The Darling River Run

One of Australia’s great driving adventures in Outback NSW

Kinchega Woolshed

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Visit the beautiful historic Kinchega Woolshed for a glimpse into Australian pastoral history and imagine the heyday of this place.

No visit to Kinchega National Park is complete without exploring the beautiful, old buildings of Kinchega Station. Built in 1875 of corrugated iron and river red gum, the historic Kinchega Woolshed is a vast and very well preserved classic piece of Australian pastoral heritage.

Inside the woolshed, you’ll see wool presses and tables, a machinery room and an original steam engine as well as sweating pens and the board where the sheep were held for shearing. In 97 years of operation, six million sheep were sheared here, an amazing thing to imagine as you wander through this quietly majestic building.

Warrego Floodplain Walking Track

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The short, easy Warrego Floodplain walking track offers lookout views of the vast floodplain, birdwatching and seasonal wildflowers, in Toorale National Park, south of Bourke.

Take a stroll through the vast Warrego Floodplain of Outback NSW on this short, accessible walk. Starting from Warrego Floodplain picnic area (Wariku Pulka), the wide dirt track passes through an avenue of shady coolabah trees to the sheltered Warrego Floodplain lookout.

The lookout is a great spot to take in views across the expansive floodplain. It’s best to time your visit for March to October, when temperatures are cooler and summer rainfall has made the landscape come alive with wildflowers, and waterbirds flock to the floodplain.

Birdwatchers and keen photographers will enjoy spotting brolgas, bustards, cormorants, pelicans and spoonbills. As you wander along the track, keep an eye out for sand goannas, kangaroos, emus and shingleback lizards (known locally as bogeyes). Don’t be deceived by the flat landscape – sand ridges and clay depressions are home to an array of native plants and animals.

After your walk, enjoy lunch at the picnic area then head to Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra), or explore the park further along Warrego Floodplain Drive (Wampa-wampa Wariku Pulka).

Toorale Homestead walk

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Toorale Homestead walk is in the Toorale Homestead precinct of Toorale National Park, near Bourke. Enjoy a short stroll around the heritage-listed homestead and its historic buildings.

This easy 200m loop walk follows a gravel path through the Toorale Homestead precinct, known to the Kurnu-Baakandji People as Yarramarra, which means ‘tree’ and ‘hand’.

Step back in time as you stroll among the best, most extensive surviving examples of historic pastoral buildings in NSW’s far western region. A highlight is Toorale Homestead, built in 1896 as a wedding present to Samuel McCaughey’s favourite niece, Louisa Robinson. The motor garage, blacksmith’s shop and farrier’s hut offer a rich glimpse into the technology of a bygone era.

Remember to enjoy these buildings from the outside only. To enter, you’ll need to book a NPWS guided tour.

Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra)

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Visit Toorale National Park, and you’ll realise there’s nowhere else quite like it. It’s an important spiritual and cultural region for the Kurnu-Baakandji People. The Traditional Owners have continued their connection by living and working at Toorale station over its long history.

Take a self-guided tour of Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra). You’ll be fascinated by the grandeur of the homestead and its outbuildings. History buffs will enjoy the stories of Toorale’s past. In the late 1880s the station was the calm centre of a thriving sheep and cattle empire.

It’s a good idea to visit during the cooler months between April and September. You can plan some extra sightseeing and a walk in the area. Nearby attractions include Mount Talowla walking track (Thina Yapa) and lookout (Withawithalaana). Rest under the shade of red river gums at Many Big Rocks picnic area (Karnu Yalpa) and Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru). Soak up the peaceful surrounds as you take in the vast floodplains, red sand hills and gigantic sky.

You might see sand goannas, bearded dragons and emus during the day, and crucifix frogs, owls and western grey or red kangaroos by night. Birdwatchers, bring your binoculars along. You’re likely to be rewarded with sightings of red-tailed black cockatoos and wetland birds like brolgas, spoonbills and straw-necked ibises.

Valley of the Eagles walk

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If you’re heading to Gundabooka National Park, put on your walking shoes and explore Valley of the Eagles walk. You’ll be rewarded with breath taking views of the rugged Mount Gunderbooka, which rises 500m above park.

Pleasure walkers might like to start with the easy path to the base of the mountain, where you’ll find a viewing platform perfect for taking pictures in the golden afternoon light. This short stroll is 1km return, and should take you no more than an hour.

From the viewing platform, the track to the summit is sure to get your heart pumping, but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping 360 degree views of Gundabooka National Park. This is a difficult 5.7km return walk over rocky and very steep terrain, and should only be taken by fit walkers.

Tread quietly while you walk – you’re likely to see and hear a range of birdlife on this lovely walk. And if you’re lucky you might even see a pink cockatoo, so keep your eyes peeled.

Take a virtual tour of Valley of the Eagles walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Little Mountain walking track

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The picturesque Little Mountain walking track runs from Dry Tank campground to Little Mountain lookout in Gundabooka National Park, near Bourke. It’s hard not to be moved by the beauty and tranquility of the bush as you amble along this red-soil track.

Keep your camera handy to snap a few photos as you’re likely to encounter kangaroos, emus and reptiles on this easy walk. Plus, if you enjoy birdwatching, you’ll certainly be kept busy spotting finches, robins and mallee ring-necks.

The spring and autumn seasons are ideal for venturing through Little Mountain walking track, and it’s a great nature walk to share with the kids. The colourful wildflower displays will surprise you, and you’ll discover some interesting facts about the area if you take time to read the informative signage along the way.

Follow this walking track through wild mulga woodland, watching as the magnificent Gunderbooka Range rises up from the plains.The lookout at the end offers scenic views of the range’s entire northern escarpment, and is particularly beautiful at sunset.

Take a virtual tour of Little Mountain walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.