On the Newell, we’re a few hours’ drive south of the ‘The Dish’ and the Great Western Plains. We’re north of the border – the Victorian one, we mean – but you can cross the Murray anywhere you like between Tocumwal (see if you can spot the Big Murray Cod on your way through) and the twin cities of Albury Wodonga to the east.
Wind your way through our region, over rolling hills to Lockhart.
Passing under shady Federation verandas and well preserved shop fronts, the Lockhart Sculpture Trail takes you on an artistic journey through the town centre, revealing the incredible collection of high quality farm art sculptures on permanent display.
Many of the beautiful sculptures are award-winning National Farm Art pieces from Lockhart’s Spirit of the Land Festival, a celebration of the resilience of those who live and work on the land. Created from recycled farm materials and reflecting the natural elements of the land, first-time visitors to the town are amazed at the talent of the sculptures, which far exceeds their expectations.
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Follow the river red gum-lined banks of the ‘Bidgee to Narrandera and Darlington Point.
Look out for free-ranging kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and an abundance of native birdlife as you traverse the picturesque Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve on Oakbank Street. The 1.5 hour self-guided walk provides an insight into the conservation status of the local river red gum forest, flood plain ecology and surrounding environment. The reserve is also accessible by dry weather road.
Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Talbot and the Murrumbidgee River where you may see that elusive and iconic Australian animal, the platypus.
The Reserve hugs the Murrumbidgee River and provides an ideal diet of River Red Gum leaves for the Koala population. The Narrandera community has taken the Reserve and its inhabitants to heart. Locals and visitors alike lend their eyes to the annual Koala Count. Supervised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the count involves groups of spotters spreading quietly throughout the reserve. Once sighted a koala’s location is marked with a ribbon and sightings tallied at the end of the day.
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After your Koala experience, explore the Murrumbidgee River through Willbriggie Regional Park drives.
Part of the Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park, the Willbriggie Regional Park offers access to the Murrumbidgee River from both sides of the river around Darlington Point.
Follow Forest Road (entry opposite the Darlington Point Riverside Caravan Park) to head along the Murrumbidgee River, or take a detour through the Lagoon Loop. There’s free camping at Bunyip Hole and Whittackers Bend, suitable for caravans in dry weather (dirt road access). You can camp next to the Murrumbidgee River. The drive will take you through to the sealed River Road (to Carrothool or back to Griffith) or you can head back to Darlington Point for refreshments at The Punt Hotel.
Beach Road (turn off opposite Darlington Point Accommodation Village) is a 8km dirt, round-loop road past many secluded sandy beachs to rest and play at.
Please obey all signs within the Regional Park.
Weave through the canals of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area to Leeton, and head south across the Yanco and Billabong creeks along the way.
You’ll stumble upon towns, villages and localities with names you’ve only heard of in songs and stories. You’ll discover the art out here is oversized, and our history is filled with quirky characters, unique stories and bucketloads of charm. You’ll see we’re not just the filler on the map between the desert and the ocean, we’re a destination in our own right, and we’re ready to explore.
A day or two simply won’t be enough once you see what we’ve got to show you. Best take it slow, friends, with the Murrumbidgee Trails as your guide.
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