The Darling River Run - From The North

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From The North

The Darling River - Routes

Getting to/from the Darling River Run from north Queensland.

By Car

To visit Australia can mean trying to see as much as possible and if a tour of Queensland and the north is on the list in addition to experiencing Outback NSW, then there are some great ways to drive from Queensland to NSW. The inland routes are great ways to experience some iconic outback towns and characters.

Getting from North Queensland to the Darling River provides a great journey and continuing along the Darling River Run all the way to Wentworth is a real Australian adventure.

Driving Directions from Cairns
(Google Map)

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Cairns to Bourke
Kennedy Highway > Landsborough Highway > Mitchell Highway

Distance: 1,821 km - about 22 hours 8 mins (Est)

This inland route is an adventure within itself taking in some great inland Queensland country including the Undara Volcanic National Park and some iconic towns like Winton (The Waltzing Matilda Centre), Longreach (The Stockman's Hall of Fame), Barcaldine, Charleville, Cunnamulla , across the NSW/QLD border to join The Kidman Way to Bourke.

Mackay to Walgett
Peak Downs Highway > Gregory Highway > Carnarvon Highway > Gwydir Highway

Distance: 1,257 km - about 15 hours 18 mins (Est)

Leaving the coast at Mackay, the Peak Downs Highway travels southeast to Clermont and then the Gregory Highway crosses the Capricorn Highway at iconic Emerald. (If you are interested in see the world's largest Van Gough painting, be sure to visit Emerald). Roma and St George are reached via the Carnarvon Highway then join up with the Castlereagh Highway to Goodooga and on to Walgett.

Rockhampton to Bourke
Leichhardt Highway > Carnarvon Highway > Balonne Highway > Mitchell Highway

Distance: 935 km - about 11 hours 24 mins (Est)

If you wish to travel from Rockhampton to Outback NSW, or wish to visit Rockhampton after touring Outback NSW (and The Darling River Run) the inland drive will certainly take you off the beaten track in parts and take you through some iconic Queensland country. The trip will allow you to experience towns like Biloela, Miles, Roma, and St George. From St George the Castlereagh Highway will cross the border near Hebel and continue through the Opal fields of NSW - perfect to visit Lightning Ridge which is just off the highway about 60kms from the NSW-QLD border.

By Train:

By Plane:

Country Link operate train/coach services to several Outback NSW centres.

To find out more, please refer to CountryLink listed below.

Regional Express operate flights from Melbourne to Mildura.

To find out more REX

Accommodation Partners

Outback Beds

Staying with the Outback Beds network allows you to experience working sheep and cattle stations, bush pubs, log cabins, living underground, Bed and Breakfasts, a little luxury and tranquil river campsites.... even camel campouts. It's a true-blue outback adventure.

Trilby Station

Gary and Liz Murray from Trilby Station, a 200,000 acres sheep and cattle property on the banks of the Darling River in Outback NSW, invite visitors from around the world to come and taste their unique lifestyle. Trilby Station offers accommodation in the renovated Stockman’s Cottages & Shearer’s Bunkhouse. There’s also powered caravan sites with amenities and secluded Darling River camp spots. Guests can self cater or enjoy a range of delicious Australian country-style meals such as Liz’s farmyard breakfasts, stockman’s lunches and two or three course dinners served to your accommodation.

Turlee Station

Turlee Station is a working sheep and wheat station located adjacent to Mungo National Park in outback NSW. Situated within the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, Turlee is a great place to experience outback station culture whilst exploring the national park. Accommodation options include camping, shearer’s quarters as well as a self contained cottage. Tag-along tours, sheep shearing and sheep dog working demonstrations as well as a self guided drive tour are all available at Turlee. We pride ourselves in our one-on-one interaction with guests and aim to provide our guests with a memorable experience of outback Australia!

Travel Partners

CountryLink

Our XPT and Xplorer trains provide a safe, comfortable and relaxing way to travel while sitting back in air-conditioned comfort watching the magnificent Australian landscape roll by. Our trains connect with the largest network of coaches in Australia to service almost every corner of NSW and beyond..

Kea Campers

Treat yourself to the holiday of a lifetime with Australia's premier campervan and motorhome rental company. KEA Campers enjoys an unrivalled reputation for quality, innovative vehicle design and fit-out and outstanding customer service. All our rental vehicles are less than two and a half years old - making our rental fleet the youngest in Australia. Our experienced and friendly staff will ensure your motorhome, campervan or 4WD holiday is relaxing, simple to book and exceeds your expectations. We have nine depots conveniently located around Australia.

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