The Darling and the Murray are Australia’s two longest rivers. The Murray weaves its magic through three states, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. In New South Wales, the Darling River flows through Menindee Lakes and Kinchega National Park, all the way south to the township of Pooncarie to join the Murray at Wentworth where the confluence creates a spectacular display of swirling waters. The confluence can be seen at Junction Park in Wentworth where the best vantage point is the viewing tower.
Take time to view one of the several weirs and locks along the river which are part of the Murray irrigation scheme. Originally constructed in the 1920s and 1930s, the system of weirs and locks was designed to provide stable levels for irrigation diversions and year round navigation for commercial cargo and paddle steamers. Today the locks serve an increasing number of houseboats, tourist cruise boats and other recreational craft as well as providing a stable water level all year round.
