Menindee

Outback history 

Menindee was founded in the 1850s and the first business to open its doors was the Menindee Hotel, now known as the Maiden’s Hotel. It’s the second oldest hotel in NSW and you can still call in for a meal or a drink. Burke and Wills stopped here in 1860 as they made their way north, searching for a route across the continent. 

Just outside of town, you’ll find the exact place where Burke and Wills camped beside Pamamaroo Creek. The site of the Old Kinchega Homestead tells the story of the region’s Aboriginal and European heritage. Once the heart of a vast sheep station, the ruins paint a captivating picture of life in the late 19th century. 

Kinchega Woolshed, Kinchega National Park

Step back in time at the historic Kinchega Woolshed, built in 1875 from corrugated iron and river red gum. This woolshed is a well-preserved piece of Australian pastoral heritage, with six million sheep sheared here during its 97-year history. See the machinery room and original steam engine that powered the hand shears. 

Natural wonders 

Explore the gorgeous Darling River on the River Lady boat cruise. Tours run every day and depart from the weir around 20 minutes outside of town, before winding along a waterway that is dotted with ghostly river red gums and home to thousands of flocking waterbirds. 

Menindee River Lady Cruise

Kinchega National Park is also famous for its birdlife. Flocks of black swan, pelican, duck and egret live on the banks of the Menindee Lakes. There are many self-drive routes through the park and you can camp by the river. The Kinchega Homestead Billabong walking track takes in historic homestead ruins and ancient Aboriginal sites. 

Where to stay 

There are a number of accommodation options in Menindee. Camp by the river at Nelia Gaari Station, a 20,000-acre working sheep station where visitors can enjoy fishing, bird watching and a nine-hole bush golf course. Get a taste of the pastoral history of Kinchega National Park by staying overnight a Kinchega Shearer’s Quarters. Book in to a room at the historic Maiden’s Hotel. Or set up among nature at one of the campgrounds, such as Emu Lake, Cawndilla or Darling River. 

Sunset Strip, Lake Menindee

Getting there  

Menindee is an 11.5-hour drive from Sydney, around nine hours from Canberra and Melbourne, and seven hours from Adelaide. You can fly into Broken Hill and hire a car for the one-hour drive. You may need a 4WD for unsealed roads and national parks.