The Darling River Run

One of Australia’s great driving adventures in Outback NSW

Thulii Ngemba

by

Thulii Negmba is a small cafe recently opened by a local Aboriginal lady who has a passion for traditional foods. Thulii Ngemba has a small set menu with different specials daily. Everything that is made and or cooked at Thulii Ngemba, we can ensure it has a native twist such as, wattle seed, bush  tomato, lemon myrtle to name a few. Our Steak sandwiches are marinated in strawberry gum, wattle seed or bush tomato.

Thulii Ngemba has a range of morning and afternoon tea options. Cakes, biscuits and healthy smoothies i.e. Kakado plum and mango. Kakadu plum, mixed berry and spinach. Davidson plum and super greens. Finger lime, Davidson plum and watermelon. Please check out our Facebook page for up to date information and specials. Opening hours are as follows; Mon-Fri 7am-2pm, Sat-Sun 9am-12pm.

Pooncarie Hotel

by

The Pooncarie Hotel 150km north of Mildura, a place that has all you require – a warm welcome, ice cold beer, meals & accomodation.

Being so close to the Darling River the hotel is great for the person who wants to go fishing or just have a stroll along the river and listen to the birds singing.

The Hotel/Motel is everything a country Hotel/Motel should be providing a clean, quiet and friendly accommodation only 150 metres from the Darling River.

With the accommodation we have four units with ensuites and eight other rooms with share bathroom. All rooms have air-conditioning, meals are available seven days a week, either in the dining room or outside in the Beer Garden.

The country around Pooncarie is full of many natural splendours, from the beauty of the river to the kangaroos that hop around the town at dusk.

Tilpa Hotel

by

Established in 1894, Tilpa Hotel is considered one of the last remaining true bush pubs in Australia. Grown from a river boat trade along the Darling River, the hotel/pub is the heart of Tilpa and an favourite attraction to both travellers and locals.

A hotel, pub and bistro full of character and fun situated at the centre of everything in sunny NSW!

Accommodation is available for those hoping to stay, simply book in on arrival or call during our open hours to ensure availability.

Many Big Rocks picnic area (Karnu Yalpa)

by

Many Big Rocks picnic area (Karnu Yalpa) is a tranquil stop along the Darling River driving route. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a bend in the river, under the coolabah trees and river red gums. Spend some time fishing from the riverbank or natural rock weir to see if the yellow belly or cod are biting.

Stretch your legs with a walk along the water’s edge to catch a glimpse of waterbirds like cormorants and spoonbills. Chances are you’ll also spot emus, kangaroos bouncing around, or a wedge-tailed eagle soaring above.

After your break, you’ll be ready to continue exploring Toorale National Park. Visit Toorale Homestead to see the outback’s pastoral history, or learn about the Kurnu-Baakandji People and their strong connection to these lands. At Mount Talowla lookout you’ll be greeted with vast outback views of the floodplains, and seasonal wildflowers, stretching towards Mount Gunderbooka.

At the end of the day, the basic Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru) is located 500m from the picnic area. You can also camp, or stay at an old homestead or shearer’s quarters, in Gundabooka National Park.

The best times to visit are during the cooler months, between April and September.

Peery Lake picnic area

by

If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to unwind on your outback adventure, cook up a barbecue and stretch your feet at Peery Lake picnic area. You’ll have a view of Peery Lake, and maybe a surprise visit from local kangaroos and emus enjoying a feed.

When Peery Lake is full, it transforms into a spectacular inland playground for water birds, and you can take a canoe out for a paddle. Even when it’s dry, the lake bed is home to freshwater plants and animals. Hear the calls of pink cockatoos, mulga parrots and red-backed kingfishers, and you might even spot the elusive grey falcon if you’re lucky.

May to November is the best time to visit, especially when winter rains bring a wonderful show of wildflowers in spring.

Peery Lake is a significant place to the Barkandki Aboriginal Traditional Owners, and you’ll find Aboriginal sites are scattered all around the lake’s edge and surrounding cliffs.

Old Kinchega Homestead

by

Built on the edge of a billabong off the Darling river in the mid- to late-1870s and occupied for some 60-80 years, Kinchega Homestead was of great significance to the area, and tells an enthralling story of the area’s Aboriginal and European heritage.

The main building housed the overseers and there was an Aboriginal camp close by to house workers. Today all that remains of the homestead is some ruins, however interpretive signage along the way will give you an idea of what the building looked like. Take your time to wander through the ruins, imagining what life was like for people living on this remote station. You might also notice the cemetery, a permanent home to the victims of the ill-fated paddle steamer Providence, whose boiler exploded killing all but one of the crew.