Outback and Rivers Itineraries Murray Valley National Park. Photo: D.Finnegan

ITINERARY 1 Now head north along the Cobb Highway which has a variety of motel and and drive the drovers’ dream on The Long tourist park accommodation. THE MURRAY TO Paddock Cobb Highway Touring Route. TREK Immerse yourself in the pioneering days of DAY 3 the Long Paddock staying at the historic This morning head to DAY 1 Royal Mail Hotel at , one of - one of the world’s very special places. the last remaining Cobb and Co change Aboriginal people have walked here at Begin your trip at Echuca/ and what stations on the Long Paddock Cobb Highway Mungo in the footsteps of their ancestors could be better than fishing the Mighty Touring Route. Take in a sunset at the iconic since the Dreamtime. Murray? If you love your fishing, the best Headless Horseman Sculpture before Scientists have discovered artefacts of this experiences are to be had at Picnic Point on heading back to the hotel for a cooling ale. the , at the start of the Edward ancient culture dating back over 50,000 River off the Murray and the junction area DAY 2 years across the expanses of the last where Gulpa Creek rejoins the . ice age. Head to Hay (just 40 minutes drive) where A ‘must do’ is to take in the Kingfisher Cruise you can explore the history of shearing This makes Mungo one of the oldest places at Barmah. Nowhere else in the world can in at the award winning Shear outside of Africa to have been occupied by you experience such timeless, natural beauty . Hear the colourful yarns of life in modern humans since ancient times. and peace as when you are gliding through and around the woolsheds. Shear Outback Catch a glimpse of the heart of Mungo at the World-Heritage listed Barmah-Millewa is an exciting interpretive centre devoted to the Mungo National Park Visitor Centre and Wetlands aboard the MV Kingfisher. You’ll the culture, stories, passion and language of meeting place before you visit this World understand why they have been named Australian shearing - past, present Heritage treasure. Explore the Pastoral “Wetlands of International Importance” and future. Heritage walk or cycle to Zanci Woolshed as you slip quietly across the water in the Travel west along the Sturt Highway towards and Homestead ruins. You can also take on dappled shade of towering gums of the Balranald and visit world’s largest single stand of River 8km east of the town. Discover fascinating Red Gum. chapters in our natural, pastoral and Aboriginal heritage with a visit to Yanga in the Next travel on to on the Cobb River Red Gum forests of NSW. Take a tour Highway and take the Picnic Point road to of the historic 1860s homestead on Yanga visit the Reed Beds Bird Hide within Murray Lake conducted most days at 10.30am. At Valley National Park, about 5km from town. other times, pick up a self guiding leaflet This is home to extensive populations of in the homestead car park, or call into the bush bird and waterbird species. Enjoy the Yanga Office and ask about the self guided company of egrets and the Australian little audio tours. Relive the last shearing in the bittern, keep an eye out for the endangered Yanga Woolshed as you follow the path of superb parrot, and watch like a hawk for the wool on a self-guided tour through the night herons, black swans, yellow rosellas, through the sheep runs and pens. Only two musk ducks and the royal spoonbill. kms from the Sturt Highway Yanga National Turn around the bird panels as you stroll Park is one of the most accessible national down the boardwalk, use your smart phone parks in the state. to learn more, or just relax with the bird symphony. The River Red Gums are simply Camp in Mamanga Campground by the unbeatable for bird watching. majestic or overnight in the Foreshore Walk or drive the to Menindee township, which is an oasis for from the City of Broken Hill. Mungo Track. wildlife amid the red sandy plains. Explore the Aboriginal sites and European structures This afternoon take an Outback Art The Walls Lookout and Boardwalk offers such as the Kinchega Woolshed and the Adventure immersing yourself in the works you a wonderful vantage point from which ruins of the old homestead. of famous Australian art icons such as Pro to appreciate this iconic feature of Mungo Join a Discovery Tour during the autumn, Hart, Jack Absalom and Howard Steer, or National Park. If you would like to go up winter and spring School Holidays for an take a picnic up to watch the sunset over the onto the Walls of China you can join an enjoyable experience with a ranger. Stay in sandstone Sculptures Site. Aboriginal Discovery Tour ( check out the Kinchega Shearers Quarters (bookings As an option, consider travelling north to Whats on at nationalparks.nsw.gov.au) To essential) or camp at one of the many sites or perhaps Mutawintji protect the Walls unaccompanied access along the or lakes. is not permitted. You may meet Discovery National Park. The Historic Site within Rangers of the Paakantji, Ngyiampaa and DAY 5 is accessible with a Mutthi Mutthi tribal groups who conduct the licensed Tour Operator. National Parks Discovery Walks, Talks and Broken Hill is a fascinating outback oasis. DAY 7 Tours. Alternatively contact one of the tour The city is steeped in mining history due to the discovery of a rich deposit of silver, companies licensed to access this Now travel south to Wentworth, at the lead and zinc. Broken Hill - the accessible significant area. confluence of the Darling and Murray Rivers Outback – features dramatic red landscapes, Camp inside Mungo National Park close the oldest settlement in the Outback. First and magnificent terrain, making Broken Hill to many features at remote Belah Camp stop is the Wentworth Visitor Information a vibrant Mecca for artists and film makers. on the Mungo Track or at Main Camp Centre, where you can pick up a ‘Drive Trail’ Take a trip out to Silverton. On the way 1km from the visitor centre. Wake up to for the town, with information on the visit the Historic Day Dream mine and take the sounds of silence when you stay at various sites. a guided underground tour. Silverton is a the Shearers Quarters on Mungo National Take a trip to the vivid red sand Perry popular filming location (think A Town like Park. It’s a BYO linen, blankets and food Sandhill and visit the Pioneer Museum to Alice, and Mad Max 2). Visit the old gaol and and enjoy the comfortable accommodation learn their stories. From the viewing tower in the galleries and outback Cafes. Pay a visit with shared facilities adjacent to the Visitor Junction Park photograph the meeting place to the famous Silverton Hotel. Mundi Mundi Centre. Bookings are essential. Nearby and of two great rivers where the ‘latte’ coloured lookout, just 6.5km from Silverton shares just outside the park is Mungo Lodge, an Darling joins the darker green colour of the one of the best outback views. Check out the alternative to staying on the park. Murray. A sight to behold! Royal Flying Doctor Service at the Broken Hill DAY 4 airport and view the entire operations of this This is also the home of the magnificent amazing service. semi-arid Australian Inland Botanic Gardens Depart Mungo this morning and travel near Buronga. through to Pooncarie on the Darling River DAY 6 and onto where you can Finish your Murray to the Outback trip with Experience a nature walk with a difference in see the expanse of the lake system and the a visit to the local wineries, fine local foods the unique and arid landscape at the Living Darling River - the lifeblood of the outback. and a relaxing afternoon in the shade by the Desert Reserve nestled amongst the Barrier Then on to , just next Murray River. Ranges and located approximately 12km ITINERARY 2 DAY 4 THE BACK O’BOURKE EXPLORER Head north to the One Tree Hotel – a former Cobb & Co changing station. Then head DAY 1 to and view the giant Theodolite – a memorial to explorer and surveyor Your journey on this trek starts in Echuca/ John Oxley. Stay overnight at the Duke of Moama at the mighty Murray River. Visit the Edinburgh Hotel in Booligal. Here you’ll find Echuca Wharf and take a ride (and lunch!) a cold beer and friendly locals. Travel north on a paddlesteamer. on the Cobb Highway and stop at Ivanhoe Cross the river and relax at Moama with a and take the town heritage walk. wander through ‘Old Moama’, down Chanter street. On now to historic Wilcannia. Make your way to the Athenaeum Library (1883) now DAY 2 the town’s Pioneer Museum, and visit the beautiful sandstone Post Office Head north along the Long Paddock to in Wilcannia. Mathoura to visit this historic river red gum forestry town. Take a drive along the Picnic DAY 5 Point Road to the Reed Beds Bird Hide in Murray Valley National Park ( find out more Divert your travel to the amazing by touring with Australian Ornithological underground opal town of White Cliffs, Services), and stop by the Edward River approximately 90km from Wilcannia. Stay Bridge Picnic Area. On now to . underground and experience White Cliffs - Visit the Peppin Heritage Centre, then take mining, opal and really interesting locals. the Beach to Beach board walk along the Edward River. You can also enjoy a station stay at Travel north to Booroorban on the Cobb Goodwood Station. From White Cliffs you Highway, view the Headless Horseman can explore the Paroo Darling National Park. Sculpture at the Black Swamp and stop Drop into the state of the art Visitor Centre at White Cliffs and arrange a visit. Walk the at the historic Booroorban Pub. Visit the DAY 7 Peppin Ram Memorial at Wanganella and beat of the timeless pulse of the Peery Lake while you are there read about the history of – the only location in NSW where artesian Complete your trip with a visit to the iconic the Cobb & Co. mound springs are found in a lakebed. township of Bourke where you will be immersed in the ‘real’ Australia. There is DAY 6 DAY 3 plenty to see and do in the area. On the way to Tilpa you can take a break Start your tour of Hay’s five museums with You can start by visiting the Back O’ Bourke at the Horse and Coach campsite on the a visit to Shear Outback; the Australian Exhibition Centre, which is nestled in a Darling’s east side of the river. This site has shearer’s hall of fame. Follow this with a visit spectacular natural setting amongst the good outback toilets, barbeques on the east to Bishop’s Lodge Historic House. Finish river red gums on the banks of the side of the river and is approximately 50km your afternoon by exploring the town via the Darling River. NE of Wilcannia. Heritage Walk. Enjoy a coffee in the Back O Bourke Café Visit the Hay gaol then experience the Hay Relax for a while with Outback Beds member, overlooking the Darling floodplain and book Internment and Prisoner of War Camps Trilby Station on the Darling river, you’ll be your tour to relive the river boats days of the Interpretive Centre, housed at Hay’s historic pleased you did. Trilby Station is situated Darling on the PVJandra. Back into town to railway station. Learn more about Hay’s war near the village of Louth, 125km south west of enjoy a great lunch back at Diggers on time contribution at the Hay War Memorial Bourke, on the Darling River Run. the Darling. High School Museum in Pine street. In the afternoon head over the river to North Bourke for some Outback inspiration from the Back O’Bourke gallery, before taking in a sunset from Mount Oxley, or having a great night of fun with Poetry on a Plate.

DAY 8

Combine a visit to Bourke with a stay at and you will gain the best of both worlds accessing first hand both European and Aboriginal culture. Mount Gunderbooka rises to 500m among the rust-coloured cliffs of the Gunderbooka Range. The range has a history of ceremonial gatherings and rock art of the local Ngemba people.

To take advantage of this wonderful park why not stay at Yanda campground on the Darling River, with great shaded BBQ areas and good toilet facilities.

If you’ve got time to stay in Bourke for just one more day, visit , one of the newest parks in the Bourke area. Toorale has recently commenced Discovery Tours. Be sure to make enquiries at the NPWS Bourke Area Office for the dates and times of the Toorale Discovery Tours. ITINERARY 3 THE RIVER TO THE OUTBACK

The River to the Outback will take you to three great rivers and superb National Parks. You can experience the River Red Gums on the Murray River, spectacular wildflowers along the Darling River, pastoral Heritage at Yanga National Park on the Murrumbidgee River, fabulous Indigenous heritage at Mungo National Park and lakes teeming with waterbirds in the Outback.

DAY 1

Start to explore the River Red Gums at Echuca Moama. Enjoy fishing the Murray River; there are new boat ramps at Murray Valley National Park at Moama Five Mile, and Swifts Creek on The Narrows near Mathoura. On your way to Deniliquin check out the superb fairy wrens while you have a picnic or barbecue at the Edward River Picnic Area and Campground.

With over 200 recorded bird species, it’s no wonder that birdwatchers flock to the Reed Beds Bird Hide at Mathoura. Walls of China in the Willandra Lakes DAY 6 Listen to the bird noises as you turn the World Heritage Area with a tour operator Head to the Paroo Darling National Park – panels at The Reed Beds Bird Hide. Find or a Discovery guide. Be sure to bring your start at the NPWS visitor centre at White out if birds really do use Twitter. camera for dramatic photos. Cliffs to learn about the area and its people. Muster up, and head along the Long DAY 3 – Option B Enjoy Peery Lake, magnificent in wet or dry Paddock, stopping on the way to check out seasons. Book an Discovery Tour during the Detour to Griffith, then on to theCocoparra the Peppin Heritage Centre at Deniliquin. spring, winter and autumn school holidays. National Park where you can walk through a Take a break from driving and stroll the rare remnant of magnificent forest. With abundant wildlife and magnificent tree along the Edward River Beach to After heavy rains, the Cocoparra waterfalls lined sandy creeks, Paroo Darling is the Beach walk. are sure to be spectacular. perfect for walking. Continue north on the Cobb Highway to Visit Peery Lake, a fascinating lake bed Stop off at the Murrumbidgee National and Hay. Go on the boards at Shear Outback, when filled from the Paroo and teaming with Regional Parks close to , , dip your feet in the Murrumbidgee water birds, or dry when you can walk to the Leeton and Hay; this natural wonderland River and throw in a line. Camp by the artesian mound springs. teeming with wildlife, waterways and Murrumbidgee River, or choose from a range woodland tracks is waiting to be explored. Sleep underground, fossick for opal and of accomodation options in Hay. meet the locals at White Cliffs, a place you DAY 4 DAY 2 will always remember. Travel up the Kidman Way to Hillston, and From Hay, travel west to Yanga National follow the signs to . Park. Tour the historic Yanga Homestead, Willandra offers a fascinating insight into where you can discover the history of Yanga our pastoral history; the Willandra Station Station just 10 km south east of Balranald. homestead and gardens are great to Tours at 10.30am most days tell the explore. astounding pastoral history of this amazing property or call into the Yanga National Go wildlife and birdwatching on a gentle STAYING SAFE IN PARKS Parks Office to enrich your experience with walk through the park. Willandra Creek an audio tour that guides you at your offers swimming, fishing and boating. Safety in the Outback and Rivers is own pace. paramount and especially in isolated DAY 5 areas with great distances to the next Camp at Mamanga Campground by town or city. the Murrumbidgee River, a great place Head back towards Cobar, leaving plenty of Ensure your vehicle is well maintained for birdwatching or explore the Yanga time to visit Mt Grenfell Historic Site. It’s a and you have plenty of food, water and Woolshed - a special place to wander well kept secret. fuel. and experience the shed come to life with Amazing Aboriginal art sites are within easy Check on the road conditions prior interpretative boards and audiovisual walking distance – take time to appreciate to travel. Fires and road closure displays. these ancient rock paintings. information can be found at www. If you are travelling with your kayak or boat, nationalparks.com.au or contact your Take the 5km Ngiyampaa walk for its Regatta Beach boat ramp is the perfect local Visitor Information Centre, Police breathtaking scenery and enjoy a picnic at place to launch onto Yanga Lake to fish or and relevant road authority. the picnic ground is this free entry park. quietly go bird watching. Engage with nature and camp at the Horse DAY 3 – Option A and Coach campsite on the eastern side of For more information on national parks Head out to Mungo National Park and the Darling, approximately 50km NE from visit: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au take a tour of the iconic sand dunes, the Wilcannia on Paroo-Darling National Park or call: 13000 72 757 and along the Bourke road.