Darling River Run

Hey Peter, its just like you New South Welshmen...
Googled Outback Beds to find "guide to outback Australia" and it only covers NSW.
There are some nice spots outback in other States. LOL
Steve

We camped at the bourke weir, bit hard to find but about 32k sth of bourke, and also at Tilpa, straight across river from pub, great shady spot.
Roads were reasonable gravel, but that was 2 years ago, but i believe they turn to chit when wet.

Cheers Pesty

Forget Trilby Station for bush camping, we couldn't have been more disappointed, you might as well stop anywhere along the river for nothing.

QUOTE: "(and Wilcannia is NOT the scary place people like to think it is)"

It was about 3 weeks ago when we were there!

thanks Shaker, i've lived here for 5 years and we hear all sorts of stories, many from people who have never been here or haven't for years. Would genuinely like to know what it was that resulted in yr comments. There are currently plans to expand and revitalise the caravan park amongst other things and any genuine input on improving perceptions of the town would be appreciated Happy for you to contact direct if you prefer

I guess it was the initial impression with barred up businesses, closed & burnt out shops, supermarket that you have to buzz to get in. Then there was the drunken indigenous Australians swearing, cursing & fighting ...... but other than that, it was OK.
We had to go to the mechanics premises opposite the park, just up from the courthouse & being court day I suppose there were plenty in the vicinity. WE did get pretty nervous at one stage when a group came towards us swearing & carrying on, but we avoided eye contact & maybe a conflict.

thanks Shaker for the honesty and for taking the time to answer. Court day tends to be busy but it also coincided with pension/pay/centrelink payments and unfortunately that does increase the incidence of the things you mentioned (like Bondi after a footy match on saturday)
The swearing group wouldn't have been interested in you, just say g'day and they'd probably have answered the same.
There is no "buzzed in" supermarket ????? they don't have that although the heavy screen door is painted white and keeps buildings cool in summer and the flies (well most) out.
The burnt building is a major issue here. It burnt down 4 years ago and is heritage listed. The insurance company CGU refused to pay out and the owner has since gone bankrupt. CGU have lost business in the region because of this an a few other cases.
The other barred buildings have been deserted for 10-15 years now. A town of 600 doesn't support that much commerce when you can catch a bus to Broken Hill in the morning and return in the afternoon for a total of $10 dollars.
Had some people in town recently from Sydney who commented on the same thing then realised that their own home in Glebe Sydney has bars on the back windows. Take a drive down Parramatta rd through Leichardt/ Stanmore and the old shops are the same. Guess here is is a little more obvious because there isn't much else to take the attention.

Thanks again for yr comments