Visiting Darlington Point
You can find a map of Darlington Point here.
Check out this video about Taste Riverina, featuring a snippet about the Murrumbidgee River and Altina Wildlife Park (at 20:29 minutes)
The gorgeous riverside town of Darlington Point has some of the most beautiful camping and leisure spots in the Riverina.
Affectionately known as 'the Point', it's located on the banks Murrumbidgee River, offering an array of aquatic activities such as fishing, swimming and boating.
Mix that with the good old fashioned country hospitality that you'll find anywhere in our town and you can't find a better place to spend a few days, a week or more.
We're located only 30 minutes from Griffith which also has some fantastic tourist experiences.
The majesty of the river entices visitors to stay and experience more than one magical Murrumbidgee day in our RV friendly town.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at any number of tranquil spots along the river or visit Altina Wildlife Park for an unforgettable experience.
Our gorgeous little town is the perfect base for day trips to Griffith, Leeton and surrounding communities.
History and Heritage
We have a strong connection with our first Australians who are Wiradjuri people. The town was home to the Warangesda Aboriginal Mission from 1880-1884. During that time it was the site of early political activism, including an Aboriginal community strike in 1883.
The town itself was established as a river crossing town with pastoral leases. From 1850, paddle steamers transported produce, with a redgum wharf being built in 1881. Old wharf pylons can still be seen 200 metres upstream from the caravan park. Travellers once crossed the river by punt. A single bascule bridge was later built to accommodate both road and river traffic and remained in use until 1979. This magnificent old bridge was re-assembled at the entrance to the Darlington Point Caravan Park by engineering students from the University of NSW and the community.
Irrigation has enabled the development of intensive fruit, vegetable, grain and rice production. The district is an important part of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area food bowl, which provides outstanding produce for Australia and the world.
1829-30 Captain Charles Sturt travelled the area and Darlington Point was established as a river crossing town with pastoral and timber industries.
1857 – Paddle steamers transported produce along the Murrumbidgee River
1864 – The Darlington Inn, earliest recorded building of Darlington Point settlement, established on (modern-day) Whitton Road, then the main road from Narrandera to Hay. The Inn's site was at the junction of that road and the track that led to the river crossing.
1869 – Riverine Hotel (later renamed the Punt Hotel) was established on the south side of the Murrumbidgee River
1881 – A public wharf was built (old wharf pylons can be seen 200 metres upstream from the caravan park)
1905 – The punt was replaced with a single bascule bridge
1924 – Closure of the Warangesda Aboriginal Mission
1978 – The new bridge over the Murrumbidgee River was opened, replacing the bascule bridge. The old bascule bridge was dismantled.
1989 – Locals, assisted by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of NSW, reassembled the old bascule bridge at the entrance to the caravan park.
Getting here
Darlington Point is strategically located on the Kidman Way, where you can 'Backtrack to the Outback. It is a 644 km trek of ‘Bucket List’ proportions from Jerilderie to Bourke. Travellers can join the Matilda Way for an additional 1,812 kms of outback adventure up to the tip of Carpentaria.
The township is situated 3 km north of the Kidman Way-Sturt Highway intersection and 30 km south of Griffith, heart of the Riverina wine area. We are just over 400 kms from Melbourne, just over 600 kms from Sydney and about eight hours from Adelaide.
Nearby Griffith has direct flights to Sydney and Broken Hill with Rex Airlines and Qantas. Hire cars are available at the airport (Hertz and Avis).
Travellers can catch NSW Trainlink either from Sydney or Melbourne or VLine train/bus from Melbourne.
Visitor attractions
Altina Wildlife Park
Visitors flock from near and far to visit the famous Altina Wildlife Park. Located on the Sturt Highway, you'll have a fabulous zoo-safari experience like no other. Meet the animals up close and personal with your guide while travelling in style on personalised horse drawn or motorised carts. The guided tour around the park goes for 2.5 hours and is the only way to see Altina’s animals. Spots fill up fast so be sure to book for your experience of a lifetime.
For something a little more exciting try our Behind The Scenes Encounters where you feed and have the ultimate Altina experience with your chosen animals.
Location: 14432 Sturt Highway, Darlington Point
Telephone: +61 412 060 342
Enquiries and Bookings (8 am - 7 pm daily)
ENTRY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Twitching and animal spotting
The unique river environment with majestic river red gums (Eucalyptus Camaldulensis) is a haven for bird and animal life. Kingfishers, honeyeaters, parrots and waterbirds.
Kangaroos, wallabies, possums, and the occasional emu makes caravanning and camping an Aussie bush experience, in town or out along the river.
The magic birdlife haven of the 2,000 hectare Cuba State Forest is 11 km east of Darlington Point on the Whitton Road. Willbriggie Regional Park on the north side of the Murrumbidgee River is also a popular bird watching area.
Agricultural sights
As you drive along our roads and past the vast agricultural paddocks, you will see how important agricultural production is to our area, accounting for about 65% of local jobs. Cropping is a large part of this and in late autumn you'll notice white remnants of cotton on the sides of the road, where it has been transported. Cotton is produced on a plant, that is part of the hibiscus family. It is a leafy, green shrub that briefly has cream and pink flowers that become the 'fruit' or cotton bolls. A crop takes about 150 days to ripen, with the average boll containing nearly 500,000 fibres of cotton. Australian cotton farmers are the most water efficient in the world, thanks to biotechnology and innovations in irrigation and farming techniques. You can visit neighbouring Whitton and take a tour through the Southern Cotton Gin (April to September).
Fishing and Boating
Fishing enthusiasts will be delighted with the sport on the beaches of the river around the township.
Winter is Murray crayfish season and a great time to head to the river. To fish in the Murrumbidgee River, you are required by law to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee and have the receipt of payment of the current fee with you. You can pay the fishing fee at the Gum View Café, by phoning 1300 550 474 or online. You can grab some live bait from the Davis Supermarket (10 Bridge Street, Darlington Point).
There are two boat ramps:
- Boat ramp (north), Kidman Way, same entrance as the Darlington Point Riverside Caravan Park. Facilities include: Boat/trailer parking
- Boat Ramp and Pontoon (south, access via Cemetery Road. Facilities include: Boat/trailer parking
The river is accessible both upstream and downstream, and the town beach adjacent to the Caravan Park makes access easy for boating, canoeing and fresh water fishing.
"Forest Drive" leads to some six beaches with basic toilet and BBQ facilities. Cuba Forest also provides access to river beaches, camping grounds and an abundance of bird and animal life in close proximity to fuel, provisions and facilities at Darlington Point.
The Dennis Historic Display, Lions Park
How good does Dennis look in his new home at the Lions Park in Darlington Point? This incredible old vehicle, built in 1955, was used as Darlington Point's town pumper fire fighting unit up until about 20 years ago.
Goanna Walking Track
This is a very enjoyable walk on the south side of the Murrumbidgee River. The track was developed in close consultation with Aboriginal elders. It starts at Fig Tree Park and meanders for 1.8 km beside the river through red river gum and black box forests.
It finishes at the clay banks, known by the locals as the 'Bunyip Hole'. The bunyip is an mythological aboriginal creature who lives in deep water. It resembles a large black hairy dog with long pointy ears, big teeth and a loud howl. Keep an eye out for it!
At the end of the walk is a meeting place with a native garden, red gum table and seats. These were made to commemorate the significance of the Wiradjuri connection with the river and out of respect for the Aboriginal elders.
You'll see signs along the way about our local flora, fauna and history.
Kayaking
Kayaking trips are available down the river. Contact: Matt Moon on 0413 621 503. Facebook.
Tiddalik Wetlands
Tiddalik Wetland is a pocket-sized wildlife sanctuary, and a quiet haven for walking, bird-watching and connecting with nature. Central to the area is a series of ponds planted with a range of aquatic species that provide habitat, and act as filtration of stormwater drained from adjoining streets. A picnic shelter is provided. Campbell Street.
Willbriggie Regional Park
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. There's 15 beaches within the park around Darlington Point. These are: Swaggy's Beach, Alfie's Beach, Dolan's Beach, Clive's Corner, Horrie's Beach, Paradise Beach, Bunyip Hole, Whittaker's Bend, Reserve Beach, Lady Jane Beach, Boomerang Beach, Waradgery Beach, Digger's Beach, The Point Beach and what's affectionately known as Town Beach at the Darlington Point Caravan Park.
For those that like to fish or head out on the water, there's a boat ramp to access the river near the Darlington Point Bridge.
You can camp for free at a number of spots along the riverfront, including Bunyip Hole and Whittackers Bend. The road is suitable for caravans in dry weather (dirt road access). Please obey all signs within the Regional Park.
Access:
- North-West - via Forest Drive (opposite Darlington Point Riverside Caravan Park) - On the northern side the of the Murrumbidgee River, turn north onto Forest Road. The track follows the river, winding and snaking along for about 10 km before you arrive at Murrumbidgee River Road. The river meanders through River Red Gum and Black Box Forest and you are spoilt for choice with free camping and fishing spots. You can choose high on a bank overlooking the Murrumbidgee River, or close down on the sandy beaches on one of the river bends. There’s a drop toilet near Whittakers Bend, but you’ll need to bring your own drinking water.
- North-East - via Beach Road on the southern side of Narrand Road (opposite Darlington Point Accommodation Village) - Explore beaches and areas of the Murrumbidgee River through the Wilbriggie Regional Park (East). The road becomes dirt as you enter the Wilbriggie Regional Park. Explore beaches, such as Reserve Beach, Lady Jane Beach, Boomerang Beach, Waradgy Beach, Diggers Beach, and The Point Beach to pick out the best spot for you to relax at. Not suitable for caravans, but 4WD and camping permitted. Please obey all signs throughout the Regional Park. Camping availalble. Pet friendly.
- South-West - via King Street - Head down to the sandy beach at Whittaker's Bend or check out ‘Bunyip Hole’. Paths connect with the Goanna Walking Track. Pet Friendly. Camping available.
Just 10 minutes from Darlington Point, this new facility is sure to impress with its architecturally designed, breathtaking floor to ceiling views across Lake Hulong and sweeping to the magnificent waterfall and eucalyptus forest.
Visitors can experience unique beverages, delicious regional food, outdoor activities, incredible accommodation and agritourism experiences - in a beautiful indoor and outdoor setting.
The Whitton Malt House is open everyday from 10 am to 5 pm. The Cellar Door menu is available Wednesday through to Sunday. On Monday and Tuesday, patrons can dine from the cafe selection.
Darlington Point Museum
The local history museum in Darlington Street, opens on special occasions. It includes the original Police Station and Council Chambers as well as a variety of fascinating pioneering machinery supported by historically minded locals. Open by appointment only. T: 0427 253 226. Darling Street.
The Bend town clock
Just near the Council Chambers in Carrington Street, you'll find 'The Bend’, digital town clock. This design was created by internationally acclaimed Australian artist, Jonathon Leahey and reflects Darlington Point's hidden treasure and life blood - the Murrumbidgee River. Like it or loathe it, the clock has certainly caused some robust discussion in the township!
Waddi Regional Cultural and Heritage Centre (under construction)
11 Carrington Street, T: 02 6989 4390
www.waddiheritage.com.au
The Waddi Cultural Family Heritage and Art Centre is a regional cultural destination located in the heart of Darlington Point. You can't miss this building that features stunning Aboriginal Art on all exteriors. The entrance to the art gallery displays a small garden featuring native and bush tucker plants. The main feature of this exhibition centre is a display on 'Warangesda' and local cultural artworks and stories. Relax and educate yourself about the local Wiradjuri/Waddi Language and cultural links while enjoying the river and bush surrounding. The back end of the centre is available as a seminar room and art workshop for visiting consultants to hold workshops.
Wiradjuri Walk
The name 'Wiradjuri Walk' symbolises the journey we've all made through history, starting with the First Nations people more than 60,000 years ago and continuing today in 2021. Together, we're building a future that remembers our past and celebrates the future. You'll find most of the elements of the project around Fig Tree Park, including:
- Public art created by Kerri Weymouth, Bohie Palacek and the Waddi Art Group.
- Historical photos.
- Storyboards capturing the area's history.
- More clearly defined walking and cycling trails around Fig Tree Park. These now join up with the 1.8 km Goanna Walking Track, which is meanders beside the river through red river gum and black box forests, and finishing at the mystical 'Bunyip Hole'.
- New fencing and bins to improve the accessibility, amenity and vibrancy of Fig Tree Park.
This project has been supported by many, many people in our community. We thank each and every one of you for your assistance. We have thoroughly researched this project and the historical information that is presented is correct as taken directly from original published material. It is acknowledged that there may be minor discrepancies between sources given the limitations of reporting at the time. The project was proudly funded by the NSW Government and Murrumbidgee Council.
Oolambeyan National Park
Conargo Road
1300 072 757
parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Opening Hours: 6 am to 8 pm, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
For day-trippers, Oolambeyan National Park provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, picnicking and bushwalking. Find a shady spot for a picnic in the homestead’s surviving orchard. There’s an oval with a cricket pitch nearby and many historic building to see – great if you’ve got the kids with you. A day-use shelter with gas BBQ and stove is located south of the homestead. For the adventurous, management trails from the homestead can be explored by cycling or hiking.
Golf, Bowls and Tennis
Darlington Point Sports Club offers a 9-hole sand green golf course, 4 tennis courts and a bowling green.
6 Demamiel St
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Darlington Point War Memorial Swimming Pool
Curphy Place
0409 062 083
Opening Hours: 9:30am to 7:30pm (November to April)
A favourite with the locals in summer, the pool includes a 25 metre lap and recreational pool, shaded medium pool, shaded toddler’s pool. The facility also includes a kiosk, change rooms and shaded picnic tables and barbecue, so you can bring your friends and family and stay cool in summer.
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Festivals and events
Riverina Classic Catch and Release Fishing Competition
This highly popular annual event is held annually over three days in February each year. As a charity event, proceeds are distributed to a chosen charity each year and also used to re-stock the Murrumbidgee River with native fingerlings. The restocking program is vital to securing a healthy and sustainable fishing future. The next event will be held on 12-14 February 2021.
Annual Spring Festival
The Spring Festival, held annually in September in the CWA Park, attracts crowds from near and far. The day has a wonderful atmosphere with live music and food, craft and produce from over 40 stalls, and train rides which takes passengers for a picturesque ride around town. There is also a highly popular car display with cars and bikes on show from the Expatriates Auto Club.
Riverina Redneck Rally and Redneck River Run
This is an annual fundraising event that has been running since 2017 which attracts entries from across Australia. Money raised from the rally is donated to Country Hope, a Riverina/Murray-based organisation that offers support to children diagnosed with cancer and other life threatening illnesses. As part of the event, Riverina Redneck Rally competitors raise funds to aid Country Hope. Once teams are accepted they must raise a minimum of $2,500 to be eligible to participate in the rally. The Redneck River Run is also an annual event, with adventure lovers travelling by tinnie from Darlington Point to Hay along the Murrumbidgee River.
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Recreation and Leisure
Golfers, bowlers and tennis players are all welcome at the Darlington Point Sports Club (6 Demamiel Street).
Darlington Point War Memorial Swimming Pool
Curphy Place, T: 0409 062 083
Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 7:30 pm Tuesday - Sunday (November to April)
A favourite with the locals in summer, the pool includes a 25 metre lap and recreational pool, shaded medium pool, shaded toddler’s pool. The facility also includes a kiosk, change rooms and shaded picnic tables and barbecue, so you can bring your friends and family and stay cool in summer.
Outdoor gym
McAlister Street
Work up a sweat without breaking the bank at the free outdoor gym. Located next to the gym is a ½ basketball court.
Freedom on two wheels
Short family rides near Darlington Point include through Willbriggie Regional Park along Forest Drive and Beach road, testing your off road skills along the Goanna Walking Track along the Murrumbidgee River, or town ride exploring the streets and sights of Darlington Point.
Figtree Park
Shaded seating and table area. This park is the perfect spot to stroll over to the bank of the Murrumbidgee or to the levy bank (the Goanna Walking Track starts here). The levee bank is vital to keeping our community safe in times of flood.
CWA Park and Skate Park
37-39 Carrington Street
This includes a BBQ, fully fenced playground, concrete skate park, shaded tables and chairs with barbecues, swings, slide, rock climbing walls, various climbing apparatus and rocking/bouncing toys. The play equipment is shaded and is located next to a toddler bike path with stop signs, give way signs and a roundabout. Toilets are located across the road next to brand new outdoor gym equipment. A great park for all ages!
Lions Park
Darlington Street
Undercover playground, picnic tables and Dennis historic fire engine display. Built in 1955, the vehicle was used as Darlington Point’s town pumper fire fighting unit.
Shopping
Darlington Point has all the basics covered with a great range of stores and true country, friendly service.
Heath's Family Butchery ‘meats’ your protein needs. Jody is famous for his in-house smoked bacon, cabanna and hams. Location: 9 Carrington Street, Darlington Point. T: 02 6968 4156. Open Monday-Saturday.
Davis Supermarket offers opportunity to replenish your supplies. Location: 10 Bridge Street, Darlington Point. T: 02 6968 4243. Open seven days a week.
Central Garage has fuel, snacks and papers. Location: 22 Carrington Street, Darlington Point. T: 02 6968 4275. Open seven days a week.
Post Office. Location: 4 Punt Rd, Darlington Point. T: 02 6968 4112. Open Monday-Friday.
Darlington Point Op Shop: Darlington Point Anglican Church, Carrington Street. Open Tuesday and Thursday 10.00 am - 1.00 pm.
Massa Pharmacy. Location: 5 Carrington St, Darlington Point. T: 02 6968 4376. Open Monday-Saturday.
Darlington Point Medical Centre. Location: Carrington Street, Darlington Point. T: 0481 813 740. Open Monday afternoon, Tuesday morning, Thursday afternoon, Friday morning. A hospital is located in Griffith.
RV Information
Darlington Point is an RV Friendly town and we welcome both caravanners and campers.
Parking: Stock Street
Dump Point: Lions Park, Darlington Street
Potable Water: Lions Park, Darlington Street
Fuel Stops: Central Garage & Newsagency, BP Waddi Roadhouse
Mechanics/Tyres: Central Garage & Newsagency
To find out about living and working in Darlington Point, head here.
Related Pages
Darlington Point Museum
Altina Wildlife Park
Where to dine in Darlington Point
Darlington Point has a superb range of eateries, including cafes, pub and club food and a great Italian restaurant.
Where to stay in Darlington Point
Darlington Point has a terrific range of accommodation options, from delightful B&Bs, historic pubs to beautiful camping spots along the Murrumbidgee River.