Leaving Broken Hill, we ventured south to camp for a couple of days beside the Darling River in the Kinchega National Park, just a few kilometres from the town of Minindee.

The Menindee Lake system, a series of nine interconnected lakes, is a significant environmental feature in western New South Wales, Australia. Fed by the Darling River, these lakes are a crucial part of the Murray–Darling Basin, providing vital water storage and supporting a diverse ecosystem. The four main lakes – Menindee, Wetherell, Pamamaroo, and Cawndilla – play a pivotal role in the region’s water management and are operated by WaterNSW. This system not only sustains local agriculture and communities but also hopefully serves as a habitat for numerous bird species and aquatic life.

Historically, the Menindee Lakes were natural floodplain depressions that filled during periods of high river flow. However, the mid-20th-century saw the transformation of these lakes into a managed water storage system, which has been instrumental in the development of the region. The lakes’ modification has allowed for more consistent water supply for various uses, including agriculture, mining, and urban areas, particularly the nearby city of Broken Hill. Despite these benefits, the lakes face challenges such as variable river flows and extended droughts, which can lead to the lakes and even the Darling River running dry.

Kinchega National Park, adjacent to the Menindee Lakes, offers a window into the area’s natural beauty and historical significance. The park encompasses several of the Menindee Lakes and provides visitors with opportunities to camp beside the Darling River, explore Aboriginal and pastoral history, and observe a rich array of birdlife. The park is also home to the historic Kinchega Woolshed, a heritage-listed structure that stands as a monument to Australia’s pastoral history. Built in 1875, the woolshed was the site where over six million sheep were shorn during its 97 years of operation. At one point 62 stands were in operation.

The old Kinchega Woolshed, now a preserved historic site within Kinchega National Park, offers a glimpse into the pastoral life of the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can explore the woolshed and imagine the bustling activity of shearing seasons past. The shearers’ quarters and the machinery room, complete with an original steam engine, provide a tangible connection to the days when Kinchega was a thriving sheep station. Getting the wool to market involved bullock trays, sometimes camels and of course in the paddle steamers and barges in the early days.

Coming up a bit later: A full Youtube video of Kinchega Woolshed!