41 Free And Low Cost Camps Along The Darling River Run
We have selected 41 free and low cost camps along The Darling River Run. A remarkable journey deep into the heart of the Australian outback. From the tranquillity of riverside camping to the rich Indigenous culture and the stunning landscapes. This adventure offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
We have selected 41 free and low cost camps along The Darling River Run. Ranging from free camping to low cost Station Stays there is something here for all budgets and camping styles. So pack your gear and hit the road. Let the Darling River Run unveil the beauty and mystique of the Australian Outback.
1. Pomona
This free campground offers swimming. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Low Darling Rd, Wentworth, New South Wales
GPS: -33.994358°, 141.895926°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Trilby Station Camping
2. 18K Camp & River Views
This is a free campground. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Camping in tents is allowed.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Wentworth-Pooncarie Rd, Wentworth, New South Wales
GPS: -33.970914°, 141.951507°
Pet Friendly: Yes
3. Banks Of Darling River
This is a free campground. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed. You must be fully self-contained.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: 1275 Wentworth-Pooncarie Road, New South Wales
GPS: -33.968536°, 141.950125°
Pet Friendly: Yes
4. Bush Camp
This free campground offers swimming. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Camping in tents is allowed.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Wentworth-Pooncarie Rd, Wentworth, New South Wales
GPS: -33.961999°, 141.957456°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Tilpa Or Bourke
5. Avoca Homestead On The Darling
Avoca station homestead is situated on the iconic Darling River, just 26 km from the historic town of Wentworth at the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers. It was the Head Station of one of the original sheep stations in the region, and for a period covered 1,100 square miles. The homestead complex, gardens, tennis court, orchard and outbuildings sit on 100 acres of natural bushland, disused flood irrigation bays; old and new river red gums line 1.5 km of river frontage. You are invited to come, relax and enjoy the serene ambience provided by the buildings and Mother Nature’s sunshine, stars, flora and fauna.
Camping is available on the property with supply of your own equipment. Sites are unpowered and suitable for tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes and big rigs. Facilities include toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire pits and BBQ. Pets are permitted.
Type: Paid Camping
Cost: $25 per night
Location: 1122 Low Darling Rd, Wentworth, New South Wales
GPS: -33.928065°, 141.971736°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Phone: 03 5027 3020
Web: http://sites.google.com/site/avocaondarling
6. Darling Bridge
This is a free campground. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to camper trailers and off road caravans. Camping in tents is allowed.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: High Darling Rd, Pooncarie, New South Wales
GPS: -33.414220°, 142.568669°
Pet Friendly: Yes
7. Jim N Tans Camp
This is a free campground. It is dog friendly. steep banks but the sand bar is easy to walk down too and only visible while the river is low. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed. You must be fully self-contained. Some bridge noise but minimal.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: High Darling Rd, Pooncarie, New South Wales
GPS: -33.412985°, 142.569744°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Selfie At Burke Wills Camp Site Lake Pamamaroo
8. Pooncarie Free Camping
Free camping along the Darling River, south of Pooncarie. There are no facilities. Campers must be self-sufficient. Take all rubbish with
you and leave no trace.
There are no toilet facilities at this site so you must be self sufficient. It’s a short walk into town to the Old Wharf Cafe for breakfast and lunch or the hotel for dinner and drinks. Hot showers are available behind Pooncarie Hall for a small fee.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Pooncarie Rd, Pooncarie, New South Wales
GPS: -33.391937°, 142.570271°
Pet Friendly: Yes
9. Sandy River Bend
Quiet Sandy area on the Darling River surrounded by beautiful bush. Follow the dirt road that goes through the Multi Purpose Park to the very end. Lovely quiet spot away from it all. Plenty of firewood. Must be self contained. Please take your rubbish home.
Type: Paid Camping
Cost: $10 per night pay at the shop
Location: Pooncarie, New South Wales
GPS: -33.388422°, 142.556793°
Pet Friendly: Yes
10. Pooncarie Campground Down Track
Follow the track to the end to find nice camp sites. $10 per night pay at the pub. $1 to use the hot showers and toilets.
Type: Paid Camping
Cost: $10 per night pay at the pub. $1 to use the hot showers and toilets.
Location: Pooncarie, New South Wales
GPS: -33.387029°, 142.559608°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Kinchega National Park Darling River NSW
11. Pooncarie Multi Purpose Park
Pooncarie Multi Purpose Park (Wakefield Oval) features 1200 acres of dispersed camping stretched along the Darling River. Unpowered and Powered site fees apply and deposit for key (for power) is payable at Pooncarie Hotel, 9 Tarcoola St. Pooncarie is the closest town to the Mungo National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Willandra Lakes Region.
Type: Paid Camping
Cost: $10 per night pay at Pitstop Store
Location: Pooncarie Menindee Rd, Pooncarie, New South Wales
GPS: -33.380837°, 142.563754°
Pet Friendly: Yes
12. Tolarno Station
River side camping $15/Per Vehicle/Per Night. Toilets, Showers & Kitchen with Shearers Quarters Bookings Only – $30/Per Person/Per Night. Accessible to camper trailers and off road caravans. Camping in tents allowed. Dogs with prior approval only.
Type: Paid Camping
Cost: $15 per vehicle per night
Booking Required: Yes
Location: Pooncarie Menindee Rd, Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.783254°, 142.398159°
Pet Friendly: With Prior Approval Only
Inside The Kinchega Woolshed
13. Darling River Campground Sites 1 to 34
34 camp sites are available inside Kinchega National Park for a small fee. Outback camping beside the Darling River in Kinchega National Park offers excellent birdwatching, barbecue facilities and swimming. Bookings are required. Book online or call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757. Campsite fees and Park entry fees apply.
Sites are unpowered and suitable for tents, camper trailers, caravans, and camping beside your vehicle. Facilities include picnic tables, wood barbecues (bring your own firewood), carpark, and non-flush toilets. Drinking and cooking water is not available at this campground. Hot showers and bore water are available at the Shearers’ Quarters at the Historic Woolshed by gold coin donation.
This is a remote campground, please arrive well prepared and make sure you travel with ample food and water. Be aware of the weather conditions. If it rains, you might need to move your camp to Emu Lake campground or you may have to stay at your campsite for several days while the road dries out.
- Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty.
- Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted.
- NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Type: Paid Camping (National Park)
Cost: $12.50 per site per night plus park access fees
Booking Required: Yes
Location: Kinchega National Park – River Dr, Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.459877°, 142.371654°
Phone: 1300 072 757 or (08) 8080-3200
Web: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/
Email: [email protected]
Pet Friendly: No
14. Menindee Free Riverside Camping
This free campground offers swimming. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers and caravans.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Wentworth Rd, Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.396547°, 142.427816°
Pet Friendly: Yes
15. Main Weir Campsite
This free campground offers toilets and swimming. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Camping in tents is allowed.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Menindee-Wilcannia Road, Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.314214°, 142.509037°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Free Camping At Louth Town Common
16. Darling River Block Dam (Menindee Lakes Storage)
This is a free campground. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed. You must be fully self-contained.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.313609°, 142.503220°
Pet Friendly: Yes
17. Sandy Sunset Camp
This free campground offers toilets and swimming. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Camping in tents is allowed.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Lake Pamamaroo, Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.301415°, 142.501407°
Pet Friendly: Yes
18. Burke & Wills Camp Site
This free campground offers toilets. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Camping in tents is allowed.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Main Weir Rd, Lake Pamamaroo, New South Wales
GPS: -32.304623°, 142.497912°
Pet Friendly: Yes
19. Phoenix Tree Camp
Free camp by the lake with great sunsets. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Camping in tents is allowed.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Main Weir Road, Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.306539°, 142.492171°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Free Camping At Lake Pamamaroo
20. Lake Pamamaroo
This is a free campground. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed. You must be fully self-contained. Fires allowed.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Lake Pamamaroo, Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.313764°, 142.480823°
Pet Friendly: Yes
21. Wests Beach
Lovely sheltered spot on a sandy beach. No facilities. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed. You must be fully self-contained. Fires allowed.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Main Weir Road, Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.316066°, 142.467321°
Pet Friendly: Yes
22. Stumpys Camp
Open area beside the water amongst some dead trees. No facilities. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed. You must be fully self-contained. Fires allowed.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Lake Pamamaroo, Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.318188°, 142.451866°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Driving The Darling River Run With A Caravan
23. Sunlovers
Lovely large campsite with a private beach. No facilities. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed. You must be fully self-contained. Fires allowed.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Lake Pamamaroo, Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.317636°, 142.440694°
Pet Friendly: Yes
24. Stones Lakeside
This free campground offers swimming and fishing. It is dog friendly. Deep sand underfoot. Requires 4WD to access. No access when wet.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Weir Road Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.315844°, 142.436241°
Pet Friendly: Yes
25. Pamamaroo Private Beach
4wd camper access in a private location along the Pamamaroo lake edge. If you don’t want to be with everyone else to the east in the caravan parking bays this is a perfect little spot to get away. Lots of other areas along here as well. Look for the little tracks off the main road.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Location: Lake Pamamaroo, Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.305692°, 142.420538°
Pet Friendly: Yes
26. Pamamaroo Heights
Great camp with awesome views. No wind protection and no shade. No facilities. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed. You must be fully self-contained. Fires allowed.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.288395°, 142.419421°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Darling River Taken At The Tilpa Hotel
27. Nelia Gaari Station Stay
Nelia Gaari is a working sheep station situated on the west side river road half way between Menindee and Wilcannia. Four wheel drive isn’t necessary but recommended. Please check road conditions if there has been rain in the area. Unsealed roads are closed in the event of rain.
If you are looking for a quite convenient spot on the Darling River to park your caravan/campervan or four wheel drive for overnight or as long as you like, call in and check out our great camp sites.
Our camp sites have shared toilet and shower facilities. Relax and experience the quiet and restful solitude of the Darling River.
Choose your spot by the Darling River, our camp sites are natural, secluded spots with absolute river frontage. There is a gas BBQ as well as shower and toilet facilities. All camp sites are unpowered – if necessary bring your own generator for lighting etc.
- Dogs are welcome subject to conditions – call about pets prior to arrival.
- Sorry no eftpos facilities available
- Strictly NO Firearms or Recreational Off-Road Motorbike Riding
Type: Station Stay
Cost: $10 per person per night
Booking Required: Yes
Location: Menindee-Wilcannia Road, Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -32.072232°, 142.827058°
Phone: (08) 8091-6496
Web: http://www.neliagaari.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Pet Friendly: Dogs welcome subject to conditions – call about pets prior to arrival
28. Large Gravel Pit
Not a bad stopover out of the wind and away from the road if you need to stop between Menindee and Wilcannia. Climb to the top of the gravel pile to get a view of the plains. No facilities. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed. You must be fully self-contained.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: West Wilcannia Rd, Menindee, New South Wales
GPS: -31.896256°, 142.939705°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Darling River Run
29. The Lookout Aka Beach Paddock
28km south of Wilcannia is a nice spot just off the road to the left when heading south behind a sand dune overlooking a billabong that is filled by the Darling River when it floods. Have a fire (providing there is no state issued fire ban for the area) but please put out the fire properly. Take rubbish with you and contain grey water near the river. Use caution if bringing dogs as the property does regular baiting for wild dogs. Shooting is also not allowed anywhere on the property.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Culpaulin Station West Wilcannia Road, Wilcannia, New South Wales
GPS: -31.737966°, 143.189250°
Pet Friendly: Yes
30. Coach & Horses Campground
In a shady spot next to a bend in the Darling, this campground offers a bush camp with views up and down the river. Sites are unmarked and unpowered, suitable for tent, trailer, campervan or caravan. Facilities include picnic tables, barbecue facilities and toilets. Camp overnight at the scenic Coach and Horses campground in Paroo-Darling National Park. Go kayaking, fishing, walking and swimming or just relax by the Darling River.
There are 12 unpowered sites suitable for tents, camper trailers, caravans and camping beside your vehicle. Facilities include picnic tables, barbecue facilities and non-flush toilets. River water is available, but it’s a good idea to boil it before drinking.
This is a remote campground, please make sure you arrive well prepared and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans. Check the weather before you set out as roads within the park can become impassable when it rains. Pets and smoking are prohibited.
Type: Paid Camping (National Park)
Cost: $12.50 per site per night plus park access fees
Booking Required: Yes
Location: Paroo-Darling NP, Wilcannia-Bourke Rd, Wilcannia, New South Wales
GPS: -31.456269°, 143.826599°
Phone: 1300 072 757 or (08) 8083 7900
Web: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/coach-and-horses-campground
Email: [email protected]
Pet Friendly: No
31. Tilpa
Across the road from the iconic Tilpa Hotel. This campground offers showers and toilets. It is accessible to camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed. Camping in tents is allowed. Awesome meals and ice cold beers at the pub. Fuel available.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Opposite the Pub, Tilpa, New South Wales
GPS: -30.934835°, 144.416059°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Darling River At Tilpa
32. Tilpa Weir
This is a free campground. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed. You must be fully self-contained.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Tilpa Weir Access Rd, Tilpa, New South Wales
GPS: -30.919203°, 144.458094°
Phone: (02) 6837-3928
Pet Friendly: Yes
33. Trilby Station Farm Stay
An absolute favourite of ours. Trilby Station offers self contained cottages, bunkhouses, secluded river campsites and powered sites on the Darling River 25km from Louth.
Campsites are Riverside and on the large billabong, each with a firepit (some wood to get you started, then you gather more in as needed), rubbish bin and recycle bin (we recycle drink cans and bottles for the RFDS). Pit toilets are scattered around (we recycle drink cans and bottles for the RFDS). Pit toilets are scattered around the campsite track with hot showers, flush loos, washing machines and camp kitchen (TV) near the Bunkhouse.
One powered site (no water) is riverside and the other 5 are together near the amenities, gazebo and campfire pit. Good quality bore water to each powered site.
Trilby is pet friendly for the campsites and powered sites, though being a working sheep/goat station we ask that your dog be on a leash at all times. Sorry – no pets in the cottages and Bunkhouse.
Swimming pool, canoes/kayaks, yabby nets, Mud Map drives on the station. 10km from historic Dunlop Station.
Type: Station Stay
Cost: Unpowered about $25 per night – phone or email for details. Powered available but
Location: Toorale Road, New South Wales
Booking Required: Yes
GPS: -30.641053°, 144.943002°
Phone: (02) 6874 7420 or 0419 447 938
Web: http://www.trilbystation.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Pet Friendly: Yes
34. Dunlop Station
Dunlop Station is an historic property located on the Darling river. Once a million acres it has a 45 stand shearing shed which was the first shed to have mechanical acres it has a 45 stand shearing shed which was the first shed to have mechanical shears.
Dunlop Station offers un-powered campsites along the picturesque Darling River and shearers huts are available to stay in. Bookings are required.
- Dogs are permitted
- Tours of the homestead, store and shearing shed are offered at 11 am on Tuesday’s, Wednesdays, Thursday’s, Friday’s, Saturday and Sunday Morning tea served in the homestead followed by the tour. Closed for tours Monday morning Tours cost $20/head or $50/family (includes morning tea).
Type: Station Stay
Cost: $20 per van or setup per night – $70 shearer’s huts rooms per night
Location: 10045 Toorale Rd, Louth, New South Wales
Booking Required: Yes
GPS: -30.614378°, 145.020561°
Phone: 0458 472 698
Web: https://Dunlopstation.com
Email: [email protected]
Pet Friendly: Yes
Darling River At Louth
35. Louth Town Common
An absolute ripper of a camp site. This free campground offers swimming. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Camping in tents is allowed. You must be fully self-contained.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: LOT 2 Bloxham St, Louth, New South Wales
GPS: -30.535244°, 145.113966°
Pet Friendly: Yes
36. Shindys Inn
Shindy’s Inn is located in Louth NSW on the banks of the Darling River – renowned for its fishing, yabbying and birdlife. With its population of 35 people Louth can provide a quiet, peaceful and relaxing stay.
Shindy’s Inn is a unique Australian hotel in Louth NSW, situated on the banks of the Darling River. In the great tradition of Australian Outback pubs it’s a wonderful place to spend some time – with terrific meals, good company, the best potato chips for a hundred kilometres and plenty of much-needed cold beer!
If you’d like to stay for a while we have powered and unpowered sites on our large, shady lawn and two beautifully-situated and fully self-contained cabins that sleep up to six.
Sites are suitable for tents, camper trailers, motorhomes, caravans and big rigs. Facilities include toilets, showers, laundry, games room and playground.
Type: Paid Pub Camping
Cost: About $30 per night unpowered – check their website for updates
Location: Bloxham St, Louth 2840, New South Wales
GPS: -30.535224°, 145.115605°
Phone: (02) 6874-7422
Web: https://www.shindysinn.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Pet Friendly: Yes
37. Rose Isle Farm Stay
This paid campground offers toilets, showers, swimming and power hookups. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Camping in tents is allowed. You must book in advance.
Type: Farm Stay
Cost: About $30 per night unpowered – check their website for updates
Booking Required: Yes
Location: Louth-Bourke East Rd, Louth, New South Wales
GPS: -30.438048°, 145.378536°
Phone: (02) 6874-7371
Web: http://www.roseislestation.com
Pet Friendly: Yes
Bridge Across The Darling River At Louth
38. Darling River Campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru)
This location is a free campground, however a booking fee of $6 per site applies. Money collected is used to manage campground numbers and improve your safety.
- This is a free campground (requires a booking fee)
- Dogs are not permitted
- It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs
- Camping in tents is allowed
Type: Paid Camping (National Park)
Cost: Booking Fee $6 per site
Booking Required: Yes
Location: Weir Trail, Gumbalie, New South Wales
GPS: -30.288808°, 145.562314°
Phone: 1300 072 757
Web: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/
Pet Friendly: No
39. Yanda Campground Gundabooka NP
Camp by the Darling River at Yanda campground in Gundabooka State Conservation Area, near Bourke. This remote campground offers caravan camping with fishing and paddling in Outback NSW.
- There are 10 unpowered sites suitable for tents, camper trailers, caravans and camping beside your vehicle.
- Facilities include picnic tables, barbecue facilities, car park and flushing toilets.
- This park or attraction is in a remote location, so please ensure you are well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.
- Check the weather before you set out as the road to Yanda campground can become boggy when it rains.
- Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted.
Type: Paid Camping (National Park)
Cost: $12.30 per site per night – check their website for updates
Booking Required: Yes
Location: Louth-Bourke Rd, Gundabooka, New South Wales
GPS: -30.321357°, 145.575199°
Phone: 1300 072 757
Web: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation
Email: [email protected]
Pet Friendly: No
40. Dry Tank Campground, Gundabooka NP
This paid campground offers toilets. Dogs are not permitted. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Camping in tents is allowed.
Type: Paid Camping (National Park)
Cost: $12.30 per site per night – check their website for updates
Booking Required: Yes
Location: Ben Lomond Rd Via Bourke, New South Wales
GPS: -30.517809°, 145.714891°
Phone: 1300 072 757
Web: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/dry-tank-campground
Pet Friendly: No
41. Mays Bend – Bourke
Mays Bend is a free campsite located only 10 kilometres from the Kidman Camp. It is a gorgeous and breath-taking spot along the Darling River which is popular among those who are self-contained. As this particular camp offers zero facilities there are public showers available at certain venues and public toilets located in and around Bourke.
Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Bullamunta Rd, North Bourke, New South Wales
GPS: -30.039458°, 146.023308°
Phone: (02) 6872 1321
Web: https://www.visitbourke.com.au/products/mays-bend
Email: [email protected]
Pet Friendly: Yes
Exploring the Beauty of the Outback: The Darling River Run Adventure
Australia is a land of rugged beauty and endless horizons, and one of the best ways to experience its true essence is by embarking on the Darling River Run. This iconic outback journey takes you through the heart of New South Wales, following the course of the meandering Darling River. From remote campsites to charming outback towns, the Darling River Run offers a taste of true Australian wilderness and culture. Join us as we take you on a virtual journey through this remarkable adventure.
The Route
The Darling River Run covers approximately 730 kilometres, stretching from Brewarrina in the north to Wentworth in the south. Along the way, you’ll encounter a diverse range of landscapes, from arid plains to lush riverbanks teeming with wildlife. The journey can be done in a few days or leisurely stretched out over a couple of weeks, depending on your pace and the stops you choose to make.
Riverside Camping
One of the highlights of the Darling River Run is the opportunity to camp beside the river under a canopy of stars. There are numerous camping spots to choose from, ranging from basic free campsites to more developed stations with amenities like hot showers and fire pits. Some popular camping locations include Bindara Station, Trilby Station, Louth, and Bourke.
Wildlife Encounters
The Darling River is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus, and a wide variety of bird species. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a platypus swimming in the river at dawn or dusk.
Aboard The SS Jandra At Bourke On The Darling River
Outback Towns
Along the Darling River Run, you’ll pass through charming outback towns that offer a glimpse into the region’s history and culture. Bourke, with its historic wharf and famous Back O’Bourke Exhibition Centre, is a must-visit. Louth and Wilcannia also have their unique charm and stories to tell.
Exploring Indigenous Culture
This region is rich in Indigenous history, and you can learn about the local Indigenous culture at various cultural centres and art galleries along the route. Take the time to appreciate the significance of the land to the Aboriginal communities.
Challenges and Preparations
Travelling the Darling River Run can present its challenges, especially if you’re not accustomed to outback conditions. Be sure to carry plenty of water, supplies, and fuel. Check the weather conditions and road status before embarking on your journey, and always let someone know your travel plans.
Is The Darling River Run Suitable For Caravans?
For those wondering is the Darling River Run suitable for caravans the answer largely depends on preparation and vehicle capabilities. Spanning approximately 730 kilometers this route weaves through remote landscapes, historic towns and cultural landmarks offering a fantastic outback experience.
Caravanners can traverse the Darling River Run with the right setup. Many stretches are unsealed and road conditions can range from smooth gravel to challenging corrugations. Ensuring your caravan is built for off-road travel is essential. Lightweight, durable caravans with high clearance and robust suspension are better suited for this journey. Travelers should also check local weather and road conditions, as rain can render certain areas impassable. Top quality and in good condition tyres are an absolute must.
Facilities along the route cater to self-sufficient travelers. Campgrounds and caravan friendly sites can be found in towns like Bourke, Louth and Wilcannia providing basic amenities and a chance to immerse in local history. Carrying ample water, fuel and supplies is critical, given the remoteness of certain sections.
Ultimately is the Darling River Run suitable for caravans? Yes with the right preparation and vehicle it’s a rewarding expedition that delivers stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
Conclusion
The Darling River Run is a remarkable journey that takes you deep into the heart of the Australian outback. From the tranquillity of riverside camping to the rich Indigenous culture and the stunning landscapes, this adventure offers a unique and unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let the Darling River Run unveil the beauty and mystique of the Australian Outback.