Broken Hill to Mildura

If you love the great outdoors, buckle up, you’re in for a real treat. This road trip not only showcases impressive outback towns and landscapes but highlights the rich indigenous history and culture you’ll discover along the Darling River. Begin your journey in the legendary outback city of Broken Hill and make your way downstream along the river, passing the likes of the Menindee Lakes, Pooncarie, and Wentworth before reaching Mildura. Be prepared to experience the real Australian bush!

Insider tips

• Be prepared when travelling as road conditions may vary. Get in touch with the Wentworth Visitor Information Centre on 03 5027 580 or check online for updates.
• Help us keep Fruit Fly out! To help protect fruit and vegetables growing in our region, we are protected by the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area (VIC/NSW). Find out more on the Australian Interstate Quarantine website or contact 1800 084 881.
• Make sure your phone and camera are charged so you don’t miss an amazing shot!
• Don’t forget to check your clock! You will be crossing time zones when you travel from Broken Hill (ACST time) to Menindee (AEST time).

Broken Hill

There’s no better way to begin your outback adventure than in Australia’s oldest mining town and Australia’s First Heritage Listed City. Broken Hill, often known also as ‘The Silver City’, is essentially a living museum, offering a range of diverse landscapes and world-renowned cultural heritage experiences. Spend a bit of time at the Line of Lode Lookout & the Miner’s Memorial (Federation Way, Broken Hill NSW) dedicated to miners who’ve lost their lives since mining first began in the town. Soak in the view of the town from the hill, it’s just incredible. Get a sense of the true character of Broken Hill and outback life at the Pro Hart Gallery (108 Wyman Street, Broken Hill NSW). Take a short drive north of the city where you’ll come across The Living Desert and Sculptures (Off Nine Mile Road, Broken Hill NSW). There you’ll find 12 giant sandstone sculptures in the middle of the desert and a beautiful flora and fauna sanctuary. If you’ve worked up a little bit of an appetite, book a table at The Palace Hotel (227 Argent Street, Broken Hill NSW), where the iconic Australian film Priscilla Queen of the Desert was filmed, or down a classic cream soda Bells Milk Bar (160 Patton Street, Broken Hill NSW). Don’t forget to spend time in the historic town of Silverton. This is where many iconic Aussie films have been brought to life. Make sure to check out the Mad Max Museum (9 Stirling Street, Silverton NSW) while you’re there too!

Menindee

Travel time: 1 hour & 11 mins
Distance: 110km from Broken Hill

Time to hit the road again and make your way to the tiny town of Menindee. The oldest European settlement in western NSW, begin your visit at the Menindee Visitor Information Centre (49 Yartla Street, Menindee NSW), grab a local Heritage Trail map and explore the town’s historical past. Drop into the Menindee Maidens Hotel (2879/59 Yartla Street, Menindee NSW), the last stop for famous explorers Burke and Wills before their ill-fated expedition came to an end. Right on Menindee’s doorstep is Kinchega National Park. With the Darling River and Menindee Lakes, it is popular for birdwatching, wildlife lovers and anyone who craves a unique outback experience. Take a stroll along one of the walking tracks and discover historic homestead ruins and ancient Aboriginal sites. The historic shearing shed is a must see! No visit to the park is complete without checking out the stunning Menindee Lakes. If you happen to be towing a camper or caravan, or have a tent handy, make sure you plan an overnight stay.

Pooncarie

Travel time: 1 hour & 32 mins
Distance: 123km from Menindee

Your next stop is Pooncarie, a charming little rural township on the Darling between Menindee and Wentworth (bear in mind that you will be travelling on a partially unsealed road to get here). The town is a great place to stop if you’re in need of a break or if you need to fuel up. Have a bite to eat at the Old Wharf Café (5 Darling Street, Pooncarie NSW) or the Pooncarie Telegraph Hotel Motel (9 Tarcoola Street, Pooncarie NSW) for an ice-cold beer and meal. If you have time up your sleeve, Pooncarie is only 88 kilometres from Mungo National Park. You won’t see many landscapes in the world quite like this one. Organise a tour of the park with a guide and wander through the ancient Walls of China at sunset.

Book ahead - Plan a stay along the way

 

Whatever your style and whatever your budget, there’s something to suit everyone. Here’s a few suggestions:

 

The Burke & Wills Menindee Motel

This peaceful family holiday park is the ideal base for families with young children or mature couples who will enjoy warm country hospitality in a stunning bush setting with native trees, birds, and lush green sites. With spacious cabins, safari and bell tents, or luscious green caravan and camping sites, this is Big4 offers it all.

54 Yartla Street, Menindee NSW. T: 08 8091 4313

 

Bindara Station

Situated between Pooncarie and Menindee, Bindara is the perfect farmstay to stop and unwind. First settled in 1849, the homestead maintains a wealth of colonial and river history. The Arnold family offer visitors a range of accommodation, plus campsites right on the river with access to bathroom facilities and warm outback hospitality.

9150 Old Pooncarie Road, Pooncarie NSW. T: 03 8091 7412

 

Pooncarie Telegraph Hotel Motel

This bush pub has all you need – a warm welcome, ice cold beer, meals, and accommodation. Providing ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, the Pooncarie Telegraph Hotel Motel is designed for travellers seeking the basics.

Tarcoola Street, Pooncarie NSW. T: 03 5029 5205

Wentworth

Travel time: 1 hour & 6 mins
Distance: 116km from Pooncarie

You’ll discover a town filled with history and charm when you visit Wentworth. Check out the Murray-Darling Junction (Cadell Street, Wentworth NSW) and climb up the viewing tower, taking in the breathtaking view that lays before your eyes. Be transported back in time when you visit the Old Wentworth Gaol (Beverley Street, Wentworth NSW) and get an insight into what gaol life would’ve been like in the 19th century. Only a short drive out of town are the Perry Sandhills (Old Renmark Road, Wentworth NSW). Over 40,000 years old, these unique land formations have featured in many films and television shows. If you’ve got a boogie board handy, why not take a slide down and have a bit of fun! Before making your way to your final destination, don’t forget to stop and check out the PS Ruby moored at Fotherby Park.

Mildura

Travel time: 35 mins
Distance: 36km from Wentworth (via Silver City Highway)

You don’t have far to travel to reach our vibrant regional city. Check out some of the fun and interesting sites along the Silver City Highway worth visiting including Orange World (93 Link Road, Mourquong NSW), the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens (1183 River Road, Buronga NSW) and Mildura Holden Motor Museum (58 West Road, Buronga NSW). You’ll leave New South Wales when you make your way across the George Chaffey Bridge to Victoria. Once you arrive and have settled into your accommodation, pop into the Mildura Visitor Information Centre (180-190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura) for an insider’s guided on where to go, what to see and what not to miss in Mildura and surrounds.

More information: Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre, Corner of Blende & Bromide Streets, Broken Hill NSW. T: 08 8080 3560. Menindee Visitor Information Centre, 49 Yartla Street, Menindee NSW. T: 08 8091 4274. Wentworth Visitor Information Centre, 66 Darling Street, Wentworth NSW. T: 03 5027 5080. Mildura Visitor Information Centre, 180-190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5018 8380.

Images courtesy of Destination NSW.