Darling River Run: The Darling River, Australia's longest, runs 2,740km through Outback NSW. Part of the Murray-Darling basin, the Darling River system is fed primarily from the summer rains of southern Queensland and makes its journey south-west across the state via Bourke, Wilcannia and Menindee to Wentworth where it joins the mighty Murray River. The two rivers continue their journey (as the Murray River) to Lake Alexandrina and into the Great Australian Bight.

The 'Run' starts at Walgett and follows the course of the Barwon River past Brewarrina onto its junction with the Bogan and together they flow, as the Darling River to Bourke, Louth, Tilpa, Wilcannia, Menindee, Pooncarie and then on to the confluence with the mighty Murray River at Wentworth.

The River Run is not simply a Point A to Point B drive but as the river forms the 'spine' of Outback NSW, the journey provides the perfect tour to not only experience the river and the towns along its course but also enables the traveller to experience the best of Outback NSW via the many side trips on offer that allows the visitor to access the surrounding area.

Unique towns (Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs), wonderful National Parks (Paroo-Darling, Gundabooka, Mutawintji, Kinchega, and Mungo), the remote Corner Country (Milparinka, Tibooburra and the magnificent Sturt National Park), and not forgetting the jewel of western NSW, Broken Hill.

Walgett < > Brewarrina:

East Route: 133 kms (Sealed Road)

The first downstream sector of Run follows The Kamilaroi Highway along the the Barwon River before crossing the river just before Brewarrina.

Brewarrina < > Bourke:

East Route: 97km (Sealed Road) West Route: 125km (Gravel Road)

The Brewarrina to Bourke section of is an easy drive along the Kamilaroi Highway with not much access to the river. There is an alternate route via the Culgoa River which follows its path down to where it meets the Darling River. (Images of Bourke)

Bourke < > Louth:

East Route: 99km (Mostly gravel Road) West Route: 125km (Gravel Road)

Travelling from Bourke to Louth is normally via the Bourke Wilcannia rd on the east of the river past Gundabooka NP. An alternative route is possible on the west as it passes through some wonderful red soil country and across the Warrego River. (Images of the Darling River at Bourke)

Louth < > Tilpa:

East Route: 92 kms (Gravel Road) West Route: 89 km (Gravel Road)

The Louth to Tilpa section of along the Darling is one of the best with 2 great options; the east route provides some great access to the river along the way while the western route passes some great historic properties like Trilby Station, Idalia Station and Kallara Station. (all providing camping and farm stay facilities)

Tilpa < > Wilcannia:

East Route: 145 km (Gravel Road) West Route: 129 km (Gravel Road)

With the choice of an eastern and western route, the Tilpa-Wilcannia section of The Darling River Run passes though some wonder country of the Central Darling. The eastern route passes though the Paroo-Darling National Park (and the wonderful Wilga camping site) while the western route tracks through the Paroo-Darling conservation area.

Wilcannia < > Menindee:

East Route: 154 km (Gravel Road) West Route: 151 km (Gravel Road)

The Wilcannia-Menindee section of River Run has a western and eastern route. The western route travels to the north west of Lake Pamamaroo while the east route passes to the south of Lake Tundure.

Menindee < > Pooncarie:

East Route: 125 km (Gravel Road) West Route: 184 km (Gravel Road)

The Menindee-Pooncarie section of The Darling River Run can be undertaken via west of the Darling River (through Kinchega NP) or the eastern side which which is the mre direct route.

Pooncarie <> Wentworth:

East Route: 120 km (Gravel Road) West Route: 127 km (Gravel Road)

This section of the run can be undertaken via the east of the Darling River (which will enables you to visit Lake Mungo and the Mungo National Park) or the western side which affords more access to the river.