camping along Darling river, ideas, tips

Submitted: Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 11:14
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Hi

We are heading for a few days next week travelling along the Darling bewtwen Burke and Wilcannia. Looking for tips. Which side of the river gives access to the best camping spots? What are some good camling spots? What sort of bait will catch something? Any special places to see, things to do? Louth, Tilpa look interesting. Any ideas very much appreciated
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Reply By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 11:39

Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 11:39
We stayed at Trilby Station last weekend, great place to stay, very relaxing on the banks of the Darling River :)

Call Liz for more details

Trilby Station website

Cheers Kev
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Reply By: Member - John Baas (WA) - Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 12:37

Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 12:37
We travelled along the River from Pooncarrie to Bourke about six weeks ago. It's not that easy to actually find free camping along the banks and in some areas it is actively discouraged.

Stayed at Trilby and Bindara stations instead. Both are fantastic spots with very reasonable charges.

We got a mudmap from Pooncarrie to Bindara on the west side via a backtrack which we enjoyed. Bindara would be able to give you directions. Bill and Barb are great hosts.

Cheers.
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Reply By: Member - John and Val - Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 13:43

Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 13:43
Hi Outback

We stayed at Trilby a couple of months ago, in one of the billabong camps - lovely spot. The river camps looked good too. They are well set up and it was an enjoyable stay.

BUT watch out if there is any rain forecast. While there we had a few mm overnight and even to get back to the homestead was an adventure. The black soil will very quickly become sticky and slippery with even a bit of rain.

We had intended going south along the west bank but they advised us that as that road south from Trilby was not gravelled that we should head back north which we did. Even so it was 4WD out to their front gate.

Enjoy your trip,

Cheers,

Val.
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Follow Up By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 13:49

Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 13:49
Val,

I did the western side of the river from Wilcania to Louth last weekend and yes the Wilcania to Tilpa section is a goat track :)

Was a great drive though, need a high clearance vehicle to do that section at the moment as the centre of the road between the 2 wheel tracks is quite high.

Cheers Kev


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Reply By: Lex M - Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 14:03

Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 14:03
Good camping spot at the Tilpa weir but no facilities. Few Ks north of Tilpa, access from the east road.

Camp under the road bridge on the banks at Louth. Access from the north side of the bridge. Slippery when wet. Toilets and showers across the road from the Inn.
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Reply By: Member - Duncs - Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 14:43

Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 14:43
Many years ago the NRMA had an information pack for the trip which included phone numbers for the stations that would allow camping.

I know you can get that information from the Tourist Info Office in Bourke and Broken Hill.

Another option is to talk to the locals. We asked in the pub at Tilpa and one of the locals made a couple of calls. He put us in touch with a property where they were pleased to see us and showed us to a really great spot right on the riverbank, with a rope swing and plenty of firewood.

Other than that if you approach the station homesteads the right way you will, more often than not, get permission and some help in finding a good camp site. Don't rock up at sunset and expect them to drop everything to help you out though.

Duncs
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Reply By: Mick O - Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 17:57

Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 17:57
We stayed at Tolarno Station two weeks back wich is roughly 45 km south of Menindee. $10 per vehicle per night and a hot shower available at the shearers quarters. Great spot. We camped near the historic homestead but you can camp anywhere along their 16 odd kilometres of river frontage.

A great place to spend a day or two.

Cheers Mick
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trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
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Reply By: happytravelers - Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 18:26

Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 18:26
Stayed at Killara station a few km's East of Tilpa a couple of months back. You could either camp in the station yard which had some very good facilities or do as we did and follow the river for a few km's across their paddocks and find a beautiful isolated site of your choosing beside the river.

Very friendly owners, charged us $5/head which included the use of showers etc. One of the best camps of our trip.

Jon
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Reply By: BJ - Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 21:03

Sunday, Oct 02, 2011 at 21:03
Friend came through there last week. didn't comment on the road but did say the locals warned about thieving if anything is left unattended or loose.


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Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Monday, Oct 03, 2011 at 00:45

Monday, Oct 03, 2011 at 00:45
Try this site.




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Reply By: Gone Bush (WA) - Monday, Oct 03, 2011 at 06:56

Monday, Oct 03, 2011 at 06:56
As other Posters have said, Tilpa Weir is a great campsite.

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It's a pity you're not going as far as Menindee Lakes.

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These photos were taken last year. I don't know what the water levels are like at the moment.

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Follow Up By: Member - John Baas (WA) - Monday, Oct 03, 2011 at 20:58

Monday, Oct 03, 2011 at 20:58
Still full as a goog Stephen.

Cheers.
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Follow Up By: Member - John Baas (WA) - Monday, Oct 03, 2011 at 21:00

Monday, Oct 03, 2011 at 21:00
Still full as a goog Stephen.

Cheers.
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Reply By: outback epicurean - Monday, Oct 03, 2011 at 08:27

Monday, Oct 03, 2011 at 08:27
Many thanks everyone for your ideas and tips. Sounds like plenty of good spots and will certianly use your ideas. This site is amazing to get such good feedback in 24 hrs!
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