and Mungo Man burials are believed to be the oldest human remains ever found in Australia, the first evidence of cremation in the world (Mungo Lady) and the first evidence of ritual burial in the world (Mungo Man), dating back 42,000 years. The park also features other sites, including the Walls of China (pictured below), which are essentially fossilised sand dunes frozen in time.
An aerial view of the Walls of China in Mungo National Park (Credit: Destination NSW)
Visitors have the option of camping in Mungo National Park and can choose from 33 campsites. Tents, trailers, caravans and beside-vehicle camping are all available options, but remember that fees apply. A range of facilities are available at these campgrounds, including hot showers, toilets and phones.
The Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre
The Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre has been designed to educate visitors on the cultural history of the outback through interactive installations. The interactive stories being told at the exhibition centre includes the tales of the CEW Bean, Inland Sea, Riverboats and the Wool Story, among a variety of others.
The red sandhills of Menindee
Four-wheel drivers will likely find themselves drawn to the red sandhills of the Menindee area, which happens to be the first European settlement on the Darling River. Here, visitors can choose to spend time relaxing by the Menindee Lake, taking in some of the most alluring fauna in the area. Fishing is allowed, and visitors can spend the night at Lake Pamamaroo’s Burke & Wills Campsite for a unique experience.
Trilby Station
Trilby Station is a must-see for anyone doing the Darling River Run. The Murrays have lived at Trilby since 1981, and the sheep station spans 320,000 acres of the banks of the Darling River, offering quality accommodation for anyone looking for a rest before venturing back into the outback.
The view of the Milky Way from Trilby Station on the Darling River Run is hard to beat (Credit: Ellen Dewar)
The Darling River Run calls to just about all 4WD enthusiasts — whether you are experienced or simply looking for a real adventure in the outback. This trip will show visitors what makes the outback such a popular destination for offroaders and those looking for a taste of the cultural and historical aspects of New South Wales and Australia as a whole.
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