Have you ever wanted to travel beside one of the world’s busiest waterways? Well, the Darling River was, 100 odd years ago. In those days the river was heavily trafficked, with paddle-steamers travelling upriver to bring supplies to outback stations and towns, and then taking wool and other raw materials back to larger ports. Why not step back in time with a guided tour of one of Australia’s greatest river highways?
Our tour begins in Brewarrina with a welcome dinner and a meet-and-greet. First stop is for morning tea at a point a little way outside the town where the Darling River begins.
This is at the junction of the Barwon and Culgoa rivers. Then it is on to Bourke for a couple of days. After setting up camp, it’s time to relax around the fire for an evening of bush recitations at Poetry on a Plate. The following day is spent in Bourke, with visits to the Back O’Bourke Exhibition and the Back O’Bourke Outback Show then a paddle steamer ride on the PV Jandra.
On the way out of Bourke we visit the Bourke weir as well as Fred Hollows’ grave. Back on the road again, our next stop is Louth. Louth is an historic town on the Darling that was established in 1859 to service the riverboat trade.
The next day we head to Tilpa for lunch to visit the only war memorial for Harry “Breaker” Morant (it’s also Australia’s shortest tourist walk). Then it’s on to Wilcannia for the night.
Leaving Wilcannia behind us, we’re off to Menindee, to spend a relaxing afternoon lazing in one of the 20 lakes in the Menindee Lakes system. This lake system never fails to amaze me, being right in the middle of the desert. We will also visit the grave of Dost Mahomet. Dost was one of the Afghan camel drivers on the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition.
On our way to Wentworth, we have lunch at the old ferry wharf site in Pooncarie. Then it’s on to Wentworth for our final night together. This will include seeing the end of the Darling River, where it joins the Murray and heads for the ocean. We will also spend the evening on board a paddle steamer for a farewell dinner cruise.