The Great Rivers Tour
The Darling & Murray Rivers
Duration
15 Days, 14 Nights
Group Size
6
Start Location
Dubbo
Status
Sold Out
Tour Overview
The Great Rivers Tour follows two of Australia’s great river systems, the Darling and the Murray, from Outback New South Wales through to South Australia, combining spectacular landscapes, Aboriginal culture, country hospitality, wildlife and, of course, plenty of good food and wine along the way.
Starting in Dubbo, we travel to Brewarrina to visit the World Heritage-listed Aboriginal Fish Traps before overnighting at the award-winning Callubri Station. From here we follow the Darling River through Bourke, Louth, Wilcannia and Menindee, stopping at natural, historical and cultural places of interest along the way. At Menindee Lakes, we join an Aboriginal-guided walk and learn more about the long cultural connection to this remarkable river and lake system.
We then follow the Lower Darling River to Wentworth, where the Darling meets the mighty Murray. After a nature walk to the confluence of the two rivers, we spend some time enjoying the local produce of the region, visiting an almond farm, winery and olive oil producer.
From Wentworth we travel through the north-west corner of Victoria and into South Australia, where we board a luxury houseboat at Paringa for two days on the Murray River. This is a chance to slow down. We cruise some of the quieter parts of the river, swim, read, take a nature walk, watch the abundant birdlife and enjoy dinner and a few drinks on the houseboat.
Further downstream, at the historic river port of Mannum, we join another Aboriginal-guided experience to view ancient cliff art and learn more about the cultural history of the Murray River.
We finish with three nights in the famous McLaren Vale wine region. We spend a day exploring Coorong National Park, including a cruise and short walk towards the mouth of the Murray River, and another day enjoying McLaren Vale and lunch at a local winery.
Along the way we stay at farm properties, meet some fascinating people, enjoy fabulous home-cooked meals and learn a little about what it is really like to live in the Australian outback. There are plenty of opportunities to see Australian wildlife and colourful native birds, but just as importantly, plenty of time to relax and enjoy the journey.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Dubbo - Brewarrina
Wed Aug 26, 2026
The tour begins in Dubbo, timed to connect with passenger train and morning flight arrivals from Sydney. Guests will be collected from the train station or airport before travelling to Brewarrina.
We settle in with welcome drinks followed by a relaxed get-to-know-you barbecue on the banks of the Barwon River, which further downstream becomes the Darling River.
Included: Dinner, activities and welcome drinks.
Day 2 | Brewarrina - Bourke - Ford’s Bridge
Thurs Aug 27, 2026
We begin with an Aboriginal-guided tour of the ancient Brewarrina Fish Traps and Cultural Centre, one of the most significant Aboriginal cultural sites in Australia.
Travelling west towards Bourke, we stop at Mt Oxley for spectacular 360-degree views, wildlife spotting and a picnic lunch on top of the mountain.
After a visit to Bourke, we continue to Lower Lila Retreat near Ford’s Bridge, where the following morning begins with a meditation session hosted by owner Heather.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and activities.
Day 3 | Ford’s Bridge - Bourke - Trilby Station
Fri Aug 28, 2026
After a quick tour of Bourke, we head to Gundabooka National Park for a short nature walk to visit Aboriginal rock art.
We then continue to historic Trilby Station on the banks of the Darling River, home to Liz and Garry Murray and their sixth-generation sheep and goat property.
The day finishes with a home-cooked meal prepared by Liz and enjoyed around the campfire.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and activities.
Day 4 | Trilby Station - Dunlop Station - Louth
Sat Aug 29, 2026
After breakfast, join Liz for a walking tour of Trilby Station and hear stories of floods, schooling, emergency medicine and life in the Outback.
We then visit historic Dunlop Station for morning tea and a guided tour of the homestead and old shearing shed, once part of a vast million-acre pastoral holding.
Lunch is at a classic country pub in Louth before returning to Trilby for a relaxed afternoon and alfresco dinner beside the Darling River.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and activities.
Day 5 | Trilby Station - Tilpa - Broken Hill
Sun Aug 30, 2026
We follow the Darling downstream to Tilpa, a tiny Outback town with a colourful history as a river port, stock crossing and wool-trading centre.
From Tilpa we continue to Broken Hill, arriving in the early afternoon. We begin exploring the Silver City’s museums, galleries and heritage attractions before visiting the Living Desert Sculpture Symposium.
Dinner is at the famous Palace Hotel, featured in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and activities.
Day 6 | Broken Hill - Silverton
Mon Aug 31, 2026
After making your own breakfast arrangements, we travel to historic Silverton, once a thriving silver-mining town and now famous for its film history and classic Outback character.
We take a 2 km heritage walk to Monks Lookout for expansive views across the Mundi Mundi Plains towards the Flinders Ranges.
Returning to Broken Hill, we continue exploring the city.
Included: Lunch, dinner and activities. Breakfast not included.
Day 7 | Broken Hill - Menindee - Bindara Station
Tues Sept 1, 2026
This morning we travel to the Menindee Lakes for an Aboriginal-guided walk with Dave from Wantonella Tours.
The vast lake system provides important habitat for birdlife and has played a significant role in supplying water to Broken Hill.
After a picnic lunch beside the lakes, we continue to Bindara Station on the banks of the Darling River.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and activities.
Day 8 | Bindara Station
Wed Sept 2, 2026
Join our host Barb for an early morning walking tour of Bindara Station, exploring Aboriginal and European cultural sites along the Darling River.
After a pre-breakfast cuppa on the walk, we return to the homestead for a cooked breakfast.
The rest of the day is at leisure, with optional activities including a floating race on the Darling or an additional property tour. The day finishes with a campfire dinner.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and activities.
Day 9 | Bindara Station - Wentworth - Mildura
Thurs Sept 3, 2026
Today we travel the final stretch of the Darling River to Wentworth, where the Darling meets the Murray.
A short nature walk takes us to the confluence of the two rivers, followed by a picnic lunch.
In the afternoon we visit Outback Almonds for a guided orchard tour and afternoon tea before heading to Mildura for a multi-course chef’s dinner at Stefano’s, subject to restaurant opening days.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and activities.
Day 10 | Mildura - Renmark - Murray River Houseboat
Fri Sept 4, 2026
After making your own breakfast arrangements, we travel into South Australia to Paringa near Renmark to board our luxury houseboat for a two-day Murray River cruise.
Our Italian chef, Liam Sibillin, joins us for the cruise and prepares our meals, with informal cooking demonstrations for anyone interested.
After lunch at the Woolshed Brewery, we begin cruising through one of the Murray River’s more remote and scenic sections, with red cliffs, wetlands, wildlife and ever-changing river landscapes.
Included: Lunch, dinner and activities. Breakfast not included.
Day 11 | Murray River Houseboat
Sat Sept 5, 2026
Enjoy a relaxing day cruising slowly along the Murray River past ochre cliffs, white sandbars, river red gum forests and wetlands.
There is plenty of time to read, relax, swim from the houseboat or pick up a few cooking tips from Liam.
All meals are prepared by our Italian chef as we enjoy another peaceful day on the river.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and activities.
Day 12 | Murray River - Gnaut Gnaut - Middleton
Sun Sept 6, 2026
After disembarking the houseboat, we follow the Murray River to Gnaut Gnaut Conservation Park for a 1.5-hour Aboriginal-guided walk.
The tour follows the river cliffs and explores Aboriginal artwork and the cultural significance of this important reserve.
After a picnic lunch, we continue towards the Fleurieu Peninsula, stopping in historic Strathalbyn before arriving at Middleton for a three-night stay at the Beach Huts.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and activities.
Day 13 | Coorong National Park - Murray Mouth
Mon Sept 7, 2026
Today we cruise from Goolwa through Coorong National Park to the mouth of the Murray River.
Along the way we learn about local Aboriginal culture, visit ancient midden sites and hear stories from the riverboat era while travelling through landscapes made famous by Storm Boy.
The cruise includes a walk across the sand dunes to the ocean and Murray Mouth. After lunch at Goolwa Wharf, there is an optional walk around Granite Island at Victor Harbor.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and activities.
Day 14 | McLaren Vale
Tues Sept 8, 2026
After breakfast, we spend the day exploring McLaren Vale.
Our first stop is d’Arenberg Winery and the extraordinary d’Arenberg Cube, with its sensory wine experiences, art installations and Alternate Realities Museum.
We enjoy a farewell lunch at a winery restaurant followed by a wine tasting at Samuel’s Gorge before returning to the Beach Huts for a light farewell supper.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, activities and wine tasting.
Day 15 | Middleton - Adelaide - End of Tour
Wed Sept 9, 2026
Our Great Rivers Tour comes to an end after breakfast.
We travel through the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula to Adelaide Airport, arriving in time for a late-morning or afternoon flight to your onward destination.
Included: Breakfast.
What’s Included
Inclusions
- 15 day 14 nights unique and comfortable to luxury accommodation – a wonderful mix of hotels, resorts, farm stays, heritage accommodation and 2 nights on a luxury houseboat.
- Personal Italian chef while on the houseboat.
- All meals with only 1 or 2 exceptions as identified in the itinerary. Our meals are a combination of fine dining, restaurant dining, outdoor dining and home cooking.
- Sundowners, wine tastings and drinks where identified on the itinerary.
- Entry to National Parks and nature reserves.
- Third party tours including Aboriginal experiences.
- All ground transport in a comfortable 8 seater fully air conditioned vehicle.
- Excursions to destinations and local points of interest and short hikes.
- Entry into attractions/activities/historic sites as per the itinerary.
- Intimate small group tour - maximum 6 people.
- Carefully curated itinerary using local knowledge and experiences unavailable to the general public.
Exclusions
- Transport to and from the starting and end locations. However, transport can be arranged at an additional cost.
- Items of a personal nature or tipping. Passport & (if needed) Visa.
- Travel Insurance (you will be required to have independent travel insurance).
- Incidental snacks, coffee, drinks etc as per your individual requirements.
Travel Information
Start Location
Dubbo
End Location
Middleton
Group Size
6
International Visitors
Climate
Spring and autumn are ideal times to travel the Outback. Winter is also good but the nights in particular are cold. Summer can often be very hot.
What to Expect
Reasonable level of fitness required. Nature hikes are often on uneven dirt paths. Expect hot weather in Summer.
Enquire About This Tour
Tour enquiries can also be sent to info@outbackbedstours.com.au .
