Tues, 18th Nov, 2025 Bush camp by River Murray (Thegoa Reserve), Wentworth to Bush camp by Lake Cawndilla, south of Menindee Lakes, NSW (Darling River Run - Pooncarie)

16.7 degree min and overcast. Woke to the sound of a kookaburra laughing.

No wind today and the sun is peeking through the clouds as we went back to Lock 10. Lots of spots for the pelicans to rest. I noticed on the flood sign that the Lock and Weir have been flooded 9 times since 1931, the latest in 2022 which was the highest.

Walked further downstream.

Drove back towards town and down to the park at the Confluence of the Darling and Murray Rivers. Lots of information and the ‘facts’ from my DRR Map.

Selfie time where the Darling River water is flowing into the River Murray which is on the other side of the point. We won’t bother with the walk to Junction Point as we did it in 2016 (see 7 Jan 2016 for photos).

The water must have been a lot lower when Hawdon crossed his cattle here in 1838 (no weirs back then of course).

Climbed up the lookout tower for another selfie. You can see the Darling water on left (looks white) as it merges into the Murray water on right (looks black) though the grey sky doesn’t help show it up in the photo.

A couple of parrots flew down and sat still for a photo.

Back into town then across the Darling River (upstream) to Fotherby Park for a cuppa. 

Lots of good displays here and an old paddlesteamer that we checked out in 2016 (see 7 Jan). Chatted with a couple from Sweden who have had many visits to Australia - they can only get visas for 3 weeks but lovely exploring our country and one day hope to move here when they retire. They had just been to Mungo NP and said that sections were closed off so we will leave that till next visit.

Back over the Darling - view downstream.

Stopped at the Information Centre to check out the road conditions for our drive north along the Darling River. We will do the west side this time and come down the east another time when we come back and do the Mungo NP.

Headed out on the Silver City Highway. The sky is nearly all blue now as we turn onto Pomona Road and head north. Looking at the map I notice the river wiggles along so we only come near to it now and again.

Through the township of Pomona with lots of grape vines growing well with all the river water. The road’s name changes to Lower Darling Road now.

Stopped at a spot where the river comes close to the road. It is actually a backwater - the river is further over. Spotted a carp on the surface then a kingfisher flew nearby.

Next spot where we meet the river again has two big water pumps working to supply the farms with water.

Back into salt bush country.

Around the edge of Outback Almond Farm. The bitumen ends here but the gravel road is quite good.

Passed another almond farm close to the river then we turned away from the river and go onto the High Darling Road. Lots of trees and grey dirt near the river then red soil when you get further away.

Huge fields of grain as we head back towards the river.

We have crossed lots of grids - some not too smooth. Spotted some sheep but there appears to more goats and they are wandering everywhere.

Spotted some emus then a goanna wandered across the road as we near the turn off to head to Pooncarie.

Onto bitumen - more goats, they are everywhere. Crossed a bridge over the Darling River - not a good photo of upstream. Pulled into a spot for lunch with view of a corner in the river.

Continued along the Pooncarie Road and into town which is on the east side of the river. The road to Wentworth is bitumen from here on the east side.

Went for a wander through Bilbarka Park where Burke & Wills made their camp in Sept 1860. The info hut was closed off but I could still take some photos.

Walked through to the river and the site of the Old Wharf and more information. The river is at 3.5m looking at the water level markers and we can see it flowing.

Headed back up the road then onto the main road. Found some lovely murals on the Community Hall. The temperature reading says 30 degrees.

Across the road is the Pooncarie Hotel (Telegraph Hotel, est 1877) with quirky table and chairs.

The Post Office and a long corrugated building but no history info about it.

Topped up the diesel from the General Store (192.9c/l). Drove around the block then back to the bridge to the west side again. 

Passed the turn off of the High Darling Road then continued on Polia Road - unsealed again. Moving away from the river for a while now.

A Rainbow Bee-eater darted out from a tree but we missed it as we continued on the red gravel.

Through more grazing country - haven’t seen any cattle yet, more goats of course. As we cross each grid there is always a sign for cattle and sheep. Passed Polia Station homestead road. We are nearer to the river but no access to it.

Reached another grid and Polia Road ends and we continue on Old Pooncarie Road. Found a track down to the river to have a cuppa. Nice trees on the other side! Amazingly there haven’t been many flies which is wonderful.

Spotted some black-faced sheep as we headed back to the main road then we continued northward. Saw some alive kangaroos for a change - lots of dead ones by the roadside.

Close to the river for a while then we turn away again. The road surface is very good - just the grids you have to watch out for.

Scared a flock of galahs out of a tree as we passed but they all flew away from us.

The new grid hasn’t been put in so I got out to open the gate.

Passed another two grids ready to be put in.

Back close to the river again and we spotted a big flock of sheep. Crossed a little bridge for a deep creek (first one we have seen) that was dry - would flow into the Darling when filled with water.

At last we found some cattle. They are meandering by the road near the river.

Then a roo decided he wanted to cross then he changed his mind and went towards the river then turned back to the road again - really. We had to crawl along till he decided where he was going.

Just as we got going again a nanny goat and her kid darted across the road. Lucky Steve has decided to just go slow - crazy animals.

Looking at the map the Pooncarie Road is just over the river to our right.

Reached a sign before Bindara Station.

We went along the track but it looked like a fence track so we turned back and went through the station gate (Bindara on the Darling Farmstay). Out the other side and back on the road which was the one we were on. Some emus are stuck at the gate further along the fenceline.

We leave the Darling River here and head west to go up to Menindee Lakes. Dry lakes and red sand dunes appear.

Packers Lake appeared as we crested a rise. Close to the water we saw emus and pelicans and then a red kangaroo.

Stopped for a photo.

Across Packers Crossing then the regulator.

Turned right onto Tandou Road heading to Menindee (55km). Across a built-up road between the water and ‘pools’ with frames for pipes. Maybe it was an irrigation system.

Passed Tandou Station road.

Big sand ridge to our left is hiding Lake Tandou which I think is dry.

Blue water in Kangaroo Lake in the distance on our right but I can’t see a road that goes to it.

The sand ridge on our left is still going. Only saw 10 vehicles so far today.

Into the National Park area - more emus and kangaroos. Most wildlife we have seen for a long time.

Lake Cawndilla came into view. It is part of the Menindee Lake system.

Down a track to the water’s edge. We are on the southern point of the lake. There is an inlet frame work here and on the hill behind us a water monitor hut.

Decided this was a nice spot to park for the night and set up camp. Nice to be able to sit outside for drinks - no flies or crazy cold wind. It is very pleasant here with a light breeze blowing across the water.

Terry rang to say he had seen the photos I sent him. He is getting quite tech savy now with his phone and enjoying seeing the photos of us and his great grandchildren.

Watched the birds fly and float and the kangaroos come down for drinks. A few Whistling Kites soaring about us too.

Sent a text to Annalise to see how she is after her bout of pneumonia - all good.

Lovely sunset colours.

I walked up the hill to get the sunset - had to wait till 7.30pm Qld time. Nice colours while I waited.

Wasn’t that good.

Back down to the camper - nicer photos from down here.

Left the windows open for a change but then we were invaded by little bugs when we had the lights on. Turned off the lights and let the bugs go to the light on the TV - all good.