Out by Lake Pamamaroo, the Burke and Wills
Expedition Site and Menindee's Own Tarzan explained on the trial
markers. Beautiful lake views and an opportunity to see the Main Weir
that holds back the Darling River are highlights of this short drive The
Menindee Transaction Centre can furnish you with a pamphlet which will
lead you around the town's heritage trail: 19 sites with informative
signposts that connect physical locations with their historic
significance. Lastly, remember that many of the local roads are gravel
and can be hazardous or impassable after wet weather. Phone (08) 8091
5155 for an up-to-date report on their condition.
Kinchega National Park
On
entering Menindee from Broken Hill on the right hand side you will find
the turn off for Kinchega National Park. The 44 000-ha park was created
in 1967 from land that was previously a part of Kinchega station. It
includes river red gum forests, black soil flood plains along the
Darling River where kangaroos and emu flocks are frequently seen, the
varied and colourful vegetation of the red sandhills and sand plains,
and a series of tall lunettes (crescent-shaped dunes) on the eastern
side of the lakes created by a combination of westerly winds and waves.
These lunettes have proven a treasure trove of information about past
environmental conditions and archaeological material, including remnants
of Aboriginal culture.
Visitors may find
scarred trees where bark was stripped for canoes or shelter, middens,
hearths, and stone implements. The area attracts a variety of waterbirds
including pelicans, spoonbills, egrets, cormorants and swans. The best
time to see the wildlife is at dawn or dusk, not only because they
venture out at these times but because the colours of the outback are
quite remarkable. The park contains several remnants from the pastoral
days. By 1881, Kinchega covered one million acres and had 143 000 sheep.
It was regularly visited by paddle steamers. Steam engines were being
used to irrigate the paddocks as early as 1875 and the station prospered
as a sheep run shepherded almost entirely by Aboriginal people.
Kinchega
woolshed is an attraction for visitors. Standing in the wall of the
woolshed visitors can imagine what life was like for pioneering men and
women. The Kinchega woolshed saw six million sheep shorn over the course
of a century. At its peak in the 1880s it had stands for 26 blade
shearers. The remains of the homestead and cemetery are nearby, as well
as an old water regulator and trough used to furnish the homestead with
water. The homestead, built of locally kilned bricks, probably in the
1850s, was used as an overseer's house and stockmen's quarters from 1872
to the 1940s.
The park has 35 camping areas
with limited facilities. Caravans can be accommodated but there are no
powered sites. Bookings can also be made to stay at the old shearer's
quarters. Morton Boolka picnic area is especially good for bird-watching
and the woolshed picnic area has fresh water. There are numerous
self-guided walks and, for a more comprehensive overview, the Lake Drive
and the River Drive. The Homestead Loop is a shorter journey through
the park's European historical remnants. There are guided tours in the
school holidays and the park is ideal for photographers. For enquiries
about bookings, fees and information pamphlets contact the National
Parks and Wildlife, 80914 214 or the Broken Hill office 80803200
Lake Pamamaroo and Main Weir
The
lake system has become a tourist attraction and recreational facility
for local residents alike. Located 8 km north of Menindee on the Broken
Hill Rd there is a signposted right turn to Lake Pamamaroo and the Main
Weir. There are recreational facilities at both sites. A plaque on a
tree, at the weir, indicates the location of the Burke and Wills
campsite.
Burke and Wills site at Pamamaroo Creek
On
the Pamamaroo Creek is the site of the base camp of the 1860 Burke and
Wills expedition. The expedition party included 15 men, 23 horse, 27
camels and 21 tons of stores. At the time of Burke's arrival in Menindee
it was an outpost with no other settlements between here and the vast
interior. On 19 October the small party of Burke, Wills, Brahe, King,
Gray, McDonagh, Patton and Dost Mahomet, 15 horses and 16 camels left
the Pamamaroo camp and headed north.
Copi Hollow
Located
13 km north of Menindee on the Broken Hil Rd, signpost right turn leads
to an all-weather road to Copi Hollow. Visitors and locals alike can
enjoy speed boating, sailing, swimming and waterskiing. There is a
well-shaded shoreline park with picnic facilities, amenities block and a
caravan park with full facilities
Sunset Strip
20
km north of Menindee, along the Broken Hill Rd, is a signpost turnoff,
on the left, to Sunset Strip which is situated on the northern shore of
Lake Menindee. A unique outback take on the holiday by the sea. Many
local residence of Broken Hill enjoy a weekend escape at Sunset Strip.
Facilities include: Golf Course, Community Hall, Post Office
Fishing in the Lakes
Not
surprisingly perhaps Menindee is considered one of the finest
freshwater fishing spots in NSW. Murray cod, golden perch, silver perch,
European carp, crayfish and yabbies are in abundant supply along the
Darling River and in the Menindee lakes.
Contact Details
Margot Muscat
Phone: 08 80914 392
Fax: 08 80914 518
