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Darling River drive

Toorale National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Darling River drive.

Getting there and parking

Darling River drive is in Toorale National Park. To get there:

From Bourke:

  • Travel 10.5km north from Bourke on Hungerford Road
  • Continue for 21.5km and turn left at the sign to Louth, onto unsealed Toorale Road (Rural Local Road 10).
  • Drive for 38km and, after crossing a stock grid, you’ll see a Toorale entrance sign. 1km from the park entrance, turn left onto Darling River Drive.

From Louth:

  • Cross the bridge over Darling River and travel 52km on unsealed Toorale Road (Rural Local Road 10) through the park entrance, and then turn right onto Darling River Drive.

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • All roads require 4WD vehicle

Parking

Parking is available along Darling River drive, as well as at the Darling River campgrounds.

Best times to visit

You may experience a great range of temperatures on any day in the park. In summer it's generally hot in the daytime and temperatures often exceed 30C. In contrast, winter can be very cold and the temperature drops below freezing at night. Rainfall is also highly variable, ranging from drought to prolonged wet periods. Less rain falls on the western side of the park than on the eastern side. It rains most from December to February and the annual average rainfall is 720mm. Thunderstorms are common in mid to late summer.

Spring

During early spring wildflowers are in bloom, including a huge variety of golden wattle flowers With a more moderate climate, spring is a great time to get out and camp under the stars .

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

15°C and 30°C

Highest recorded

42.6°C

Winter temperature

Average

0°C and 15°C

Lowest recorded

-9°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

January

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

176.3mm

Facilities

You’re encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

  • The area is open country, however it’s essential that vehicles stay on the designated track and follow the reassurance and directional signage.
  • The walking opportunities in this park are suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Outback safety

Safety is of high priority in outback areas. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 50°C in some places. Food, water and fuel supplies can be scarce. Before you head off, check for road closures and use our contacts to stay safe in the outback.

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

  • Strong rips and currents may be present in Darling River, so swimming is not encouraged.

Wildlife safety

Keep an eye out for wildlife when driving at dawn and dusk.

Permitted

Fishing

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

If you're travelling through a national park or reserve on a public road you can have pets inside your vehicle. However, you must keep them inside your vehicle while driving through national parks or reserves. You must also comply with any conditions in the park’s plan of management, and you cannot stop to visit the park or use park facilities (unless for safety reasons, or to use publicly accessible toilets).

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Darling River drive

Operated by

Park info

  • in Toorale National Park in the Outback NSW region

  • Toorale National Park and SCA is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.