Accomodation along Darling River Run

Submitted: Saturday, Jun 19, 2010 at 18:18

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Darling River Run

Set within the heart of outback NSW, the Darling River Run is a fascinating trek that takes you back through time. This route follows the meandering Darling River,

Darling River Run

Section: Treks

The Darling River is one of the outback's most famous rivers. Starting near Bourke in central NSW and draining into the Murray in Victoria the Darling River Run snakes itself through black soil

Blue Galaxy

We are planning a two week trip in the school holidays (from 5/7) south bound along the Darling River run. I was wondering if I should be booking accommodation ahead of time? I will be towing a self-sufficient caravan and do not wish to be held to strict timetables. Having said that, I don't necessarily want to have no-where to stay. We prefer to not stay in caravan parks, if possible. Any feedback would be welcomed. I am about to start planning the itinerary this weekend

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Reply By: Dave B ( BHQ NSW) - Saturday, Jun 19, 2010 at 20:24

Saturday, Jun 19, 2010 at 20:24

Here is a website to check and it will give you all the info you want about the Darling.

Discovering the Darling

Dave

'Wouldn't be dead for quids'

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AnswerID: 421467

Follow Up By: Blue Galaxy - Saturday, Jun 19, 2010 at 20:57

Saturday, Jun 19, 2010 at 20:57

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the reply. I was also wondering if I should be booking accommodation ahead of time or can I play it by ear and just turn up? how busy are the camping grounds likely to be (it will be school holidays)? I don't need 'formal" facilities.
Cheers,
Phil

FollowupID: 691839

Follow Up By: Dave B ( BHQ NSW) - Saturday, Jun 19, 2010 at 22:20

Saturday, Jun 19, 2010 at 22:20

Chris, I don't think you will have any problem finding a bit of parking space even in the school holidays.
There are plenty of places to free camp along the river,as well as places like Trilby and Kallara. If you haven't had a night at places like that it is worth it for the experience.
Kinchega will probably be a bit busy, but there are plenty of campsites there as well as many free camps around the main weir area at Menindee.

Dave

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Follow Up By: Blue Galaxy - Sunday, Jun 20, 2010 at 08:26

Sunday, Jun 20, 2010 at 08:26

G'day Dave,

Thanks for that information - exactly what I was after. It so good to have forums like this to assist in preparation.

We're looking forward to the trip as it will be out first extended trip with our new van. My two boys are really looking forward to it. Hopefully, we can 'catch' our own produce as well!

Cheers,

Phil

FollowupID: 691878

Reply By: Member - Niss42 - Sunday, Jun 20, 2010 at 11:04

Sunday, Jun 20, 2010 at 11:04

G'day Blue.

Check out this web site http://www.outbackbeds.com.au/

We stayed at a couple of these eg; Bindara and Trilby stations about 6 weeks ago when we did the Darling River Run.
Great people.

niss42

AnswerID: 421519

Reply By: Fiona & Paul - Sunday, Jun 20, 2010 at 11:29

Sunday, Jun 20, 2010 at 11:29

Phil

From our recent on-off again Darling River Run we rang a number of places in advance to see how the water levels were and the information we received from 60% of those was misleading as they just wanted our dollars. The pub at Tilpa gave the most reliable information (spot on).

We camped free at Wilga Station (just a bit past the old homestead) in 2006, it's about 70km east of Wilcannia. Good camp area beside the river with toilets and gas BBQ's.

We came up from the Pooncarie end via Menindee and took the west road to Wilcannia which was in the best condition (4 weeks ago) but I would say the east side run would have the better camping opportunities as there was very little on the west side, then again we weren't looking for campsites then.

The roads were still closed Wilcannia to Tilpa, Emmaville to Tilpa and we just headed home.

Not much but Wilga Station was very clean then and I assume the BBQ's are still OK.

Regards
Paul H

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Follow Up By: Dave B ( BHQ NSW) - Sunday, Jun 20, 2010 at 13:15

Sunday, Jun 20, 2010 at 13:15

All the roads are open now according to the website Paul.

Dave

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Follow Up By: Andrew & Jen - Sunday, Jun 20, 2010 at 16:28

Sunday, Jun 20, 2010 at 16:28

We have just returned from a Lower Darling trip. Stayed a couple of nights at Bindara HS south of Kinchega NP on the west side of the river. Good location, hospitable and knowledgeable hosts (Bill and Barb), plenty of room along the river with loo, showers and firewood included. Drop into see John at the Pooncarie cafe (by the old wharf site) and pick up directions which give a description of many of the locations/history north along the river to Bindara.
Rgds
Andrew

FollowupID: 691921

Follow Up By: Blue Galaxy - Sunday, Jun 20, 2010 at 18:39

Sunday, Jun 20, 2010 at 18:39

G'day All,
Thanks for the great responses. Looking like the water levels will allow a choice of east and west. The websites are very useful and I will be sure to check out the suggested stops and camp areas.

Cheers again and safe travels to all.

FollowupID: 691940