menindee lakes tours from broken hill

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NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Menindee Lakes and Kinchega guided tours

Kinchega National Park

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Sign up for this wide-ranging tour of Kinchega National Park and other scenic Outback highlights with the experienced guides of Broken Hill City Sights and Heritage Tours.

This guided day tour is a great way to take in the history and austere beauty of the Outback. With your friendly guides, set out for Menindee Lakes near the Darling River. Explore the unique character of local lakeside communities and visit the historic camp of explorers.  After refuelling with a delicious lunch, travel with your guides through Kinchega National Park with its beautiful river gums, following the Darling River to the historic Kinchega Woolshed. This well-preserved building where 6 million sheep were once sheared offers a unique glimpse into Australia's pastoral heritage. Broken Hill City Sights and Heritage Tours is a licensed commercial tour operator with a Parks Eco Pass .

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Operated by

• Broken Hill City Sights Tours and Heritage Tours
• 08 8087 2484
• 0418 858 388
• [email protected]
• in Kinchega National Park in the Outback NSW region

Kinchega National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

Park entry fees:

$8 per vehicle per day. The park has a pay and display envelope payment system - please bring correct coins.

What's nearby:

Things to do (41).

• 4WD touring (2)
• Aboriginal culture (20)
• Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (13)
• Canoeing/paddling (2)
• Cultural heritage (6)
• Cycling (3)
• Geotourism (3)
• Historic heritage (14)
• Other experiences (1)
• Photography (1)
• Picnics and barbecues (11)
• Road trips and car/bus tours (5)
• Sailing, boating and cruises (1)
• Sightseeing (13)
• Swimming (2)
• Visitor centres (3)
• Walking (14)
• Wildflowers (seasonal) (1)

Itinerary (1)

Camping and accommodation (11).

• Accommodation (2)
• Campgrounds (9)

School excursions (9)

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Menindee Lakes and surrounds

Water isn't all that common of a sight around the Silver City, which makes the waters of the Menindee Lakes Scheme all the more stunning against the red country back-drop. Our expert guides can help you explore this vital lakes scheme which supplies water to Broken Hill and can hold 3.5 times more water than Sydney Harbour. Travel to Menindee, sit back and relax with morning tea on the shores of Copi Hollow and then journey on to Kinchega National Park. This magnificent park is located along the banks of the Darling River and the shoreline of Menindee Lakes Scheme. Here, you will see Kinchega shearing shed, which dates back to the 1860s and had 62 shearing stands. The shed was last used for shearing in 1967. A wetlands cruise on “River Lady” and lunch is included in this tour.

Due to Covid-19, our individual Day Tours will only be offered as part of our Packaged Departures eg: Broken Hill Wanderer & Broken Hill Experience.

This will be monitored throughout 2021 and changed as restrictions relax Australia wide.

What our guests say

I am a member of the Chermside Bowls Club in Queensland and organised a trip for 22 of our members through Silver City Tours. We chose to do the Outback Adventure tour. We travelled overnight on the train and were met early next morning by coach which took us to our motel for the start of a fantastic 5 days. The tours around Broken Hill and surrounding areas were enjoyed by all members, who found the whole trip to be very interesting - lots to see. The coach drivers were excellent and knew the areas we passed through very well. Our accommodation was great, with the friendly staff looking after our every need. I would have no hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone.

I am a member of the Chermside Bowls Club in Queensland and organised a trip for 22 of our members through Silver City Tours.  We chose to do the Outback Adventure tour.  We travelled overnight on the train and were met early next morning by coach which took us to our motel for the start of a fantastic 5 days.  The tours around Broken Hill and surrounding areas were enjoyed by all members, who found the whole trip to be very interesting - lots to see.  The coach drivers were excellent and knew the areas we passed through very well.  Our accommodation was great, with the friendly staff looking after our every need. I would have no hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone.

“Amazing service. Can’t wait to find out what’s next!”

The "Outback Wanderer" package catered for the mature age of our Probus Group with a good balance of touring and free time. As a longtime, world wide "package deal" traveller I must rate this as one of the best I have ever experienced for value , variety and service.                                

“Not sure what I did before discovering this Product. It’s super!”

On behalf of the 16 of us who visited Broken Hill just a word of thanks for a wonderful, well organised "Outback Break" tour. As some of us were seasoned caravaners, this was our first "organised" tour and we were a little apprehensive as to what to expect. As it turned out we could not have asked for more. A very special thanks to Roger, our tour guide and driver.                     

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Just a few words to thank you for setting up a really good trip for us "The Darling River Run". It all worked out very well, it was a happy group, and Chris looked after us beautifully. I hope you gave him a few days off!

The Harry Nanja guy at Mungo was a great entertainer, and very good value.The girl at the Back o' Bourke centre was excellent. The guide at the Dubbo Zoo was excellent, and it was really very worthwhile to have the guide there - we saw the maximum  amount possible in the time available, whereas we would have seen hardly anything left to our own devices. Liz Murray at Trilby was really excellent, but you don't need me to tell you that!  The chocolate slice lasted until morning tea at White Cliffs! 

Best regards, and thanks again,   

Our members who participated in the recent "Outback Adventure" tour of Broken Hill were absolutely delighted with your company's service. The tours were memorable for the interesting sights, the pleasantness of your coach drivers and the fun. I am sure they will have no trouble in recommending your service to others, particularly other Probus club members.                         

As organiser of our Club's Away Trip to Broken Hill, I would sincerely like to thank you for all the arrangements you made for us. You were always courteous, most helpful, you kept us fully informed, which we appreciated. Please pass on our appreciation to Cheryl and to John, our coach driver, who really looked after us. The accommodation at the Silver Haven Motor Inn was excellent. Everyone in the group assured me they enjoyed the trip. 

My sincere thanks once again. 

I am writing to thank you for your effort in arranging the  itinerary, accommodation and the guide/coach driver for our recent visit to your city. We were kept busy at all times with little being  heard from anybody in our group after 09:30 p.m.

A special mention must be made for Les our coach driver/tour guide. Les was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his city and other parts of the country and at all times was most courteous to our group as well as other road users. He would go out of his way to make our understanding of your city and environs complete and should he not know the answer to questions raised he would come back with an answer the next time we met him.  

Our accommodation was good with again the proprietors Michael and Dana going out of their way to make our stay a most enjoyable one.

All went well and again I thank you for your assistance in making it happen.

We would like to thank you for making our Broken Hill trip that much more interesting. We were with the group from Merewether Ladies Probus and your drivers on all the tours were first rate, their knowledge of the region and how they presented it was great, it was obvious to us all that these people love Broken Hill.

I have just returned from the "Outback Adventure" in Broken Hill and its surrounds. I didn't know what to expect, and had no idea what it would be like, but my expectations were met and exceeded. Broken Hill is a fascinating place with so much to see and learn. The tours were well organised and most interesting. Your drivers(Les, Roger and Eric) were helpful, knowledgeable, courteous and friendly in addition to being excellent drivers of course.

The motel (Silver Haven Motor Inn) provided excellent accommodation, and meals, the manager taking the time each evening at dinner to speak to those of us on the tour and enquire to our day.

My personal thanks to you and your team for everything.

We just had a six day holiday in Broken Hill. We had the most memorable time in Broken Hill and we will recommend it to anyone. Thank you for the best budget holiday ever. All of the arrangements were perfect. Our bus driver Chris was an excellent tour guide, he was very informative. The motel was very good and the food was excellent.  Regards.

380 Argent Street Broken Hill NSW 2880

+61 8 8087 6956 [email protected].

Day Trip to Menindee Lakes

The explorer Major Thomas Mitchell followed the Bogan and Darling Rivers down to this area in 1835 and came across the naturally formed Lakes which he named 'Laidley's Chain of Ponds', the Barkindji people referred to these as 'Wontanella' meaning 'Many Waters'.

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River Lady Tours

The historic township of Menindee sits snugly between the magnificent Menindee Lakes and the Darling River on the cusp of Kinchega National Park.

The Menindee Lakes offer a safe haven for water birds and provide the opportunity for spectacular freshwater fishing. Nearby Copi Hollow – an artificially-constructed lake – is ideal for speedboats, sailing, swimming, water-skiing, and all manner of water sports.

The town’s unique outback position also sees it the beneficiary of some of NSW’s most breathtaking sunsets. Menindee is a photographer’s dream to be sure, but there’s much more to this town than just natural beauty.

Menindee was the first established town on the Darling River during the paddle steamer era of the mid-1800s. The Menindee Heritage Trail takes you on a journey through time, rediscovering the many people, places and events in the history of this fascinating town. Be sure to find the two historic trees – one marked by a survey team in 1882, and one in Yartla Street that marks the height of the 1890 floods.

The Menindee Lakes make a striking contrast to the desert that surrounds them, but now the desert is blooming with citrus, apple and stone fruit orchards, tomato and vegetable fields. With modern irrigation Menindee has rapidly developed a horticultural industry. A pipeline running from Menindee provides Broken Hill with regular supply of water.

The dry sand dunes around the lakes have unveiled some of the most prolific and early remnants of human existence anywhere in the world, with fossils and marked stones of the Barkindji people and their ancestors dating back 26,000 years! For a perspective on Menindee’s more recent history, namely its pastoral heritage, visit the Kinchega Woolshed where six million sheep were shorn during a century of operation. At its peak in the 1880s there were stands for 62 shearers. Today, you can bunk down in the old shearers’ quarters.

Other accommodation options include numerous cottages, caravan parks, motels and farm stays. Menindee also boasts the second oldest pub in New South Wales, which is where Burke and Wills stayed during their ill-fated expedition to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Menindee is a town that offers a little of the old with a bit of the new, and it’s yours to discover today.

Menindee Lakes and Darling River

• Coffee and/or Tea
• Broken Hill Airport, Broken Hill, New South Wales Australia
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Menindee Stop: 6 hours Menindee Lakes and Mighty Darling River. We take a leisurely drive through the winding ranges then across the flat Emu plains of the outback and visit a quirky place called Sunset Strip for our first stop. Here we will see the amazing Menindee Lake which is three times the capacity of Sydney Harbour. We then visit Copi Hollow for morning tea by the water. Next we travel up to the Main Weir where Burke and Wills camped during their 1860 expedition to the Cape. When the River Lady is operating there is an optional River Cruise available. Now it is time to head to the Historical Maidens Hotel where Burke and Wills visited during there time and have a light lunch and well earned cuppa. After lunch we will drive down the main street of this historic town and take in some of the history and stories of the local characters and buildings. Heading home on the back roads of Menindee we will stop at a Historical Cameleers Grave Site before making our way back to Broken Hill. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• julieadamson2015 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Neat place Awesome place, so much history and loved all the steampunk movie memorabilia, and donkeys wandering in the street . Wish we could have stayed longer. Read more Written April 12, 2023
• LyndallS 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Worth visiting We enjoyed our visit to Silverton. We particularly liked the ‘After 39 Dips’ glass gallery and bought several pieces. We also visited the Mad Max 2 museum and the Silverton pub. The locals were friendly too. Well worth a visit to this town. Read more Written March 16, 2023
• beenaroundalittle 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great visit to Silverton Irving was a great guide. Informed and knowledgeable without being overbearing. Very professional. We enjoyed the run out to Silverton. A visit to the Museum at Silverton would have made this a 5-star experience. Would recommend Away Tours "Silverton Experience" without reservation. Read more Written September 1, 2021
• Nairarbila 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fascinating Broken Hill revealed Irving was our courteous and knowledgeable tour guide. He picked us up from our accommodation in the comfortable minibus and gave us a very informative experience. So many hidden secrets such the Picnic Ambush we knew nothing about. Coffee at Broken Earth Cafe afforded a terrific view of the township. Irving gave us a top ten must-visits such as museums and galleries. Even found a patch of Sturt Desert peas for me to photograph! Recommend! Read more Written June 20, 2021
• F4361WHmargaretf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Had a great holiday Love Broken Hill Tourist Park. New amenities are beautiful but another dump point would be good. Bbq are good. Park very clean. Staff are friendly and helpful. Had a great time Margaret and Gary Fife Read more Written June 19, 2021
• Alyn V 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So glad to have seen this. It is truly World Class from what I have seen in forty years of travel. Stunning and the way it was developed was amazing. Sculptors from around the world with stories to tell!! Great value for money here. Read more Written May 31, 2021
• Talkingsense888 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sensational Sunset Beauty Broken Hill Sculptures Tour was so beautiful. Fabulous sunset, just brilliant, and wonderful cloud formations. Irving our guide giving ideas about getting lovely photos. Nibbles and wine were a bonus extra to top of the tour Read more Written May 15, 2021
• Talkingsense888 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic Broken Hill History insight My sister and I went on the Heritage Tour and our guide was Irving. His knowledge of the Broken Hill history was fantastic. So much to see in Broken Hill, you truly need more than a week to see the sights. Thanks Irving for the wonderful time. Read more Written May 15, 2021
• Peter O 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great fun. Our tour guide, Irving, picked us up at our motel right on time, which is always a good start. The tour was for a half day and in that time we experienced a concise history of Broken Hill and Silverton, saw a number of interesting places for the first time, finished of with a cup of coffee. Our only regret was that as this is the first time we have visited Broken Hill, we should have done this tour on the first morning of our stay instead of being on the last day of our stay. We would have had a much greater knowledge of the town and the surroundings. Well worth while. Read more Written May 12, 2021
• H9602CCbarbarad 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fabulous Long day trip to White Cliffs however didn't feel long with our excellent guide. Very interesting day would recommend Read more Written May 12, 2021
• H9602CCbarbarad 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful experience Enjoyed a fabulous tour and look around Broken Hill. Very interesting. Enjoyed our morning tour very much Read more Written May 11, 2021
• Victorianlad 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent tour I am not a huge fan of bus tours and do them extremely rarely, but Chris the owner of Away Tours was well informed and pleasant company. The website omits that Away Tours offers pickups at motels. Fortunately we saw the text in time to arrange. It ought be on the website. This three hour tour commenced with the 23 kilometre drive to Silverton. Roadworks that have sadly destroyed some of the saltbush were underway. As usual, the riad builders have destroyed more land than is required. Silverton is touristy but still a must see. It was my second visit. A drink at the pub was mandatiry but highlights included St Carthage's Catholic Church along with the remains of the first Resch's cordial manufacturing facilities. The former Masonic Lodge and a Methodist Church, the latter under restoration were also attractive stone structures. I enjoyed seeing the former Municipal Chambers plus what was a butchery established by cattle baron Sir Sidney Kidman. The gaol was $5 to enter but had little history of its use as that. Why some rural Australian museums in such historic sites choose instead to emphasise municipal councillors or sporting clubs is beyond me. We also visited the most impressive outlook over the rocky Mundi Mundi Plains plus 1918-built Unberumberks Reservoir that may one day be available for kayakers, although it is silted. Penrose Park, once maintained by mining companies when profits were more evident had some well maintained tennis courts and many lovely trees. Other highlights included seeing beautiful eucalyots - referred to by Chris as eucalyptus, which is the oil not the trees - plus acacias and at te Resch's Brewery site, many Apostlebirds. The saltbush differs in colour and is much favoured by sheep. It was unimpressive to see 58 wind turbines dotting the Barrier Ranges. These hurt raptors and are useless on hot summer nights. Coal is so much mire reliable. Chris kindly showed us magnificent Sturt's Desert Peas in flower along a Broken Hill street. Overall a great tour with Chris using it to train new employee Kieran, who looked every bit the quintessential Aussie bushman. Read more Written April 18, 2021
• robertcD5443YZ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unbelievable Finding out the history of Broken Hill was fantastic. You need more than the 5 nights that we stayed. Read more Written March 15, 2021
• Wanderer56310293631 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Broken Hill Tour 1 Our guide Chris was excellent, his knowledge was great, even if the weather was against us. We found the appropriate shelter. Read more Written December 3, 2020
• 462marileec 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles ancient stones, modern sculptures, vast vistas we got out there about an hour before sunset, had a walk thru the sculptures, and then picked our spot to watch the sunset, it was magnificent. the sky so big. we brought some camp chairs, nibblies and a bottle of wine. We drove our giant motorhomes out there , no problem Read more Written December 1, 2020

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Menindee Lakes and Darling River provided by Away Tours Broken Hill

River Lady Tours

River Lady Tours is a family-owned and operated tour boat company situated in Menindee, New South Wales. Menindee is a town located just an hour southeast of Broken Hill and is renowned for its beautiful Menindee Lakes and Darling River. River Lady Tours is the only tour company offering tours on both the Darling River and Menindee Lakes, and their purpose-built vessel, the River Lady, has a shallow draft that enables access to the lakes.

Experience the beauty of the New South Wales outback from a unique perspective by choosing one of River Lady Tours’ lake and river cruises. See their website below for more information.