Explore the history, culture and natural beauty of Australia's Murray Darling Heartland.

Wentworth is located in New South Wales on the junction of the Murray and Darling rivers, just under 30km from Mildura. It has come a long way since the town site was approved in 1859 and named after the NSW explorer and politician, William Charles Wentworth, but the mystic and heritage has been preserved through many of the sites and buildings.

Your day at a glance Wentworth Visitor Information Centre Open: Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-1pm, Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, Good Friday & ANZAC Day. T: 03 5027 5080 Junction Island PS Ruby Open: Daily T: 03 5027 5080 Wentworth Wharf Customs House Lock 10 & Weir Restaurant Open: Friday 9am-2pm & 5:30-8pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-2pm. T: 0401 790 621 St Francis Xavier Church Town Hall St Andrew’s Uniting Church Rendelsham (The Nunnery) Murray-Darling Junction Lockmaster’s Residence, Lock 10 and Weir Thegoa Lagoon Rendelsham House Wentworth Military Museum Open: Daily 10am-4pm (special hours on Anzac Day). T: 0434 549 401 Old Wentworth Gaol Open: Daily 10am-5pm. T: 03 5027 3337 Wentworth Pioneer Museum Open: Daily 10am-4pm. T: 03 5027 3160 Wentworth Court House Crown Hotel Wentworth Open: Daily from 10am, Lunch and Dinner Monday to Saturday T: 03 5027 3061 Royal Hotel Motel Wentworth Open: Daily. T: 03 5027 3005

Start your day at the Wentworth Visitor Information Centre (66 Darling Street, Wentworth NSW) where you will learn about the town and region, from its original inhabitants to contemporary life.

No one can explore on an empty stomach, so if you happen to be touring on the weekend, call into the Lock 10 & Weir Restaurant (8 Adelaide Street, Wentworth NSW) for breakfast, a coffee and a sandwich or two to enjoy at a picnic spot later in the day.

Next head to where it all began, Junction Island (Ski Reserve Road, Wentworth NSW) the shoal of land between the Murray and Darling rivers. Learn about the history of Captain Sturt sailing down the Murray and arriving on 23 January 1830. Captain Sturt named the Murray River on that day, at the point where the two rivers converged. Keep an eye out for the local fauna and birdlife that call this island reserve home.

A short drive by land and you’ll arrive at the PS Ruby (Fotherby Park, Wentworth NSW). She began her life transporting passengers and cargo between Echuca, Mildura, Wentworth and Goolwa but slowly fell into disrepair, ending her days as a houseboat at Mildura. Restoration work began in 1996, and after six years and thousands of volunteer hours, Ruby had a brand new hull and she was returned to water in a dock pond. Excitement grew as the steam engine became operational. Restoration work continues to take place with the workers welcoming visitors on board to see their progress.

Continuing on the water theme, stop in at the Wentworth Wharf (Wharf Street, Wentworth NSW) originally built in 1879 using local timber. It was a major landmark of the town and a hive of industry. Throughout the riverboat era, Wentworth was the busiest inland port within NSW (third busiest port after Sydney and Newcastle). During one week, a record 31 steamers were docked at the wharf. The original wharf deteriorated and was demolished in 1983. A similar replica of the wharf, including the little customs office, now stands in its place.

Cruise along and stop outside Customs House (Corner Darling and Adelaide streets, Wentworth NSW). Now a private residence, the Customs Office was constructed in 1884, replacing the first Customs building and remained an integral part of the busy Port of Wentworth up until the decline of the river trade in the 1890s.

Next stop is St Francis Xavier Church (Adams St, Wentworth NSW) the first Roman Catholic Church built along the Darling River and the second church built in Wentworth. The foundation stone for Saint Francis Xavier Church was laid on 18 June, 1871, in a ceremony held in the pouring rain.

Another majestic building to see is Town Hall (24 Adelaide St, Wentworth NSW) which began life as the Mechanics Institute Hall, built in 1884. The building has recently been restored and refurbished.

Stop in next at St Andrew’s Uniting Church (Short St, Wentworth NSW). Be sure to have a look at the sundial in the grounds – this was made from the original chimney-stack of The Manse, one of the earliest brick buildings which was built in 1859 and destroyed by fire.

From the roadside, admire Rendelsham, known as the Nunnery (28 Cadell St, Wentworth NSW). The first house to be called Rendelsham, this was built by William Gunn, the first Mayor of Wentworth. He lived here until he built his second residence, again called Rendelsham House. The first Rendelsham House then became Catholic Church property. In 1892, it became a convent, home of the Sisters of Mercy.

Next be prepared to be amazed by one of Australia’s iconic must-see attractions, the Murray-Darling Junction (Junction Park, Wentworth NSW). This point is the confluence of Australia’s two longest rivers, the Murray and the Darling, which when combined, is the fourth largest river system in the world. The Darling is a clay-based river, its milky appearance contrasts starkly to that of the mighty Murray, creating a true spectacle when the Darling is flowing strongly. Climb up to the viewing tower to take in this amazing sight then take a leisurely stroll along the walking track before settling down to enjoy your picnic lunch.

On to the Lockmaster’s Residence, Lock 10 and Weir (Lower Cadell St, Wentworth NSW). Take in this brick residence from the roadside as it is now a private residence. It was built in 1855 for Dr Emil Renner, Wentworth’s first doctor, who arrived from Adelaide on horseback. Located on the same site is Lock 10, one of 13 locks and 15 weirs situated along the Murray River. The locks and weirs maintain a high-water level for navigation and pumping right along the river.

Insider Tips

• Be sure to take a photo from the top of the lookout over the confluence of Australia’s two longest rivers, the Murray and the Darling.

Get back to nature with a stop at Thegoa Lagoon (Lagoon Road, Wentworth). The area contains several archaeological sites displaying evidence of past Aboriginal habitation. Set off on one of the walks or drive trails to really explore this ephemeral (non-permanent) freshwater wetland and take in the diverse array of native flora and fauna.

Now that you’ve stretched your legs, jump back in the car to check out the second Rendelsham House (22-24 Sandwych Street, Wentworth NSW) from the roadside only. Constructed in 1882, the dwelling is one of the largest and most impressive in Wentworth. This one was also built by the first Mayor of Wentworth, William Gunn and went on to house some of the town’s most important pioneers.

Stop off at the Wentworth Military Museum (Shop 11 Wentworth Place, 64 Sandwych Street, Wentworth NSW) to take in one of the most advanced self-guided audio tours in the world as you learn about our nation’s military history. This immersive experience is a must see for anyone with a military interest and a love for history in general. There is a 70-minute adult tour and a 30 minute junior tour to cater for all.

Take in a different side of history with a visit to the Old Wentworth Gaol (112 Beverley Street, Wentworth NSW) the oldest of the Australian designed gaols. It was built during 1879-1881 and operated until 1927, and is acknowledged as being in the best original condition of its type. Inside the gaol are the original stocks, whipping stool and rack, and examples of the shackles used to secure the prisoners. Experience gaol life from the inside and take a photo in the prisoner and guard uniforms.

It’s time to delve back into our history at the Wentworth Pioneer Museum (117 Beverley St, Wentworth NSW). Browse through the collection of more than 30,000 artefacts and relics covering all aspects on the history of Wentworth. You’ll also view one of Australia’s biggest photographic collections of river boats and original buildings. Then stroll through the megafauna display based on fossil remains found in the region.

Round out your explorations of the legal system with a look at the Wentworth Court House (74 Darling Street, Wentworth, NSW) which opened in 1880 and is still used for local court sessions. Made from local clay bricks it is a magnificent building that has stood the test of time and provides an excellent example of pioneer architecture and design.

Finish your tour with a chat and a bite to eat at the Crown Hotel Wentworth (52 Darling Street, Wentworth NSW) or the Royal Hotel Wentworth (41 Darling Street, Wentworth NSW).

More information:
Mildura Visitor Information Centre, 180-190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5018 8380. Wentworth Visitor Information Centre, 66 Darling Street, Wentworth NSW. T: 03 5027 5080.

Cover image courtesy of Steve Sass Photography.