To the Murrumbidgee River, New South Wales

Today we continued another 238km south, stopping in Hillston and Griffiths before finding a spot along the Murrumbidgee River near Darlington Point.

We are up as the sun rises and off in the road fairly early. Our first stop is in Hillston, 94km away. Even tho it’s is a relatively small town, it is the largest in the Carrathool Shire.  Situated on the Lachlan River it provides services for the surrounding wheat and wool district. The red and fertile soils, combined with access to a high quality artesian basin has resulted in extensive cotton growing, fruit and vegetable cultivation and vineyards in the surrounding area.

Canola fields..Lovely and bright

First blossoms for us

After our walk we set off for another 110km drive to Griffiths. This town emerged out of the construction of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) in the early years of the twentieth century. The irrigation channels, and the regular supply of water through the hot summer months, have made the area surrounding the town a major producer of rice, citrus fruits (valencia oranges are the largest crop), stone fruits, vegetables, wheat, cotton, sheep, wool, eggs and canola. As we drive in and out town we pass many these productive fields. 

Lots of sheep at the sale yard

Vineyards

Citrus trees

Ready for the cotton

Art deco buildings

Having previously visited the area, we were keen to continue and find a quiet spot to camp on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River near Darlington Point just another 36km south. In the afternoon we were treated to a storm and some rain which we haven’t experienced since early June.. 3 months ago!

238km today

As you may have guessed we are heading towards home, but only for a quick pit stop before we take off again to join our daughter and her family for a camping holiday on Phillip Island.