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Break out of your day-to-day with this winding escape along the banks of the Murrumbidgee, passing through classic Australian country towns steeped in history. This drive traverses the Riverina Murray region from west to east (although you could also do it in reverse).

Begin with a float down the river in a paddle-steamer in Wentworth in far west NSW, then set off for Mungo National Park to marvel at the wonders of this World Heritage Area. Continue to Balranald for a spot of fishing or kayaking, then pass through Yanga National Park to explore Indigenous and European heritage.

STAGE 1: WENTWORTH

Begin your journey in Wentworth, a small border town in southwest NSW. Known as Australia’s Murray Darling heartland, Wentworth was named after the explorer and politician William Charles Wentworth, and is famously where the Murray and Darling rivers meet.

Soak up the ambience with a riverside picnic, enjoy a picturesque stroll among the town’s many beautiful heritage buildings like the Old Gaol and the old schoolhouse buildings, or visit Thegoa Reserve, where you can check out archeological sites rich in Indigenous history.

Before you set off for Mungo, be sure to hop aboard a paddle-steamer to take in the sights along the riverbank – it’s the perfect way to explore the incredibly diverse local wildlife.

Note: The roads into Mungo National Park are 2WD accessible; and may be closed at times due to weather or fire danger, so check the latest updates here.

STAGE 2: WENTWORTH TO MUNGO NATIONAL PARK

TRAVEL TIME APPROX: 1 Hour 40 Mins | 146KM

Wake up to stunning Mungo National Park, a place rich in ancient Aboriginal history and incredible rock formations ready to be explored.

Mungo National Park is part of the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area and the home of the famous Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, the oldest human remains ever found in Australia. Mungo is one of the oldest places outside of Africa to have been occupied by modern humans, with artefacts dating as far back as 50,000 years ago found in these treasured lands.

Witness the famous ‘Walls of China’ rock formations from the sky aboard a scenic flight. Whatever your fancy, you’ll find an adventure to remember.

STAGE 3: MUNGO NATIONAL PARK TO BALRANALD

TRAVEL TIME APPROX: 1 Hours 46 Mins | 154KM

Soak up ‘ye olde charm’ of this heritage town and former paddle-steamer port nestled on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.

You can expect spectacular landscapes aplenty in Balranald and its surrounds, which include five iconic rivers and majestic Yanga Lake. Visit local heritage sites and keep an eye out for the area’s rich fauna and bird life. Get your toes wet with a spot of kayaking, or settle back with a fishing rod and simply enjoy the serenity.

Feeling adventurous? Head further afield and explore the magical wetlands nearby. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way back into town to try one of the many dining options, from restaurants, cafes and a bakery to pubs and traditional roadhouses.

STAGE 4: BALRANALD TO HAY

TRAVEL TIME APPROX: 1 Hour 28 Mins | 133KM

Spend the day in Hay and discover gorgeous gardens, heritage buildings steeped in WWII history and authentic farming experiences

Perched on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River and surrounded by vast plains and wetlands, Hay is an agricultural epicenter home to wool, cattle, fruit and vegetable-growing industries.

Discover its military history with a visit to the Hay Gaol Museum and Dunera Museum for the fascinating story of the World War II civilian internment and prisoner of war camps in Hay.

Take in a spectacular sunset at the Hay Sunset Viewing Area, then reminisce about your day over a relaxed evening meal. An overnight farmstay offers the ultimate chance for a charming peek into country life.

STAGE 5: HAY TO DARLINGTON POINT

TRAVEL TIME APPROX: 1 Hour 14 Mins | 118KM

Make a splash with a spot of swimming or fishing at Darlington Point’s renowned river beaches on the Murrimbidgee.

Your first stop for the day is this charming town and popular holiday destination. Surrounded by a red river gum forest populated by a myriad of birds and wildlife, it’s the perfect place to take a pit stop for some morning tea beside the Murrumbidgee.

Pack a picnic and, if it’s warm enough, enjoy an invigorating dip afterwards. Once you’ve refueled, squeeze in a visit the incredible Altina Wildlife Park before continuing your drive to Narrandera.

STAGE 6: DARLINGTON POINT TO NARANDERRA

TRAVEL TIME APPROX: 44 Mins | 64KM

Soak up some country charm in the very heart of the Riverina and savour the region’s local wines and tasty fresh produce.

This river town, known for its resident koalas, heritage attractions and enchanting beaches, is the perfect spot to pull over for lunch. Once you’ve enjoyed a bite and a lazy stroll down the main street, take in the wetlands and go koala spotting at Narrandera Nature Reserve.

Got energy to burn? Hire a bike from Eurrell’s Bike Hire and pedal your way along the banks of the Murrumbidgee via the Narrandera Bike and Hike Track. Before your visit, consult the calendar for the town’s many annual events including the Narrandera Farmers Market (July -October).

STAGE 7: NARANDERRA TO WAGGA WAGGA

TRAVEL TIME APPROX: 1 Hour 6 Mins | 99KM

Wind your way into New South Wales’ largest inland city and savour the buzz of its sophisticated shopping and food scene.

Round out today’s drive with a change of scene as you roll into this thriving regional city. Get lost on foot among the shops and cafes of Fitzmaurice Street, then pop into a gallery for a dose of culture. Stop and smell the roses as you wander through the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens and take a spin on its miniature railway.

As the sun sets, park yourselves at one of the town’s wine bars or restaurants and settle in to people-watch and reminisce over your journey so far.

STAGE 8: WAGGA WAGGA TO GUNDAGAI

TRAVEL TIME APPROX: 1 Hour | 84.3KM

End your road trip on a high note with a stay in this classic Aussie country town, known for gold, bushrangers and a very famous dog.

Stretch your legs with a wander through Gundagai, the town that inspired the iconic Australian folk song Along the Road to Gundagai. Delve into local history with a visit to the Gundagai Historic Museum, then tick off a visit to the Dog on the Tuckerbox Pioneer Monument.

This article was written in conjunction with Visit NSW.

For more information about road trips in New South Wales, go to visitnsw.com.