ADVENTURE
The Darling River Run
Story Sue Neales
Photos Colin Kerr, Sue neales and Storry Walton
Everyone
knows of the mighty Darling, Australia's longest river. Songs have been written
about it, ballads have been penned on its banks, history has been made on
its waters and in its old paddle-steamer ports, and environmental debates
rage about irrigation rights from its flows.
Yet few Australians visit the western reaches of outback NSW where
the Darling River meanders south-west for 2740 kilometres before joining
the Murray at Wentworth.
Even fewer enjoy the delights of fishing for yellowbelly from a tinnie at
Kallara Station, camping among giant red gums in Kinchega National Park,
enjoying a beer at the Menindee pub where Burke and Wills stayed while waiting
for supplies from Melbourne, and relaxing on board the paddle steamer Jandra
as she wends her way up river from Bourke.
But
now all these adventures - and many more - have been linked together to form
one of Australia's last great outback driving tours, the Darling River Run.
Starting where the Darling first gains its name, just upstream from
Bourke, the Darling River Run comprises 736km of dirt, gravel and sealed
roads along the banks of the slow-meandering river that was once a mighty
waterway for the wool trade. Even today the Darling remains the lifeblood
of outback NSW.
The Darling River Run links Bourke and Wentworth via Louth, Tilpa, Wilcannia,
Menindee and Pooncarie. It takes at least two days to drive, but is much
better enjoyed over 4-5 days, or even a week, with time for farm stays, historic
tours, fishing and river camping along the way.
In between is some of the most romantic bush country in Australia,
complete with the folklore of fearless explorers, hardy pioneers, striking
shearers, paddle steamer power and ancient Aboriginal life. 
Full story: Issue 24, August/September 2002
