Australia Outback NSW Darling River

Travelled: 185km Mildura - Wentworth

 Stay: Wentworth - bush camp on the Murray River (-34.110811, 141.895342)

On our way to Mildura we once again drove past huge plantations.

 After Robinvale we crossed the Murray and drove in NSW. 

In Mildura we topped up on food and fuel and even managed to have a hot shower.

 We continued in to Wentworth (been here a few times). In its day it was a very busy port as the Darling River joins in with the Murray. 

The first Australian designed jail.

Captain Egge immigrated from China and became a prominent business man and river boat captain...in the back ground is PS Ruby..

Of course we had to visit the junction of these 2 mighty rivers (last time in was flooded).

Darling River finally flowing after 2 years ...

An Aussie Tower..made of steel.

 After a quick drive around town we found a spot once again on the Murray and called it a day.

There hasn’t been too many boats on the water..

Travelled: 125km to Pooncarie

Stay: Pooncarie free camping on the Darling River (-33.391937, 142.570271)

On our way out of our camp site this morning we stopped off at Lock 10 and learned a few more facts about the river and area (check out the photos). 

We snuck into the bakery for a cheeky pie for BF and milk and bread. Then we walked on the island to the point of the river junction and saw a big kangaroo (took off before a photo could be taken). Luckily it’s not snake season as we went through the high cumbungi. 

We then stop off at the park where PS Ruby is moored and have a look at some local history. 

PS Ruby

A fellow who lived off grid for 54 years just out of town known as Possum

This is one of the very reliable tractor that helped during the floods ... they gave a tractor rally every 5 years.

Log cabin of yester year..

Remnants of the work tools used..

Now it’s time to continue our journey North following the Darling River to Pooncarie. The road is bitumen and there are a few quirky trees along the way. 

We were amazed to see such large ploughed  fields Amongst the dry bush land 

Couldn’t find one that fit...

Outback humour

Boots tree..

Another way of making rubbish look good?!

We have a cuppa at the bridge over the river near Pooncarie and then head into town.

Some of the beautiful birds around here.

 The camp ground was too busy for us so we head back to a spot on the river just before the town. After lunch we walk back to the pub and enjoy a beer with a few locals and blow ins like us. We get to hear how they copped with the river dried up and how they had to move the fish to larger ponds. They have been surprised how quickly the river has recovered since it started  flowing again in May after 2 years.

Water must have receded quickly...

Quirky country pub

 We manage to cook our turkey roast for dinner before the rain started.

Nothing like relaxing out in the bush..