River Run

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DAY 1 - Friday 16 May

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 (overnight Matthew Flinders Motel - 440km; 1km easy walk)

DAY 2 - Saturday 17 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 - Sunday 18 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 Bourke (next 2 nights at Riverside Motel - 320km; 1km easy walking)

DAY 4 - Monday 19 May

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

DAY 5 - Tuesday 20 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 - Wednesday 21 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 - Thursday 22 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 - Friday 23 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 at Mungo Lodge - 230km, some easy walking)

DAY 9 - Saturday 24 May

A relaxed morning at Mungo before continuing on to the historic river port town of Wentworth for lunch. Wentworth is at the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers and it was an important centre in the riverboat era. Exploring this historic town will include lunch and a tour on the Murray Darling junction onboard a restored paddlesteamer (overnight Central Motor Inn, Wentworth)

DAY 10 - Sunday 25 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 at Flag Nirebo - 390km)

DAY 11 - Monday 26 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 have 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 – 120kms long}) on our way to Lake Hume (overnight Lake Hume Resort - 315km)

DAY 12 - Tuesday 27 May

Leaving the Hume Resort we follow the Murray River Valley through to Jingellic, Walwa and on to Paddys Falls for lunch. Over the mountains through Tumbarumba and Batlow, stopping at Adelong to explore the old gold mine workings and have a cuppa before reaching our overnight stay in Gundagai. Time to wander this historic town, which also has a paddlesteamer history (overnight Poets Recall Motel - 300km)

DAY 14 - Wednesday 28 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)

Includes travel, twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities, all meals and comprehensive notes..