Drives & Touring - Central Darling

With Broken Hill as a base, the world is your oyster. Just to the north is the very moving Mutawitji National Park and its historic site (a must see). That is a trip in itself or for added excitement, a loop that takes in the Opal Fields at White Cliffs and then down to Wilcannia for a return along the Barrier Highway.

A larger loop incorporates Menindee Lakes, Pooncarie, and Wentworth where the Darling meets the Murray River. This route also provides an option to visit the famous Lake Mungo and the Willandra World Heritage area.

Broken Hill <> Menindee <> Kinchega NP <> Pooncarie <> Wentworth:

This drive leads you through Broken Hill and on to a grand tour of the lower Darling, taking in Wentworth, the township and lake of Menindee, Kinchega National Park and Pooncarie. Take a side trip to Mungo National Park. The main centre of outback NSW, Broken Hill, has many great attractions, cafes, restaurants, galleries, fascinating architecture, and rich outback history and a variety of accommodation.

The magnificent Menindee Lake is a great attraction for visitors and for local bird and animal life. Camp a night at Kinchega then from Menindee, rejoin the Darling River Run with either Wilcannia upstream or the historic Pooncarie downstream. Both townships are on the Darling River and have a fascinating history like most towns on rivers. From Pooncarie, it is either a straight drive down to Wentworth or the road via Lake Mungo.

Broken Hill <> Wentworth:

• Distance = 268 km - about 3 hours
• Route: Silver City Highway (Sealed)

Broken Hill <>Menindee:

• Distance = 130 km - about 1 hr 30 mins
• Route = Menindee Rd (Sealed)

Broken Hill <> Mutawintji NP:

A wonderful drive from Broken Hill northward along the Silver City Highway (about 55km) then eastward (gravel road) to Mutawintji NP; an extremely special place for the living culture and spirituality of Indigenous Australians. The historic site has an extensive history as an Aboriginal ceremonial site relevant to many indigenous groups from the immediate and surrounding country. ** NOTE: Part of this tour is on dry-weather roads.**

Broken Hill <> Mutawintji NP:

• Distance = 136km
• Route: Silver City Highway <> White Cliffs Road

Broken Hill <> Mutawintji NP <> White Cliffs <> Wilcannia:

If in the area and wanting to see both Mutawintji NP and White Cliffs, but not wanting to double back, there is a great loop that incorporates both. Part if this is on 'dry weather only roads' so check conditions before setting off. The link between Mutawintji and White Cliffs is unsealed but the White Cliffs to Wilcannia road is sealed all the way.

This is a fabulous journey and lets you experience some of the natural beauty of this rugged country.

Broken Hill < > Mutawintji NP < > White Cliffs:

• Distance = 275km - about 4 hrs 15 mins
• Route: Silver City Highway <> White Cliffs Road