PS Providence historic site
Kinchega National Park
Overview
Step back in time at the historic site of the explosion of the PS Providence on the banks of the Darling River in Kinchega National Park.
- Type
- Historic buildings/places
- Where
- Kinchega National Park in Outback NSW
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Hat, drinking water, sunscreen
You might wonder what the lace monitors and bearded dragons make of it, but the rusty hunk of metal on the banks of the Darling River marks the site of a major tragedy. In 1872 the boiler on the riverboat PS Providence exploded, killing all on board except one.
It could have been a mechanical problem, or human error due to a large celebration in Menindee the night before. The only thing that is certain is that the explosion was so loud it was heard in the Kinchega Woolshed, and so powerful that it threw the ship's cook into a tree.
However, as you picnic under the shade of the majestic gums reflecting on the history of the area, the trees will be filled with kingfishers, egrets and black kites instead.
Subscribe to Naturescapes
Subscribe to our Naturescapes e-newsletter which is packed with the latest information, experiences and events in NSW national parks. Your next park adventure starts here.
Conservation program:
Kinchega National Park joint management program
NPWS is working with the Menindee Aboriginal Elders Council to protect the age-old Aboriginal heritage of this region through the Kinchega National Park Memorandum of Understanding and Joint Management Program.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Broken Hill office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. Closed 1pm to 2pm.
- 08 8084 2880
- npws.westdarling@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 183 Argent Street, Broken Hill NSW 2880
Park info
- in Kinchega National Park in the Outback NSW region
Kinchega National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has a pay and display envelope payment system - please bring correct coins.
Buy annual pass