The Darling River Run

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to do the Darling River Run?

The Darling River Run tour can be undertaken any time of the year with Autumn and Spring the pick; summer can be sweltering, and winter can be freezing (relative term). It can be done at any time of the year if prepared.

Do I need a 4WD to travel the Darling River Run?

Absolutely not!  While it is touted by some as a 4WD adventure, it is easily done in an AWD SUV and even a traditional passenger vehicle with care. The route is also RV friendly with many of the accommodation options along the way perfectly suited to BYO accommodation including conventional camping as well.

Which side of the Darling River is best?

Either side of the river will make a great experience when driving the Darling River Run. Some sections are better than others, but no section is bad of boring. My preferred side of the river is denoted by an * below. For a full description, check out my Darling River Run Best Route page.

Is the Darling River Flowing?

For the latest river information, please check our Darling River Water Levels page.

What are the roads like?

The roads along the Darling River Run are mostly unsealed, but well maintained. For more information, please see our Darling River Run Road Contditions page.

What are the accommodation options along the Darling River?

The are many great places to stay along the Darling River and throughout the Outback NSW touring routes… from 5-Star B&B’s and assorted Farmstays, but for those who like to camp under the stars, please refer to our guide for our favourite places to camp.

Walgett to Brewarrina

Section 1: Walgett to Brewarrina

NOTE: Even though the Lightning Ridge is not actually on the Darling River, it should be included when visiting the upper Darling as it is a real ‘must-see’ destination.

The first downstream sector of the Darling River Run follows the Kamilaroi Highway along the Barwon River before crossing the river just before Brewarrina.

Lightning Ridge is a truly must-see destination, and something every traveller should do. (or again if you have done it before. If travelling from the Ridge, the run to Brewarrina can be done via Walgett along Bill O'Brien Way and then the Kamilaroi Highway. This route will cross the Barwon River just to the north of Walgett.

A great alternative though is to go via the Grawin opal fields for a unique experience of the original opal fields (before the Ridge). This option can include a lunch break at the Club in the Scrub, Sheep Yard Flat, or the Glengarry Hilton.

Brewarrina to Bourke

Section 2: Brewarrina to Bourke

The Brewarrina to Bourke section of The Darling River Run is an easy drive along the Kamilaroi Highway with not much access to the river. There is an alternate route that heads back out along the Kamilaroi Highway then north-west along Twin Rivers Road to West Culgoa Road to the north of the Darling River.

West Culgoa Road follows the Culgoa River's path southwest to the Mitchell Highway, and then it is a short 5 km to Kidmans Camp (or about 15 km into Bourke itself). The Culgoa River joins the Darling River about 25 km east of Bourke.

Bourke to Louth

Section 3: Bourke to Louth

Travelling The Darling River Run from Bourke to Louth is generally via the Bourke-Wilcannia rd on the east of the river past Gundabooka NP.

An alternative route is possible on the west as it passes through some beautiful red soil country and across the Warrego River.

Now we are getting into the good stuff!

The eastern route, past Gundabooka NP, is the best maintained and as such the most used.

The western side is longer but much more scenic with various landscapes and the opportunity to visit Toorale NP. Check conditions before using this route.

The western route will also cross the Warrego River, that can flow into the Darling when the volume is good enough.

Louth to Tilpa

Section 4: Louth to Tilpa

The Louth to Tilpa section along the Darling is one of the best. The east route provides some excellent access to the river with two great options. In contrast, the western route passes some excellent historic properties like Trilby Idalia Station and Kallara Station. (all providing camping and farm stay facilities)

Short and sweet (relative term) is the run from Louth to Tilpa.

Be sure to visit Louth if you missed coming to Trilby Station via Toorale National Park; it is well worth visiting.

From Louth, it is a great run along the eastern side of the Darling. *NOTE if using GPS, ignore its location of Tilpa as it is further down on the other side of the river.

If travelling along the western side, keep an eye out for Kallara Station about 15 minutes upstream from Tilpa.

Tilpa to Wilcannia

Section 5: Tilpa to Wilcannia

With the choice of an eastern and western route, the Tilpa-Wilcannia section of the Darling River Run passes through some beautiful Central Darling country.

The eastern route passes through the Paroo-Darling National Park (and the beautiful Coaches and Horses Campsite). In contrast, the western way tracks through the Paroo-Darling conservation area.

Wilcannia to Menindee

Section 6: Wilcannia to Menindee

Heading onto the Darling River's central region, there are two exciting routes for the run to Menindee from Wilcannia, and at a significant distance to experience Outback NSW's remoteness.

The Darling River's western side passes Nelia Gaari Station, a GREAT place to stay with some of the best Darling River camping. Nelia Gaari Station, located at the upper reach of the backed-up water from the Menindee Lakes, is reputed to have the Darling River's best access.

The eastern side is useful if you want to do the drive straight to Menindee.

Menindee to Pooncarie

Section 7: Menindee to Pooncarie

The Menindee-Pooncarie section of the Darling River Run provides access via the west of the Darling River (through Kinchega NP) or the eastern side, which is the more direct route.

The more direct eastern route to Pooncarie is contrasted by the western side, starting at Kinchega NP. It passes some of the Menindee Lakes (Cawndilla and Tandou) before heading east to join the Darling River. A visit/stay at Bindara Station is a worthwhile option.

From Bindara, it is a scenic drive to Pooncarie.

Pooncarie to Wentworth

Section 8: Pooncarie to Wentworth

The Darling River Run's final downstream section involves either the eastern section 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.

For those wishing to visit the iconic Lake Mungo, which I highly recommend, the best option for the Pooncarie-Wentworth section is via the eastern side of the Darling River.

Allow the best part of the day to visit Lake Mungo, or better still, spend a full day (there are camping/RV options nearby).