Darling River 2024

A solo kayak trip down the Darling River starting at Brewarrina NSW and finishing at Renmark SA (if I have the energy) or Wentworth (if I don't). The journey is about 1900 kms and should take about +/- 9 weeks. Leggi altro

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Inizio del viaggio
8 febbraio 2024
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Giorno 2
venerdì 9 febbraio 2024 16:21
☁️ 33 °C
Altitudine: 112 m
Australia Brewarrina -29.947901, 146.7438429°56’52” S 146°44’38” E
Day 1
9 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C
Hi All,
Another year, another river trip! This time the Darling River in outback NSW.
Arrived in Brewarrina this morning after a long 2 day drive through Broken Hill and Cobar. A big big thankyou to co-pilots Claire and Will in getting me up here and helping me set off.
The river is flowing at about 2000 ML/d which is great considering it has only been around 300 the last few months. Sounds a lot, but not as much as the 5000 the Murrumbidgee typically has and the 10000 the Murray typically has (and up to 150000 in flood).
Brewarrina has the Aboriginal fish traps which are an arrangement of large rocks in the river bed to trap fish. At 30,000 years old they are the oldest recorded man made structures on earth. We couldn't see them unfortunately as they were underwater with the high river flow.
I am on the Barwon River at the moment. It becomes the Darling at the confluence with theCulgoa River down near Bourke. It is only about 30 metres wide but mercifully free of big snags so far.
Goats, pigs, cattle, sheep, emus and alpacas all seen on the riverbanks. No humans!
MarkLeggi altro
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ViaggiatoreNice start - Mark - all that live stock r saying ‘did u see that one human’ !!!!
10/02/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 2
venerdì 9 febbraio 2024 16:23
☁️ 34 °C
Altitudine: 111 m
Australia Brewarrina -29.925919, 146.72829129°55’33” S 146°43’42” E
Day 1
9 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 34 °C
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Giorno 3
sabato 10 febbraio 2024 16:23
☀️ 36 °C
Altitudine: 108 m
Australia Brewarrina -29.952949, 146.64665129°57’11” S 146°38’48” E
Day 2
10 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C
Not so hot last night which was a relief. Everything going OK so far except breaking the strap on my new All Terrain crocs while trying to extricate myself from glutinous mud, and major leakage of Tiger Balm into my drybag!Leggi altro
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ViaggiatoreLove the photo of the goat looking 👀 between the division in the tree trunk
13/02/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 3
sabato 10 febbraio 2024 18:28
☀️ 34 °C
Altitudine: 116 m
Australia Brewarrina -29.955738, 146.59014929°57’21” S 146°35’25” E
Day 2
10 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C
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Giorno 6
martedì 13 febbraio 2024 17:30
☀️ 31 °C
Altitudine: 99 m
Australia Darling Shire -29.98265, 146.02969129°58’58” S 146°1’47” E
Day 3 - 5
13 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
Distance to Wentworth 1497 kms
Next town: Bourke

All going well so far although I am still getting back into the rhythm of kayaking and camping. Paddling about 5 to 6 hours a day, covering 30 - 35 kms which is pretty exhausting given the minimal amount of training I did.
Passed the junction with the Culgoa River yesterday which makes the end of the Barwon and the start of the Darling. Still super quiet on the river. Saw my first human this afternoon on Day 5, and quite minimal signs of development apart from the odd shanty, windmill or pump.
Very hot out on the river even the the maximum temperature is low to mid 30's. I think it is a combination of the high humidity and sitting in the sun all day. I stop every hour or two and sit in the river for 10 minutes which helps.
A major electrical storm last night with lightning, heavy rain and lashing winds. Quite a different experience when you’re inside a 1 man tent!
Looking forward to Bourke tomorrow and devouring a pizza and cold beer!
MarkLeggi altro
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ViaggiatoreBit late to the party- off to a good start- pity about the malfunction with the crocs! Hope you have a spare. Love your photos and reading your commentary. Good luck for your current adventure. Xx Breda
13/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreThanks Breda. Bought a pair of Crocs knockoffs at the Bourke Pharmacy for $25 and they are way superior. Lesson learnt!
14/02/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 7
mercoledì 14 febbraio 2024 16:32
☀️ 35 °C
Altitudine: 104 m
Australia Bourke -30.087175, 145.89474630°5’14” S 145°53’41” E
Day 6
14 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C
1459 kms to Wentworth
Next town Louth

Made it into Bourke after a long paddle into a headwind. I was planning on having a rest day here but I have reprovisioned and discovered all the towns charms so I will move on.
Fred Hollows' grave would have been interesting if the cemetery wasn't so far out of town. Although he was born in NZ he said he wanted to be buried under a coolibah tree in Bourke and apparently he was.
Carrying enough water was problematic on my other two trips. I now get a bucket of river water, stir in half a teaspoon of alum, leave it overnight and the next morning the water is perfectly clear with all the sludge at the bottom. I then syphon off the clear water into my Grayl Geopress filter and it is ready to drink. It has a slight mineral taste to it but otherwise not much different to tap water. Works really well.
Camping at Bourke weir tonight. Could be a pretty spot but unfortunately strewn with broken glass, litter and carp carcases!
MarkLeggi altro
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ViaggiatoreHey Mark. How was the pizza and beer at Bourke. Sounds like a long way between drinks up there. Keep it up.
14/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreHey Scott. I had a pint of Balter XPA that went down like a fat kid on a see-saw (hope that isn't politically incorrect??). I have a small supply of home made gin on board for the occasional tipple between towns.
14/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreFinally realised Penguins is up so great to read about the first five days. Do you have gaffer tape to fix your crocs? Rather you than me in that heat ( and in the kayak)!!
14/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreHi Michele. Had to buy some new Croc lookalikes and they are actually far superior. The heat is really challenging and may have had so.e minor hea
14/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreHey Scott. I had a pint of Balter XPA that went down like a fat kid on asee-saw (hope that isn't o
14/02/24RispostaTradurre
Viaggiatore...minor sunstroke so planning to start earlier 7am not 9am and rest longer in the middle of the day.
14/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreRealise now that replies are limited to 100 characters!!!
14/02/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 8
giovedì 15 febbraio 2024 17:21
☁️ 32 °C
Altitudine: 94 m
Australia Ram Paddock Island -30.183479, 145.76601230°11’1” S 145°45’58” E
1 1
Day 7
15 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C
1429 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Louth

Had to portage around the weir this morning, and another weir coming up tomorrow. Exhausting!
I am amazed that the weir had no warning signs or line of yellow "danger" buoys. It was also positioned just around a corner, so if you were in a power boat travelling at speed, or even in a kayak and not paying attention, you would go straight over it. If you didn't drown you would most likely lose your boat.
Jimmy the Wog (as he introduced himself) came past on his mountain bike. Lived in Bourke for over 50 years after emigrating from Italy. Quite a talker and philosopher. Married to a beautiful woman 25 years his junior (no details given) and proclaimed himself the fittest 77 year old in Australia. Said he was heading down the track for a ride and always has a few beers and a couple of cigarettes at the half way point (this is at 7.30 in the morning!). He gave me a couple of insect repellent sticks out of his backpack after watching me swatting flies. A nice bloke. Easy to pre-judge people. Photo attached.
Lots of rain this afternoon so thankfully much cooler.
MarkLeggi altro
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ViaggiatoreNice photos Mark. Looks like some good scenery around there. And Jimmy🤣🤣.
16/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreHi Mark, A belated 'Bon Voyage'! Some of the aerial Google imaging is so good we could almost be there!
16/02/24RispostaTradurre
Viaggiatore Looks pretty nice - bit far to travel from Adelaide
17/02/24RispostaTradurre
Viaggiatore Cool chair!
17/02/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 9
venerdì 16 febbraio 2024 19:38
☀️ 32 °C
Altitudine: 90 m
Australia Dead Horse Creek -30.264698, 145.61655830°15’53” S 145°36’60” E
2
Day 8
16 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
1389 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Louth

A long day, with another portage around a weir which took a couple of hours, then hard to find a campsite until a suboptimal one came up about 6.30pm.
A massive electrical storm last night which scared the wits out of me, with some lightning strikes seeming to be less than 200m away. Storms are great spectacles when you’re on the back verandah but not so good in a tent in the middle of nowhere!
Lost my combination cutlery utensil somehow, but still had a teaspoon which I use for the alum, so able to eat my 2 minute noodles and tinned tuna, but no knife now, so the start of fishing will have to wait a bit. Otherwise all going well. Feel a bit of paddle fitness coming back which is great.
MarkLeggi altro
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Viaggiatore Yes Australian darters or sometimes called snake bird. Thanks to Pizzetti and Knight bird app!
17/02/24RispostaTradurre
Viaggiatore that is Pizzey not Pizzetti!
17/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreOne of yesterday’s brainwaves questions was where do the Darling and the Murray meet - we go it right due to your trip so thanks!
17/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreYes, they look like a snake when they swim, with just there head and long neck above water.
19/02/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 10
sabato 17 febbraio 2024 17:02
☀️ 36 °C
Altitudine: 94 m
Australia Darling Shire -30.383667, 145.54007830°23’1” S 145°32’24” E
1 1
Day 9
17 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C
1355 kms to Wentworth
Next town Louth

Still very quiet up here. I thought there might be the odd fisherman or two in a tinny, but not yet. Haven't seen a single person except in Bourke.
Only a few pigs and a couple of kangaroos today. Seems like the properties along the river here don't have goats, cattle or sheep.
Forecast to be in the high 30's for the next few days so I’m going to try and be on the water earlier than the usual 9am.
Hope the Fringe is as good as ever for you lot in Adelaide!
MarkLeggi altro
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Viaggiatore Why is it there do you think? You wouldn’t want to be looking down!
17/02/24RispostaTradurre
Viaggiatore Quite varied river banks.
17/02/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 11
domenica 18 febbraio 2024 17:11
⛅ 37 °C
Altitudine: 104 m
Australia Bourke -30.420974, 145.33396830°25’16” S 145°20’2” E
Day 10
18 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 37 °C
1316 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Louth
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Hi Mark, I have loved reading about your paddling adventure, it’s a very interesting read. Love the photos too. Back here in the big smoke I am enjoying the fringe, walks along the river and my garden. Claire, Joanna and I had a lovely catch up and saw a Night without Kate Bush which we all enjoyed. Rob is in Tasmania with Vanessa enjoying his sailing.? He will be there for 6 weeks. Stay safe and happy paddling. Hope you can enjoy a pub meal and cold beer soon. Lv Elizabeth and Rob x [Elizabeth]
26/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreHi Elizabeth. Thanks for the encouragement. Hope you're well and the temperature is a bit lower than the 45 degrees up here at the moment! Regards to Rob when you speak to him next.
27/02/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 12
lunedì 19 febbraio 2024 19:19
⛅ 35 °C
Altitudine: 88 m
Australia Bourke -30.637569, 144.93933230°38’15” S 144°56’22” E
1
Day 11
19 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 35 °C
1285 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Louth

Still very hot and still very quiet. Haven't seen anyone else on the river in nearly 400kms of paddling. Definitely have the river to myself!
Another exhausting 2 hour portage around the Louth weir this morning. Thank goodness the kayak is very robust, having to pull it up the riverbank with a rope. Even still, it has a few battle scars underneath.
Been seeing more and more algae. Not surprising I suppose given the warm water (about 30 degrees), the slow moving current and all the animals along the banks. Interestingly there has been no sign of it for the first 10kms or so downstream of the weir. Increased oxygen levels from the water cascading over the weir maybe. Anyway, I am careful not to take water out of the river for drinking if there is any sign of it.
Saw a few pigs, goats and roos, but also 3 or 4 tortoises (turtles??). They sit on fallen tees just above the surface, then plop into the water when they see you (or maybe hear you). They then just poke their head up to watch you as you go past.
Shindys Inn at Louth tomorrow where I'm going to murder a cold beer. Totally had enough of warm cordial!
MarkLeggi altro
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Viaggiatore That really looks very difficult. How many weirs to go?
20/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreOnly three that I know of. Tilpa, Wilcannia and Menindee. I am going to email NSW Water with some suggestions!
24/02/24RispostaTradurre
That tree with exposed roots is amazing - it must have deep and well-anchored roots! [Eileen]
26/02/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 13
martedì 20 febbraio 2024 17:12
☁️ 36 °C
Altitudine: 101 m
Australia Louth -30.539884, 145.11878930°32’24” S 145°7’8” E
3 1
Day 12
20 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 36 °C
1254 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Tilpa

Made it into Louth for a late lunch at Shindys Inn, a small one room hotel which is the centrepiece of Louth (population 43). It is owned and run by Kathy who has lived in the area all her life and runs the pub by herself. Had some nice fish and chips and Tooheys Old both of which went down well. Was going to stay in Louth tonight but the few potential campsites were strewn with dead carp and broken glass so I have moved down river a bit.
Another weir tomorrow. Groan...
Saw my first other boat on the river today. A couple of blokes in a tinny.
MarkLeggi altro
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Viaggiatore UFO?!
20/02/24Risposta
Viaggiatore However do you get around that? It looks like it goes across the whole river.
20/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreIt was just a matter of weaving and ducking. Luckily the river flow is slow. That makes it easier.
24/02/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 14–17
21 febbraio 2024 17:28 - 24 febbraio 2024
3 notti
☁️ 34 °C
Altitudine: 85 m
Australia Bourke -30.662958, 144.91294830°39’47” S 144°54’47” E
1 1
Day 13
21–24 feb 2024, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 34 °C
1216 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Tilpa

Cloudy and a bit cooler today which made the portage around the downstream Louth weir a bit more bearable, but still a 2 hour slog.
I think there are 7 weirs altogether, so 4 down and 3 to go.
Passed Dunlop and Tilby Stations today, both of which were major wool producers in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Unfortunately the river level is 6 or 8 metres below the surrounding countryside so you can't see much.
Algae levels a bit less than the last few days which is good, but still present as a green sheen here and there. No dead fish which is a good sign.
MarkLeggi altro
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Viaggiatore Why? Are they using it for cattle?
25/02/24RispostaTradurre
Viaggiatore 😂
25/02/24Risposta
ViaggiatoreThe weirs don’t look like a big drop but obviously too steep or shallow for you to go through?
25/02/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 15
giovedì 22 febbraio 2024 19:05
⛅ 27 °C
Altitudine: 39 m
Australia Flinders Street railway station -37.8159, 144.966937°48’57” S 144°58’1” E
1
Day 14
22 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
1173 ks to Wentworth
Next town: Tilpa

A nice long, but pleasant day on a very scenic section of the river.
Slightly sore finger joints as I had experienced on the other trips, otherwise all good.
MarkLeggi altro
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It IS lovely scenery, and those trees are magnificent. [Eileen]
26/02/24RispostaTradurre
Hi Mark, enjoying your blog. What a contrast here. Bare river bank and birds. [Kong]
01/03/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 16
venerdì 23 febbraio 2024 17:48
🌬 33 °C
Altitudine: 89 m
Australia Bourke -30.899326, 144.63555930°53’58” S 144°38’8” E
1 1
Day 15
23 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ 🌬 33 °C
1135 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Tilpa

The easterly tailwind has gone and is now a south westerly headwind which has made for slow progress. Hoping to get to Tilpa on Saturday but now it's looking like Sunday. Hoping the Tilpa Hotel is going to be open as I've read it is one of the last true bush pubs in Australia.
No internet in the last few days. I didn't think I would miss it, but it’s not until you don't have it that you realise just how much you rely on it!
MarkLeggi altro
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Viaggiatore Ha ha!!!
25/02/24Risposta
Viaggiatore Yes that’s lovely and the river looks very pleasant . Are these goats farmed or wild do you think?
25/02/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 17
sabato 24 febbraio 2024 20:06
🌙 28 °C
Altitudine: 89 m
Australia Tilpa -30.931317, 144.41831330°55’53” S 144°25’6” E
1
Day 16
24 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ 🌙 28 °C
1093 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Wilcannia

A big day to get to Tilpa, with 7 hours paddling, 2 hours portaging around the Tilpa weir and 2 hours due diligence at the Tilpa Hotel. Found a camp site at about 7.30pm. Phew!
Tilpa is a tiny settlement on the Darling, and the Tilpa Hotel was terrific. No airs or graces, full of friendly locals and lots of history everywhere you look.
Onwards towards Wilcannia tomorrow. About one third the way to Wentworth.
Glad to get some internet here and catch up on what's happening in the world.
Hope all is well back in the civilisation.
MarkLeggi altro
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Viaggiatore That’s made me laugh!!!
25/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreNot much else allowed at Tilpa other than drinking at the pub!! Tank top and things warmly embraced!!
25/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreYep. Tank tops and thongs are de rigeur up here. I feel totally at home!
27/02/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 18
domenica 25 febbraio 2024 16:52
☀️ 35 °C
Altitudine: 84 m
Australia Central Darling -31.081642, 144.33019631°4’54” S 144°19’49” E
Day 17
25 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C
1060 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Wilcannia
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Giorno 19
lunedì 26 febbraio 2024 16:25
☀️ 37 °C
Altitudine: 85 m
Australia Central Darling -31.170744, 144.08700631°10’15” S 144°5’13” E
2 2 1
Day 18
26 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C
1022 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Wilcannia

A nice relaxed days paddling despite the warm conditions. Tilpa is forecast to be 40 degrees plus for the next 4 days which I’m not looking forward to. I try and be up by 7am and leave by 8.30 each morning. I would get up earlier, but the mosquitoes are absolutely ferocious and don't dissipate until the sun is well up, so I stay in the tent until most of them are gone. The flies start getting active at first light so there is no respite!
Food supplies lasting well. I was contemplating getting supplies sent to Tilpa to replenish stocks, but there was no need. Powdered milk instead of long life, couscous and 2 minute noodles means the food volume is kept to a minimum.
Only a bit over 1000kms to go!Leggi altro
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Viaggiatore Great picture!
29/02/24RispostaTradurre
Viaggiatore That’s cool
29/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreSo I think you went earlier in the year as you didn’t like the cold in previous years. Now you have the heat. Which is easier?
29/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreYes, good point. I was cold more than hot on the Murray and Murrumbidgee trips, but they were in late March/April/early May. What I clearly should have realised is that outback NSW is going to be hotter that those 2 southern rivers, and particularly so in February. The positive thing is that theDarling has more flow in summer due to wet season rainfall in south Queensland.
02/03/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreA conundrum!
02/03/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 20
martedì 27 febbraio 2024 16:18
☀️ 39 °C
Altitudine: 91 m
Australia Central Darling -31.348711, 144.0404431°20’55” S 144°2’26” E
Day 19
27 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 39 °C
980 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Wilcannia

Still very hot and very isolated. Haven't seen anyone since leaving Tilpa.
I may have been lucky with the flow in the river currently being about 2000 ML/day which is up on its normal flow, but the river seems in good health to my untrained eye. Yes, some invasive weeds on the riverbanks and carp in the river and yes, there are isolated sections of algae and many feral pigs, but the number of dead fish I can count on one hand and the river is teeming with birdlife and animals both native and domesticated. I have seen virtually no litter and hardly any water being pumped out except tiny amounts for stock watering. I know water is taken out upstream on the Barwon and Culgoa for cotton farming, but nothing like the amount taken out of the Murray and Murrumbidgee.
Overall I have been really heartened with what I have seen after reading so many articles about environmental degradation and despair for the Darling. Things may yet change I know!Leggi altro
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That's encouraging news about the state of the river (except for the pigs and goats). The mosquitoes and flies sound pretty awful though - do you have one of those netted hats? [Eileen]
28/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreI did try a netted hat, but somehow the flies would get inside it. I just use repellent when I have to, but have made mental note to take a fly swat if I ever do a trip like this again!
28/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreGreat commentary, Mark!
28/02/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreThank you Selwyn.
02/03/24RispostaTradurre
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Darling River 2024 Viaggiatore
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Giorno 21
mercoledì 28 febbraio 2024 19:27
🌩️ 40 °C
Altitudine: 84 m
Australia Central Darling -31.446757, 143.84345731°26’48” S 143°50’36” E
Day 20
28 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ 🌩️ 40 °C
938 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Wilcannia

Super hot today. I think it reached 44 degrees in Wilcannia and it sure felt like it on the river.
Had a group of 15 to 20 pelicans with me today. I would approach them from behind and they would take flight and settle back on the river a kilometre or so downstream. When I caught up to them ten minutes later, the process was repeated. This happened basically the entire day. I know how much energy big birds like pelicans need to get in the air, but they didn't seem perturbed about the process. It was like having an escort!
So few campsites along the river in this area and was thinking I would have to camp on top of the riverbank. An absolutely perfect one came up about 5.30pm. Phew!
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Darling River 2024 Viaggiatore
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Giorno 22
giovedì 29 febbraio 2024 17:13
☁️ 41 °C
Altitudine: 74 m
Australia Central Darling -31.478947, 143.65504231°28’44” S 143°39’18” E
Day 21
29 febbraio 2024, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 41 °C
900 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Wilcannia

Still very hot. 40+ degrees today and it only dropped to 33 last night, so combined with incessant buzz of mosquitoes, it was not a good nights sleep. A thunderstorm came in mid afternoon with a bit of rain, so I am currently in my camp chair with a gin'n'cordial watching the light show. Very spectacular!
Hopefully into Wilcannia late Saturday for my first shower in 3 weeks and some real food. Can't wait.
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ViaggiatoreGin and cordial!! You deserve it. The photos are great thank you
02/03/24RispostaTradurre
Yes, stunning photos! [Eileen]
02/03/24RispostaTradurre
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Darling River 2024 Viaggiatore
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Giorno 23
venerdì 1 marzo 2024 16:27
☁️ 39 °C
Altitudine: 66 m
Australia Central Darling -31.552347, 143.51519631°33’8” S 143°30’55” E
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Day 22
1 marzo 2024, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 39 °C
865 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Wilcannia

A cloudy day today which made conditions much better even though it reached 39 degrees. The thunderstorm yesterday continued into the night accompanied with very strong winds which had me holding onto the inside of the tent for a couple of hours in the middle of the night to stop it being flattened. Not a good nights sleep!
Wilcannia tomorrow to replenish supplies, have something cold (anything!) and have a meal that doesn't involve 2 minute noodles!
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ViaggiatoreSounds like a night in a motel might be warranted but I guess it means finding a secure place for the kayak 😏 Pretty wild weather and insects. All good here- been to a couple of fringe/festival events and writers week yesterday which have all been good.
02/03/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreA night in a motel would be great, but as you say, it would mean leaving the kayak unattended as well as having to make 5 or 6 trips to transfer all the gear from the kayak to the motel.
03/03/24RispostaTradurre
Viaggiatore 👍🏼
02/03/24Risposta
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Darling River 2024 Viaggiatore
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Giorno 24
sabato 2 marzo 2024 20:50
☁️ 27 °C
Altitudine: 77 m
Australia Wilcannia -31.557056, 143.38395831°33’25” S 143°23’2” E
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Day 23
2 marzo 2024, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
825 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Menindee

A 40 km paddle to get into Wilcannia with the thought of a shower and fresh water on tap driving me on. Get to the caravan park and yes, it's closed for upgrading! No mention on their website or anything. Very frustrating. Haven't had a shower in over 3 weeks. Anyway, camped on the riverbank next to the caravan park and at least I could put my rubbish in their bins.
Dinner at the Wilcannia golf club. An unusual name given there is no golf course there! All Aboriginal staff which was good to see.
Half day off tomorrow to do a bit of sightseeing.
Halfway to Wentworth!!
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Viaggiatore Recording river flows?
03/03/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreHow frustrating about the shower. Hope you sat away from everyone at the golf club ha ha!
03/03/24RispostaTradurre
I hope you enjoyed a good meal and a cold beer at the Golf Club. Too bad about the shower! [Eileen]
05/03/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreFrustrated golfers maybe - get rid of the course and keep the club house ! We all get that….
09/03/24RispostaTradurre
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Giorno 25
domenica 3 marzo 2024 17:36
☀️ 32 °C
Altitudine: 62 m
Australia Central Darling -31.618854, 143.36717631°37’8” S 143°22’2” E
Day 24
3 marzo 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
809 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Menindee

Spent the morning looking around Wilcannia, once "one of the busiest ports in Australia" according to one of the information boards. Now only a pale shadow of its former self with many derelict buildings, and the ones that remain all seem to have iron bars or roller grilles on the openings. Quite depressing. The few that have been restored however are magnificent.
I felt quite safe there personally, but was constantly worried that someone would help themselves to my gear, which would basically be the end of my trip.
Had brunch at the bustling Wilcannia Cafe, with lots of grey nomads and locals around. Highly recommended!
Onto Menindee which is about 300 kms away with nothing in between.
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ViaggiatoreSo much for civilisation if you couldn’t have a shower. Hopefully you got some cold drinks at least. I couldn’t imagine trying go without fridges or eskies for so long. Another warm week coming up. Hopefully it’s all tail winds. Keep it up.
03/03/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreHi Mark, I’m belatedly joining this epic travelogue and will catch up on previous entries in due course. Great photos of Wilcannia. According to Wikipedia it was the third busiest inland port in Australia during the River Boat era in the mid-1800s ( some references say third busiest on the Darling River) and is now one of the most socially disadvantaged areas of NSW. Wilcannia is located where the Barrier Highway crosses the Darling River. Its other main claim to fame is that it was the site of the first brewery which the famous beer baron Edmund Resch built in Australia.
03/03/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreHi Pete. Thanks for that info. The site of Reschs brewery is actually where the Wilcannia golf club is situated. The Golf Club which serves a great chicken and cashew nut, but strangely doesn't have a golf course!
10/03/24RispostaTradurre
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Darling River 2024 Viaggiatore
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Giorno 26
lunedì 4 marzo 2024 16:43
☀️ 32 °C
Altitudine: 61 m
Australia Central Darling -31.738476, 143.2428731°44’19” S 143°14’34” E
Day 25
4 marzo 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
767 kms to Wentworth
Next town: Menindee
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