May 2021

Good unsealed roads, coffee shop open again ...

Submitted by Admin on Mon, 31/May/2021 - 8:09am

Good morning all,

Seems we can't take anything for granted these days. No more Victorians for at least a week, and who knows where the end of all this will be.

We must sympathize with those travellers who were passing through regional Victoria at the time.

Having said that, all our rural and unsealed roads are ready for you all, no wet weather, and river roads opening up again, so don't forget our Farm stays. Not only those on the Darling river run but all the others scattered hell west and crooked. Up White Cliffs way, up the Silver City Highway, and why not poke on up to Tibooburra, you’ll love the country and the people.

Now, forgot to let you know last week. If you are heading anywhere near Pooncarie next weekend, that's the place to be. At this stage the Gymkhana is a goer, but the ‘Bikekhana’ part of it could be tricky as Mildura play a part in that, (covid you see). But according to Josh at the pub all is a goer for next weekend.

Talking to a wonderful group of travellers at ‘Warrawong on the Darling’ last night around the camp fire, top spot, great people, all going their different ways. And speaking of Wilcannia, we have our old coffee shop, (the old Miss Barrett’s) open once again. It’s now ‘Cooee for coffee’ but Alana and Rosie will look after you there, like old times. Also don’t forget, if you are a book lover, drop into the Wilcannia Motel because De. has a ‘pop up’ book library there, grab a book, swap a book, or leave one you are finished with.

As I mentioned last week, the Hay Merino Sheep Show is coming up on the 19th. June. While you’re in Hay there’s a heap to see there, the Big Shearing shed, the Visitor Centre and a top little town.

Moving on into the future of course we have the Ivanhoe Tractor and Truck Show on the October long weekend and there will be heaps more in between, you see.

Check roads, Car Boot Sale, and more

Submitted by Admin on Mon, 24/May/2021 - 7:39am

Good morning everyone,

Spent a short while with some great people at Warrawong last night. It’s true, strangers are only friends you haven’t met yet! And welcome to the new team at Warrawong too, led by a great lady Judy.

The bottom hasn’t fallen out of the river yet but it’s certainly dropping. Which means water going back on some roads, but please don’t attempt any river roads unless you are sure it is open.

Now down to business, there’s a monthly ‘Car Boot Sale’ on in ‘the Hill’ next weekend. Check with the gang at the Visitor Information Centre, they have everything there for you. However, if you’d like to see the last display evening of the Wentworth Military Museum, which is next Friday night, you’ll have to scoot along that Silver City Highway to catch both of them. Make sure you see the girls at the Wentworth V I C, if you are down there, they will have heaps for you to see.

Would you believe, if you enjoy an action packed day of Rugby League, then forget about the above. Be in Ivanhoe next Saturday, all day, stay the night with Wendy, and see no less than 6 teams wrestle it out. Great football and top community.

Speaking of football, there’s a full day happening here in Wilcannia a couple of weeks after that. Here in town on Saturday 19th. local and visiting teams will battle it out. Why not duck up to the Golf club for tea afterwards??

There’s another ‘double header’ on the 19th. Can’t be at both. The Hay Merino Sheep Show, a feature event for Hay is on Saturday 19th. too. Some top quality merinos for sure.

Check roads, many visitors, Bourke mural, and more ...

Submitted by Admin on Mon, 17/May/2021 - 7:32am

Good morning all,

Definitely time to light the fire now. Hope you all are having a great time wandering our vast outback. Caravans and camper trailers everywhere and van parks full, and heaps of people stopped in the street to have a yarn to. What else could you wish for.

Was talking to great friend in Bourke today and just thought I’d bring you all up to date with happenings up there.

A new attraction in Bourke is the magnificent mural on the water tower. Painted by Lightning Ridge artist, John Murray and Bourke artist, Brian Smith, the artwork depicts the inspirational story of Percy Hobson, the first aboriginal to win a gold medal for Australia, in the 1962 Empire games.

Back O Bourke Gallery has resumed their Bourke Scenic Flights.  The district is looking amazing from the air at the moment and tourists are thrilled and thankful for the opportunity to see the vast plains, the Darling River and Gundabooka mountain from an aerial perspective. To book and see more details 

https://www.backobourkegallery.com.au/bourke-scenic-flight/

Now also happening quite soon is the Acre 21 Festival down at Balranald. It’s a music festival at the “Yanga woolshed” and it’s underway next Friday evening. If you are within cooee why not have a look.

The other thing you have to keep in mind for a while is these river roads along the Darling. Here at Wilcannia the Darling  has just about peaked. Not in Victory Park Caravan park yet so it’s still open and I’m sure will be now. But some roads are cut, such as Wilcannia to Tilpa on the eastern side. This puts Wilga campground out for a while.

Acc. nearly all booked, "PB Mundoo" cruise and more

Submitted by Admin on Mon, 03/May/2021 - 9:06am

Good morning all,

It is just so great to go down the main street any time of day and speak to the travellers passing through. Almost without exception they are from the other side of “stony hill”. They are all so appreciative to have a yarn and accepting of any advice and direction we can offer.

Everything seems to be close to booked out at the moment and we hope you enjoy your stay in our little town as with all our other towns in our newly discovered outback.

Now, what’s going on in our neck of the woods, well you can head for Cobar next week end, they have the Cobar Show back again on next Friday and Saturday. With a race meeting on the Saturday as well.

But then if you are close to Broken Hill then you have the Community Markets there on next Saturday and Live Music Month already started, through to the 16th. with various artists playing in venues throughout the Silver City. Just go and check with the ‘gang’ at the information centre and they will have you ‘on the dot’ with everything.

Now the next weekend, the 16th. if you can make it to Brewarrina you will be looked after and catch up with the “Brewarrina Cod Cup”. Starts at 12 noon and racing all afternoon.

I’m not sure how you can make it down to Wentworth by the 17th. (the airstrip is open down there by the way!) Anyway the Paddle steamer “PB Mundoo” is doing a 6 hr. cruise along the mighty Murray river with heaps included, but I suspect it would be an idea to book. Ring the lovely ladies at the Wentworth Visitors Centre, they’ll have you organised in no time.