First of the Australian designed gaols, with an escape-free record

Built in 1879-1881, the small single storey brick gaol with bluestone trim was designed by colonial architect James Barnett. It was the first of the Australian designed gaols (Hay & Dubbo gaols followed this one). The bricks were made from the local clay (on-site), by Joseph Firth, and the bluestone was transported from Malmsbury, Victoria.

The gaol replaced over-crowded lock-ups and was utilised until its closure in 1927. After its closure as a gaol, the building was utilised as extra classrooms for the Wentworth Central School until 1963 and today, because of its remarkable condition, is a major tourist attraction.

1.8 million years of fossilised giants and over 150 years of pioneer settlement

This is an excellent museum supplying the history buff with information on much of Wentworth’s heritage. The Rotary Club have collected over 3,000 artefacts and relics covering all aspects on the history of Wentworth. It houses one of Australia’s biggest photographic collections on river boats and original buildings, and is everyday day for viewing (with the exceptions of Good Friday & Christmas Day).

Journey through time with a walk through the extensive Pioneer and Folk collection. Including Indigenous artefacts and a Mega Fauna Display based on fossil remains discovered in the Wentworth region and Mungo National Park.

Discover the history of the river trade and experience the triumph of the Fergie in the 1956 flood.

Explore the ambitions and hardships of the local pioneer as they overcame the harsh surrounds to create a wonder that is Wentworth.

An amazing story told through tools, instruments, documents and everyday treasures of a bygone era.

Junction Island Nature Reserve, Canoe Tree and Walking Track

Junction Island is the shoal of land between the Darling and Murray Rivers. The junction sandbar is where a large number of aborigines, armed with spears and weapons, threatened Captain Sturt as he sailed down the Murray on his expedition to find the inland sea, and here he had arrived at the Darling junction. The confrontation was averted when a group of Aboriginals, who had befriended Captain Sturt the day before, arrived and amicably resolved the stand-off.

Today, you can visit the Island and stand on the footbridge between both the Darling and Murray Rivers or walk to the point where the rivers meet. Imagine that! Standing right in the middle of Australias two greatest rivers-a unique Australian experience not to be missed.

A canoe tree is also located along the trail that leads to the point. Flora, fauna, wildlife and birdlife abound within this island reserve.

To make a canoe, the aborigines would first make an outline of the shape they required with cutting stones or stone tools. Once the shape was mastered, they cut deeply into the tree to the heartwood (or xylem), prying the bark off in one piece with stick or rocks.

Some were made watertight by the addition of clay and grass in any leaky areas.

True canoe trees rarely have the scar extending to the base of the trunk.

The junction of Australia’s two longest rivers, the Murray and the Darling

Climb the viewing tower and see the confluence of the Murray and Darling Rivers, which, combined, is the fourth largest river system in the world. When the Darling is in flow, a surprise awaits -as the two rivers are marked by a distinct colour difference viewable from the tower. The Darling is a clay based river, its milky appearance contrasts starkly to that of the mighty Murray. Truly one of Australia’s iconic must-see attractions.

You can climb up to the viewing tower and look down upon the confluence of the two majestic rivers, take a leisurely stroll along the walking track, take advantage of the facilities on offer for a barbecue or picnic or simply read up on the history of the Darling River in the pictorial information in the gazebo.