Darling River Run 5704_PPW_Darling River Info pages | Page 2

THE DARLING RIVER RUN
WALGETT
The Aboriginal meaning of “Walgett” is
“meeting of two waters” as the town is located
by the junction of the Namoi and Barwon
Rivers. Walgett is 696 km north-west of Sydney
and is the centre for the surrounding rural area
which is based around the production of wool,
beef cattle, fat lambs, sheep studs, chickpeas
and its biggest industry, wheat. In fact Walgett
has the largest temporary wheat storage facility
in the southern hemisphere.
WALGETT ATTRACTIONS
The Walgett Bore Baths are located in Fox
Street, the main street of Walgett, opposite the
Walgett District Sporting Club. The baths are
open seasonally from March to October with
no entry charge. The warm artesian waters are
rich in potassium salts, which are therapeutic
for tired and aching muscles.
SIDE TRIP—LIGHTNING RIDGE
This wonderful side-trip from the Darling River
Run will take you to the iconic Australian Opal
mining town of Lightning Ridge. Whether you
are looking for the famous Black Opal, wanting
to explore some wonderful galleries or just take
in the experiences of a mining town, ‘The Ridge’
is a must. It’s an easy 1 hour drive from Walgett.
Attractions at “The Ridge” include artesian bore
baths, Mine Tours and the John Murray Art
Gallery. There is an alternative route through to
Brewarrina via Cumborah.
WALGETT TO BREWARRINA
East Route: Kamilaroi Highway (Sealed)
133km - The first downstream sector of
The Darling River Run follows the Kamilaroi
Highway along the Barwon River before
crossing the river just before Brewarrina.
BREWARRINA
Brewarrina may only be small in size, but its
culture, Aboriginal dreamtime stories, rich
Cover photographs by: Simon Bayliss - Red Dirt Studio
history and its connection to the river makes
it a destination with so much soul it would be
the envy of larger cities. Brewarrina is home to
some of the most significant Aboriginal heritage
in Australia.
BREWARRINA ATTRACTIONS
Baiames Ngunnhu (Fish Traps) - is an
elaborate network of rock weirs and pools
which stretch for around half a kilometre. The
Ngunnhu were constructed to catch and store
fish as they swam upstream. Estimated to be
over 40,000 years old, these ingenious rock
configurations are believed to be one of the
oldest man-made structures on Earth.
The Brewarrina Barwon Bridge is one of only 2
remaining lift span bridges in NSW that allowed
traffic to cross over the Barwon River. It lifted
in the centre and allowed paddle steamers to
continue up and down the river.
The Bridge was a technically sophisticated
structure when built in 1889 and required two
men to wind a pulley mechanism to lift the
spans – this was latter modified in 1913 so that
only one person was required to operate it.
The bridge is recognised as being of NSW State
significance as it contributed significantly to the
social and commercial development of north
western New South Wales and opened up the
‘back country’ in the late 1800’s.
BREWARRINA TO BOURKE
East Route: Kamilaroi Highway (Sealed)
98km - The Brewarrina to Bourke section of
The Darling River Run is an easy drive along
the Kamilaroi Highway with limited access to
the river. The Darling River proper starts at the
confluence of the Barwon and Culgoa Rivers
approximately 40 kilometres East of Bourke
near where you will cross the Wayne O’Mally
bridge over the Bogan River. The mountain in
the distance is Mt Oxley. Permits for a drive to
the top are available from the Back O’ Bourke
Exhibition Centre.
West Route: West Culgoa Road (unsealed)
139km - an alternate route from Brewarrina to
Bourke following the Culgoa River path. Depart
Brewarrina east on the Kamilaroi, turn left onto
Twin Waters Road then left onto West Culgoa
Road. Left onto the Mitchell Highway to get to
Bourke.
BOURKE
Bourke is a beautiful historic town set on the
banks of the Darling River. There is much to see
and do in and around the Bourke region deserving
of a few nights stay.
The soul of the outback can be both seen and felt in
Bourke, a town with unparalleled experiences that
stay with you long after the journey ends. Bourke
truly is the cultural hub of the Australian outback.
BOURKE ATTRACTIONS
The Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre is a
world class experience that tells the story of times
gone by in outback Australia. The Centre uses
a number of stunning displays to highlight the
outback legends, transport and communication
in the bush, the Early Explorers and much more.
The Exhibition Centre also houses the busy Visitor
Information Centre and provides the latest roads
information, itinerary planning, accommodation
suggestions and much more.
Cruise the Darling River on the modern replica
paddleboat the PV Jandra. The Jandra was
built in 2000 and copies many of the features of
the original Jandra built in the 1890’s. Join us
during our cruising season on a one hour journey
featuring a comprehensive commentary of life on
the river and the flora and fauna that you will see
along the way.
While at the wharf stop and take a look at the
fully restored 1923 vintage Crossley Engine
manufactured by the Crossley Brothers of
Manchester, England.
Other Bourke attractions include the Lock & Weir,
Fort Bourke Stockade, Maritime Trail, Historical
Buildings, Fred Hollow’s Vision Way, Poets
Corner, the Historic Cemetery and Nancy Bird Air
Terminal. Pop into the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition
Centre for assistance.