darling river run outback australia

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The river starts near Walgett, but the Darling River Run should also include Lightning Ridge as well as other towns off the actual river as it is the best way to expereince the best of Outback NSW towns and National Parks. The river follows the course of the Barwon River past Brewarrina onto its junction with the Bogan and together they flow, as the Darling River to Bourke, Louth, Tilpa, Wilcannia, Menindee, Pooncarie and then on to the confluence with the mighty Murray River at Wentworth.

The River Run is not simply a point A to point B drive but as the river forms the 'spine' of Outback NSW, the journey provides the perfect tour to not only experience the river and the towns along its course but also enables the traveller to experience the best of Outback NSW via the many side trips on offer that allows the visitor to access the surrounding area.

Darling River Towns:

Unique towns (Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs), wonderful National Parks (Paroo-Darling, Gundabooka, Mutawintji, Kinchega, and Mungo), the remote Corner Country (Milparinka, Tibooburra and the magnificent Sturt National Park), and not forgetting the jewel of western NSW, Broken Hill.

The Darling River Run allows the traveller to experience some of the best Outback country in Australia; flora, fauna, wondrous landscapes, outback characters and truly remarkable sunrises and sunsets.

Visit NSW and drive along one of the grandest river in Australia; through an historically and culturally rich area steeped in not only Indigenous history, spirituality and living culture, but also European history and explorative efforts by iconic Australians like Burke & Wills, Sturt, and Major Mitchell. 

The Darling River Run can be undertaken in whole or in part, that is the beauty of this adventure. Many people cover particular sections of the Run enroute to or from other parts of Outback NSW and beyond or take one of the many side-trips and then rejoin the Run to continue along the course of the Darling River. 

If you plan to visit NSW, The Darling River Run is the best way to experience all the options available. A true Outback experience awaits those who plan to travel outback NSW.

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Driving the Darling River Run:

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Walgett < > Brewarrina:

East Route: 133 kms (Sealed Road)

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

Brewarrina < > Bourke:

East Route: 97km (Sealed Road) West Route: 125km (Gravel Road)

The Brewarrina to Bourke section of is an easy drive along the Kamilaroi Highway with not much access to the river. There is an alternate route via the Culgoa River which follows its path down to where it meets the Darling River.

Bourke < > Louth:

East Route: 99km (Mostly gravel Road) West Route: 125km (Gravel Road)

Travelling from Bourke to Louth is normally 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 wonderful red soil country and across the Warrego River.

Louth < > Tilpa:

East Route: 92 kms (Gravel Road) West Route: 89 km (Gravel Road)

The Louth to Tilpa section of along the Darling is one of the best with 2 great options; the east route provides some great access to the river along the way while the western route passes some great historic properties like Trilby Station, Idalia Station and Kallara Station. (all providing camping and farm stay facilities)

Tilpa < > Wilcannia:

East Route: 145 km (Gravel Road) West Route: 129 km (Gravel Road)

With the choice of an eastern and western route, the Tilpa-Wilcannia section of The Darling River Run passes though some wonder country of the Central Darling. The eastern route passes though the Paroo-Darling National Park (and the wonderful Wilga camping site) while the western route tracks through the Paroo-Darling conservation area.

Wilcannia < > Menindee:

East Route: 154 km (Gravel Road) West Route: 151 km (Gravel Road)

The Wilcannia-Menindee section of River Run has a western and eastern route. The western route travels to the north west of Lake Pamamaroo while the east route passes to the south of Lake Tundure.

Menindee < > Pooncarie:

East Route: 125 km (Gravel Road) West Route: 184 km (Gravel Road)

The Menindee-Pooncarie section of The Darling River Run can be undertaken via west of the Darling River (through Kinchega NP) or the eastern side which which is the mre direct route.

Pooncarie <> Wentworth:

East Route: 120 km (Gravel Road) West Route: 127 km (Gravel Road)

This section of the run can be undertaken via the east of the Darling River (which will enables you to visit Lake Mungo and the Mungo National Park) or the western side which affords more access to the river.

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The Darling River Run: In 2008, Simon was commissioned by Outback NSW Tourism to photograph and research the iconic Darling River Run in addition to constructing the Darling River Run website. Travelling the run 8 times in the year enabled him to compile not only a vast array of Outback NSW images focusing on the river, national parks and the iconic towns of the outback, but also compile extensive travel and touring information on the Darling River Run; an invaluable resource for the Outback traveller.

The initiative was the recipient of several Inland Tourism awards in 2009 and 2010 of which Simon was extremely proud of his involvement; not only for that which he created but having the privilidge of being able to continue the work of so many before him who provided the initial work for this much loved part of Australia.