Out and About Sunraysia

Self-Drive Boat Cruise on the Darling River

If you are after a relaxed river adventure with big scenery and no need to rush, this is a great way to spend a few hours around Wentworth.

The cruise takes you upstream on the Darling, past Wentworth Wharf and the old Avoca paddle steamer, before heading out toward Pomona for a riverside BBQ and then back downstream toward the Murray–Darling Junction.

It is very much a take-it-slow kind of trip — part river cruise, part BBQ stop and part excuse to see Wentworth from a completely different angle.

Best time and how long to allow

In summer, an afternoon cruise works particularly well with a cooler breeze and softer late-afternoon light. Allow around 3.5 hours for the up-and-back cruise, plus extra time for your BBQ stop at Pomona.

The cruise

Four easy stages, with plenty of time to stop and enjoy the river along the way.

Start here

Stop 1: Board at Wanderer’s Crossing River Retreat

Start your self-drive cruise from Wanderer’s Crossing River Retreat in Wentworth. It is an easy pickup point right on the Darling and a simple place to begin the run upstream.

River history

Stop 2: Wentworth Wharf and the old Avoca paddle steamer

Cruise upstream and take in Wentworth from the water as you pass the Wentworth Wharf. Keep an eye out for the slipway where the old paddle steamer Avoca is kept — a nice little bit of river history along the way.

BBQ stop

Stop 3: Pomona Boat Ramp

Pull in at Pomona Boat Ramp for a riverside BBQ. It is a good chance to stretch the legs, cook up a feed and enjoy a bit of quiet before turning around for the run back toward Wentworth.

Finish at golden hour

Stop 4: Murray–Darling Junction

Head back downstream and, if the timing lines up, finish with the late-afternoon light around the junction of the Murray and Darling rivers. It is a great way to round out the cruise before heading back in.