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Kidman Way
This bitumen route is also the shortcut from Victoria, through the heart of western NSW, up to Central Qld where it meets the Matilda Highway at Cunnamulla

This trek is located in the Outback NSW region.

Start Finish Distance Min Days Rating
Griffith Bourke 527 3 Trek rating 1.5 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 1.5 of 5 - Click for details
» Description
» Preparation
    Fuel Information, Best Time to Visit
    Permits, Supplies/Facilities
» Things to See & Do
» Driving Notes
» Waypoints
» Related Shop Items
  
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1 Plot
Researched By ExplorOz - Michelle Jacka   Latest Update 11 Nov 2005

 Description


MUD MAP


Griffith lies in the heart of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) in south-western NSW, 680km west of Sydney. Nearby towns are Leeton, Narrandera and Hay. The MIA area is a rich fruit growing area and this is a good spot to pick up seasonal work picking either grapes or cherries.

The nearby Cocoparra National Park has stark differences to the lush, irrigated plains of Griffith. The cliffs, gorges and ridges of Cocoparra provide good walking tracks and camping at Woolshed Flat. This is a wilderness park so there are no 4WD tracks and no drinking water.

Heading towards Hillston on the Mid Western Highway for 50km to Goolgowi you pass through mainly flat land but from Goolgowi to Hillston you enter wheat and grazing country. Hillston is situated on the banks of the beautiful Lachland River that flows all the way from Forbes and Cowra towards the Murrumbidgee. It's just 96km from Hillston to Mt Hope although you might like to take a few diversions in this fascinating country.

A diversion to Lake Cargelligo is worthwhile. This large watercourse is surrounded by a quiet country town. It has a modern feel however and a lovely walking track around the lake is good for a bit of exercise. A little out of town, near the weir, you can bush camp right on the Lachlan River where a few yabby pots will gain you a great feed. The Lachlan has a special feel with ancient gums hanging over steep muddy banks - boiling the billy and sleeping in a swag here you'd feel no different to the early pioneers and settlers.

Another possible diversion is the Willandra National Park. There is a 4WD track here called the Merton Motor Trail which passes near the Willandra Creek before looping back to the homestead. It is only open in dry weather. In fact, the roads into the park can be impassable after rain so check local conditions. The old homestead, woolshed, stables and other station buildings were once part of the famous Willandra merino stud during the late 1880s. You can even stay in the homestead, although bookings are essential. Camping is also available.

This is remote outback country and so road conditions will vary depending on weather. However, the Kidman Way itself is now sealed the entire way.

Cobar sits on the Barrier Highway 161km north of Mt Hope. It's a mining and grazing area but you'll find all the supplies you need. Bourke is just 160km further on. Bourke is situated on the banks of the Darling River, a cotton growing area. Bourke is often considered to city people to be the absolute outskirts of civilisation, the term "the back of Bourke" is regularly used to describe anywhere so far in the outback that its hardly worth naming!

The Darling River is the longest river in Australia and there's some good camping on its banks all the way south-west to Menindee, another popular 4WD trek in itself called the Darling River Run.

From Bourke there are many different options for the 4WD. Take the Darling River Run back south; head west towards Tibooburra to enter Corner Country; head east towards Gilgandra and the Warrumbungles or continue north along the tarred Mitchell Highway into Queensland to join up with the Matilda Highway from Cunnamulla that passes through central Qld right up to the Gulf of Carpentaria at Karumba.

 Preparation

Fuel Supplies

Griffith, Hillston, Cobar, Bourke

Fuel Required

6cyl Diesel 56litres - fuel used based on data stored in TrekFuel

Best time to visit

September - November

Permits

None

Supplies/Facilities

Hillston, Cobar

 Things to See & Do

Inspiring outback country. This route is also the shortcut from Victoria, through the heart of western NSW, up to Central Qld where it meets the Matilda Highway at Cunnamulla.

 Driving Notes

We need new driving notes for this trek note. See our How to Submit a Trek Note page.

 Waypoints

WaypointDescriptionTypeLongitude
WGS84		Latitude
WGS84
20182 Griffith Populated Place146.050930ºE34.288530ºS

 Related Shop Items

Outback & Regional
1. Outback New South Wales  $8.95 Add the item Outback New South Wales to your Cart
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Scale 1:1,250,000  3rd Edition  
The Outback New South Wales Map features the most detailed combination of road pattern and distances ever produced for the area. The back of the map lists details on what to see, where to go, and what to do when you get there. This edition now also contains a GPS grid showing camping areas and tourist information.
Full Description (inc coverage) Member Reward Product Dimensions 250 x 140 x 4mm
ItemID E52 Weight 60grams
Shipped from ExplorOz
Reference
2. Travelling the Outback  $19.75 Add the item Travelling the Outback to your Cart
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Author Vic Widman  
This book is written from first hand experience by leading tour operator and outback adventurer Vic Widman, you will be guided step by step through the planning and preparation that is involved in making your outback travels not only enjoyable but safe and hassle free.
Full Description (inc coverage) Member Reward Product Dimensions 230 x 150 x 8mm
ItemID E125 Weight 195grams
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