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Follow the course of the Darling, Australia’s third longest river and a vital part of the nation’s ecosystem. Discover the incredible history of the Darling, from the Barkindji people living on the river for tens of thousands of years to its use as a commercial and passenger transportation route in the late 19th century and beyond.
Begin this route by heading to Menindee, the oldest European settlement in western New South Wales and a famous spot on the Burke & Wills trail. Be sure to leave enough time to visit the Kinchega National Park, home to the historic Kinchega Woolshed, a wonderfully preserved piece of Australian agricultural history constructed in 1875.
From Kinchega, head down to Pooncarie and Mungo National Park, part of the World Heritage listed Willandra Lakes Region. These ancient dry lakes have hosted human life for over 45,000 years and has retained this cultural heritage, remaining an important meeting place for Muthi Muthi, Nyiampaar and Barkindji people to this day.
Continue following the Darling to its confluence with the Murray at Wentworth, an important river port in the late 1800’s home to a fleet of paddle steamers. PS Ruby, a paddle steamer built in 1907 is fully restored and on display at Wentworth Wharf.
Head east to Balranald and Yanga National Park on the banks of the Murrumbidgee. Yanga is a must-visit for birdwatchers, as various migratory birds use the park’s wetlands as breeding grounds. Finish your route through Hay, the site of the notorious WWII internment camps that held the “Dunera Boys” and then Ivanhoe, a historic town that truly captures the optimism and resilience of early European settlers.