State: New South Wales
Operator: Australian Eco Adventures
Minimum Price: AUD $ 3,325

The Darling River is essential Australia.. the cultural and historical heritage of the people, the riverboat trade and station life is revealed at every turn. This is an unforgettable trip travelling alongside the river..an experience to be remembered

From Sydney we travel north to the Hunter Valley following back roads to Denman, Cassilis and onto Coolah Tops where we can enjoy spectacular views and a walk before heading off to our overnight stay at Coonabarabran. (Matthew Flinders Motel)

440km; 1km easy walk

DAY 2 Friday 05 May

An early start will have us among the wildlife and peaks of the Warrumbungles with time for some short walks to absorb the magic of this unique environment. After an early lunch we head west to the Macquarie Marshes via Coonamble and Quambone. Time to stop and observe the birdlife before we reach our overnight stay.

(Overnight Cypress Motel, Coonamble) 200km; 2km easy / medium walking.

DAY 3 Saturday 06 May

From the Macquarie Marshes we head across black soil country towards Gongolgon and Brewarrina. This is mostly unfenced saltbush country with many billabongs and often lots of wildlife. Travelling through Brewarrina we stop for a tour of the famous fish traps on the Barwon River. We then continue on to the Riverside Motel at Bourke for the next 2 nights. 320km; 1km easy walking.

DAY 4 Sunday 07 May

After some early morning bird watching (for those who are keen) we spend the day exploring Bourke and surrounds.

(Overnight at Riverside Motel.) 90km

DAY 5 Monday 08 May

A chance to explore Gunderbooka National Park today with its Aboriginal history and an unusual sunset experience and story at Louth on the way to Trilby Station where we spend the night. (overnight Trilby Station) 160km

DAY 6 Tuesday 09 May

Our route continues down the Darling via the small settlement of Tilpa to Wilcannia with its magnificent sandstone buildings. From Wilcannia we continue downstream to Menindee (next two nights Burke and Wills Motel, dinners at the historic Maidens Hotel) 345km

DAY 7 Wednesday 10 May

Today is spent in the Menindee area. Within Kinchega National Park we visit the historic woolshed and travel some of the internal tracks on the Darling flood plain and around the Menindee Lakes system to experience the differing environments. We also visit some of the wetlands of the Menindee Lakes system, which are rich in birdlife. 80km, some easy, short walks.

DAY 8 Thursday 11 May

Leaving Menindee, we follow the west side of the Darling meandering through the River Red Gum forests eventually crossing the river near the old port town of Pooncarie. We then access Mungo National Park via Garnpung Lake and homestead. The World Heritage listing of Mungo National Park indicates its importance and interest. Time to absorb the special atmosphere and have a sunset cup of tea (or something stronger) at the famous “Walls of China” (Overnight: Mungo Lodge). 230 km, some easy walking.

DAY 9 Friday 12 May

A relaxed morning at Mungo before departing for Mildura. We will spend some time at the excellent interpretive/information centre at Mildura and from here we will join with a local guide for an historic town tour before boarding the paddleboat Coonawarra. After following the history of the paddlesteamers on the Darling River, the experience of actually dining, sleeping and breakfasting on one of these restored vessels should be a highlight of our trip.

(Overnight on board the PB Coonawarra)

DAY 10 Saturday 13 May

Mid morning we return to Mildura and enjoy some free time before an afternoon of activities including a visit to the botanical gardens. This evening we stay overnight at the Grand Hotel enjoying a meal under the direction of the famous Stefano de Pieri . (Mildura Grand Hotel).

DAY 11 Sunday 14 May

Continuing our exploration of the Murray/Darling river systems we follow the Murray as it winds its way through Hattah-Kulkyne national Park to Swan Hill – lunch alongside the river and then on to the huge wetland area of the Kerry Lakes system. Time for some bird watching and a visit to Kow Swamp – another important archaeological site contrasting markedly with Mungo National Park. Our overnight stay tonight is at Echuca – once the biggest inland port in Australia and home to the only brothel in Australia classified by the National Trust. (Overnight Flag Nirebo Echuca) 390 km

DAY 12 Monday 15 May

Time this morning to explore the beautiful River Red gum forests near Echuca. Barmah Forest is the largest red gum forest in Australia and the surrounding wetlands had international significance. Benita will give us an informative tour aboard the MV Kingfisher – a great way to experience these forests We continue along the Murray through Cobram to Mulwala Lake (site of Australia’s first irrigation canal {1937 – 120 kms long}) on our way to historic Beechworth via Rutherglen and Chiltern.

(Overnight Carriage Motor Inn) 315 km

DAY 13 Tuesday 16 May

From Beechworth our route takes us through Yackandandah then we travel alongside the Hume Weir once again following the Murray to Jingellic on the NSW/VIC border. Crossing into NSW we leave the Murray to climb over the mountains through Batlow and on to our overnight stay in Gundagai (overnight Poets Recall Motel). 300km

DAY 14 Wednesday 17 May

Our run home will take us through Gunning and then via Tallong and Bundanoon along the scenic route through the Southern Highlands to Sydney. 350km 

Notes:

Tour Code: A05
Special Departure Dates: 04 - 17 May 2006
Trip Duration: 14 days
Departs from: Sydney
Tour Ends: Sydney
Departure Time: 7.30 am
Return Time: 5.30 p.m
All Prices: $3325.00 pp twin $465.00 single supplement