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drive outback australiaIn order to make your Outback NSW touring experience the best it can possibly be, we have produced an extensive "Darling River Run Map and Guide".

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Walgett <> Lightning Ridge <> Grawin Opal Fields <> Brewarrina

lightning ridge outback nsw This wonderful side-trip from the Darking River Run will take you to the iconically (and nicely eccentric) Australian Opal mining town of Lightning Ridge. Whether you are looking for the famous Black Opal, wanting to explore some wonderful galleries or just take in the experiences of a mining town, 'The Ridge' is a must. An easy drive to and from Walgett. As an alternate route, there is a nice drive via Cumborah to Brewarrina.

Lightning Ridge - The Darling River Run - Outback NSW
Lightning Ridge - The Darling River Run - Outback NSW
Lightning Ridge - The Darling River Run - Outback NSW
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Walgett <> Lighning Ridge

  • Distance = 78.0 km - about 54 mins (one way)
  • Route: Castlereagh Hwy <> Bill Obrien Way (Sealed Highway)

Brewarrina <> Lightning Ridge (Via Cumborah)

  • Distance = 180km - about 3 hrs
  • Route: Castlereagh Hwy <> Cumborah-Lightning Ridge Rd <> Walgett Goodooga Rd <> Narran Lake Rd <>Kamilaroi Hwy
 
in the area.....

Towns

outback towns

The Darling River Run

the darling river run

Drives & Side-Trips

outback nsw sidetrips

National Parks

nsw parks parks



our members in the area.....
  • gold members >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    Mast
    Award-winning Black Queen: “Completely Surprising.” The Black Queen is a collection of intertwining stories weaved together and told in a wonderfully mysterious and compelling way. Expect the unexpected. One of the reasons for the tremendous success of the Black Queen is the fact that it is a genuinely inspiring true story.
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  • strategic partners >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    bogan shireBogan Shire, in Western NSW, has an area of 14,610 square kilometres, about 1.8% of the State's land surface. The geographical centre of NSW lies within the Shire’s boundaries. Nyngan, the Administrative Centre, is located on the Bogan River at the junction of the Mitchell and Barrier Highways with an estimated population of 2500.

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  • strategic partners >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    a-bourkeBourke is a wonderful community established in 1861 on the banks of the Darling River.

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  • strategic partners >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    Brewarrina ShireBrewarrina was one of the great inter-tribal meeting places of eastern Australia with the fish traps, sustaining thousands of Aboriginal people during tribal gatherings


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  • strategic partners >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    Walgett ShireWalgett Shire embraces the fertile black soil plains of northern New South Wales.

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  • strategic partners >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    Lightning RidgeThere are many ‘must see’ destinations in Australia and Lightning Ridge is certainly that; home of the beautiful Black Opal and like the wonderful gem, Lightning Ridge shows its varying colors depending on how you look at it.

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  • Back O’ Bourke Gallery
    silver members >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    Back-O-Bourke-GalleryThe Back O’ Bourke Gallery is situated on the banks of the Darling River at North Bourke, 5km north of the legendary Australian town of Bourke in outback NSW. North Bourke is a developing outback tourist village and this beautifully presented gallery houses the studio of exciting outback artist, Jenny Greentree. Jen’s art is inspired by the rich outback scenery of Bourke and together with her husband Steve they have developed a gallery that never ceases to impress the many visitors that pass through its doors. This working commercial gallery is a must see gallery on the ‘Outback gallery loop’ from Lightning Ridge to Broken Hill and original works and reproductions have found homes around Australia and overseas.
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  • Chambers of the Black Hand
    silver members >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    chambers of the black handChambers of the Black Hand offers an experience unlike any other. Ron Canlin the artist has created an amazing art galley carved in the sandstone 11 metres underground in a 100 year old mine.

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  • Cobar Shire
    tourism association members >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    cobar shireCobar Shire is situated in the centre of New South Wales at the crossroads of the Barrier Highway and the Kidman Way.

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  • The Dowling Track
    tourism association members >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    the dowling trackThe Dowling Track - Travel in the footsteps of Vincent James Dowling across the area known as the "Plains of Promise".

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  • The Opal Centre
    tourism association members >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    Australian Opal CentreThe Australian Opal Centre - National museum housing the world's greatest public collection of Australian opal and precious opalised fossils.


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  • John Murray Art Gallery
    bronze Members >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    John Murray Art GalleryThe John Murray Art Gallery in Lightning Ridge is the exclusive outlet for original John Murray paintings.  One of the bush's leading art galleries, you'll see a brilliant collection of outback landscapes and characters. This really is the quitessential outback art collection.

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  • Nyngan CP
    bronze Members >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    Nyngan Caravan ParkThe Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park is uniquely located on the Bogan River, an easy walk to town, a haven for skiers, fishermen, birdwatchers and people just looking for a relaxing time on the banks of the Bogan!

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  • Opal Cave
    bronze Members >> upper darling - cobar - bogan
    The Opal CaveLightning Ridge's largest showroom. In the middle of town, opposite the Post Office. Created to look like an underground mine. We have the largest range of opal, jewellery, souvenirs, gifts, art and pottery.

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