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The Darling River Run - Bourke to Wilcannia
Thought I would share a recent trip along the Darling River in western NSW. Great weather, lots to see
and do and friendly locals.
Day 1
After much packing we left Orange heading for Bourke at 9am on Saturday 19 April. Along for the trip
were my wife, Bev, daughter Hannah and son Russell. Tagging along were two friends from the
Blue Mountains in a RAV 4 (both named Rob). We had lunch at Nyngan then onto Bourke where we
stopped for two nights at Kidman’s Camp about 7km north of the town on the Darling River. Set up camp
in the rain then had an enjoyable meal at the Port of Bourke Hotel.
Day 2
The day was started with a walk to the river then we headed into Bourke to look around before driving
to Mt Oxley about 50km to the south west. Spectacular views over the plains with wedge tailed eagles
soaring above.
Early in the afternoon we had a ride on a paddle boat called the ‘Jandra’ which was a great way to see
the river from a different perspective and get a commentary about the history of the river trade.
Once off the Jandra it was back into Bourke where we looked over the wharf before admiring the
sunset on the old Bourke bridge on the way back to Kidman’s Camp. There is lots of birdlife around
the camp along with kangaroos and many grey nomads with all sorts of caravans.
Day 3
Packed up then headed into Bourke to stock up on supplies, have a look at the main street and send
some postcards.
We then travelled to Louth on the eastern side of the river – lots of dust, a few road trains, some
corrugations and soft bull dust patches – but a nice drive overall and great to be off the bitumen.
The birdlife was once again spectacular with the highlight being up close views of flying wedge tailed eagles.
Had a great lunch at Shindy’s Inn and talked with some of the other travellers. Looked at the
Darling before crossing the bridge and heading off again on the western side of the river.
Another 45km of good dirt road with little traffic saw us arriving at Idalia Station where we
were greeted by the owners, Jane and Tim Murray. We were really glad to be camping after seeing
the shearer’s hut accommodation being used by the two Robs – pretty rough. A warm campfire
completed the day as we admired the stars and enjoyed the solitude.
Day 4
Nice slow start to the day which pleased the kids before heading off with Jane Murray to see some
of the property. Russell was most impressed as he got to drive and clock up some of the learner
driver hours he needs. The changes in the countryside were quite marked as we headed across
floodplains, sand hills, saltpans and rocky outcrops.
Saw two graves along the way and heard the stories of the people buried there. The kids liked the
wildlife – kangaroos, emus, eagles, hawks, cockatoos, small finches and a lizard. There was much
excitement too when we disturbed a large wild pig resting in some woody weeds right next to the
track. Soon after a dust cloud marked the departure of a mob of sheep from a water trough as we approached.
The afternoon saw us explore the riverbank, then onto the shearing shed where we checked out
the machinery and played table tennis which was quite novel. Both Hannah and Russell
enjoyed the horses and dogs but couldn’t get over the plane parked in front of the house.
We ended the afternoon being shown the distance education setup that Dermot (in year 5)
uses for school. A BBQ for dinner then another night around the campfire saw us ready for bed
after a busy day.
Day 5
Pack up time again. We bid farewell to Jane Murray then headed south to Tilpa where we
stopped at the pub. Had a cup of coffee there and a yarn to the locals while the kids wrote
their names on the inside walls. There was not much space left but they found a couple of
spots and enjoyed leaving their mark.
After a good break we then headed south again for 130km on the western side of the river to
Wilcannia. Not another vehicle seen, just the usual dust in the rear vision mirror and Rob’s
chatter on the UHF.
We stopped to refuel the RAV4 and put some air in the tyres but didn’t stay long, just a drive
around the town then on our way again towards Cobar. No problems in Wilcannia but its sad
that the town has such a poor reputation. 260km then onto Cobar only broken by a late lunch
stop at one of the roadside picnic areas. Lots of goats on the sides of the road but they know how
to avoid the traffic. We arrived in Cobar late afternoon after another interesting day.
Day 6
Headed out of Cobar at 9.30 stopping at the Fort Bourke Hill Lookout to view the town and one
of its mines. The lookout had great views of one very big hole and lots of interesting graffiti that
the kids were interested in.
From Cobar we headed down the Kidman Way, then turned east and had a drink stop at Nymagee
before heading to Condobolin for lunch. Lots of dirt on this section with the highlight being a goanna
feeding on some roadkill.
From Condobolin it was back to Parkes and onto Orange arriving late afternoon after six days
and 1750 km. The autumn colours really stood out after the western plains country.
See the trip route at:
http://tinyurl.com.au/x.php?pg8
Thought I would share a recent trip along the Darling River in western NSW. Great weather, lots to see
and do and friendly locals.
Day 1
After much packing we left Orange heading for Bourke at 9am on Saturday 19 April. Along for the trip
were my wife, Bev, daughter Hannah and son Russell. Tagging along were two friends from the
Blue Mountains in a RAV 4 (both named Rob). We had lunch at Nyngan then onto Bourke where we
stopped for two nights at Kidman’s Camp about 7km north of the town on the Darling River. Set up camp
in the rain then had an enjoyable meal at the Port of Bourke Hotel.
Day 2
The day was started with a walk to the river then we headed into Bourke to look around before driving
to Mt Oxley about 50km to the south west. Spectacular views over the plains with wedge tailed eagles
soaring above.
Early in the afternoon we had a ride on a paddle boat called the ‘Jandra’ which was a great way to see
the river from a different perspective and get a commentary about the history of the river trade.
Once off the Jandra it was back into Bourke where we looked over the wharf before admiring the
sunset on the old Bourke bridge on the way back to Kidman’s Camp. There is lots of birdlife around
the camp along with kangaroos and many grey nomads with all sorts of caravans.
Day 3
Packed up then headed into Bourke to stock up on supplies, have a look at the main street and send
some postcards.
We then travelled to Louth on the eastern side of the river – lots of dust, a few road trains, some
corrugations and soft bull dust patches – but a nice drive overall and great to be off the bitumen.
The birdlife was once again spectacular with the highlight being up close views of flying wedge tailed eagles.
Had a great lunch at Shindy’s Inn and talked with some of the other travellers. Looked at the
Darling before crossing the bridge and heading off again on the western side of the river.
Another 45km of good dirt road with little traffic saw us arriving at Idalia Station where we
were greeted by the owners, Jane and Tim Murray. We were really glad to be camping after seeing
the shearer’s hut accommodation being used by the two Robs – pretty rough. A warm campfire
completed the day as we admired the stars and enjoyed the solitude.
Day 4
Nice slow start to the day which pleased the kids before heading off with Jane Murray to see some
of the property. Russell was most impressed as he got to drive and clock up some of the learner
driver hours he needs. The changes in the countryside were quite marked as we headed across
floodplains, sand hills, saltpans and rocky outcrops.
Saw two graves along the way and heard the stories of the people buried there. The kids liked the
wildlife – kangaroos, emus, eagles, hawks, cockatoos, small finches and a lizard. There was much
excitement too when we disturbed a large wild pig resting in some woody weeds right next to the
track. Soon after a dust cloud marked the departure of a mob of sheep from a water trough as we approached.
The afternoon saw us explore the riverbank, then onto the shearing shed where we checked out
the machinery and played table tennis which was quite novel. Both Hannah and Russell
enjoyed the horses and dogs but couldn’t get over the plane parked in front of the house.
We ended the afternoon being shown the distance education setup that Dermot (in year 5)
uses for school. A BBQ for dinner then another night around the campfire saw us ready for bed
after a busy day.
Day 5
Pack up time again. We bid farewell to Jane Murray then headed south to Tilpa where we
stopped at the pub. Had a cup of coffee there and a yarn to the locals while the kids wrote
their names on the inside walls. There was not much space left but they found a couple of
spots and enjoyed leaving their mark.
After a good break we then headed south again for 130km on the western side of the river to
Wilcannia. Not another vehicle seen, just the usual dust in the rear vision mirror and Rob’s
chatter on the UHF.
We stopped to refuel the RAV4 and put some air in the tyres but didn’t stay long, just a drive
around the town then on our way again towards Cobar. No problems in Wilcannia but its sad
that the town has such a poor reputation. 260km then onto Cobar only broken by a late lunch
stop at one of the roadside picnic areas. Lots of goats on the sides of the road but they know how
to avoid the traffic. We arrived in Cobar late afternoon after another interesting day.
Day 6
Headed out of Cobar at 9.30 stopping at the Fort Bourke Hill Lookout to view the town and one
of its mines. The lookout had great views of one very big hole and lots of interesting graffiti that
the kids were interested in.
From Cobar we headed down the Kidman Way, then turned east and had a drink stop at Nymagee
before heading to Condobolin for lunch. Lots of dirt on this section with the highlight being a goanna
feeding on some roadkill.
From Condobolin it was back to Parkes and onto Orange arriving late afternoon after six days
and 1750 km. The autumn colours really stood out after the western plains country.
See the trip route at:
http://tinyurl.com.au/x.php?pg8
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