Brewarrina
Town
Population 1123
This charming outback town on the banks of the Barwon River is affectionately known as Bre. It was developed in the 1860s as a river crossing for stock, but later thrived because of its position on a Cobb & Co route. Brewarrina was once a meeting place for Aboriginal tribes, with sacred sites including burial and ceremonial grounds, pointing to a culture that revolved around the river. By far the most impressive relics are the ancient stone fish traps of the Barwon River estimated to be 40 000 years old – among the oldest constructions in the world.
Visitor Information
Bathurst St; (02) 6830 5152
Nearby national parks
-
Currawinya National Park
Currawinya National Park, set in rugged mulga country, protects a significant wetland system. There are two large lakes, Numalla and Wyara,...more -
Warrumbungle National Park
At Warrumbungle National Park rocky spires emerge from the heavily forested valleys and peaks, and gorges slice deep into the landscape....more
Nearby towns
-
Bourke
The saying 'back o' Bourke' has come to mean the middle of nowhere, which is why Bourke is known as the gateway to the real outback....more -
Walgett
Walgett is the service centre to a large pastoral region. The name Walgett, which means 'the meeting of two waters', is apt, as the town...more -
Lightning Ridge
This famous opal-mining town is the only place in Australia where true black opals are found. Miners on the opal fields in most cases need...more
In Town
Aboriginal fish traps The traditional Aboriginal story states that the traps were built during a drought. Gurrungga, the water hole at Brewarrina, dried up and this opportunity was used to build the traps in the dry bed. The Ngemba people, who were facing famine, were never hungry again. Anthropologists claim the traps are impressive evidence of early engineering, river hydrology and knowledge of fish biology. Around 500 m long, these traps relied on the currents to sweep the fish inside, where they would be confined when the water level dropped. Thousands of years ago, the traps formed the centrepiece of a seasonal festival, regularly attended by up to 50 000 people from Aboriginal groups along the east coast. At night they held corroborees and shared stories around campfires in a language common to the region. The traps preserve the memory of these ancient times. Guided tours are available from visitor centre.Aboriginal Cultural Museum: displays on aspects of Aboriginal life, from tales of the Dreamtime to the present; open Mon–Fri; Bathurst St. Barwon Bridge: one of two surviving examples of the first series of lift span bridges in the state (1889); Bridge Rd. Wildlife park: native fauna in bush setting; Doyle St. Self-guide drive: 19th-century buildings; brochure from visitor centre.
Nearby
Narran Lake Nature Reserve: wetlands and a breeding ground for native and migratory birds; access permits from visitor centre; 50 km NE. Culgoa National Park: wildlife unique to the western flood plains including falcons, striped-faced dunnat and pied bats. Information from visitor centre; 100 km N. Fishing: plentiful Murray cod in the Barwon River. Start of Darling River Run: self-drive tour; brochure from visitor centre.
Campsites around town
4 Mile camping area 5 km
At 4 miles, or approximately 6.5 km, east of Brewarrina along Carinda Rd, this is a top spot for fishing and swimming in the Barwon River. You’ll be joining a tradition stretching back thousands of years –... Find out moreMount Oxley camping area 66 km
Mt Oxley is a tabletop mountain with spectacular views over the broad and sunburnt plains surrounding Bourke. This camping area is on private property; to get here, follow the road to Brewarrina for 28 km and take the... Find out moreMays Bend camping area 83 km
Gaze across the Darling River to towering red gums at this spot, just 11 km north of North Bourke. Facilities are non-existent, but it’s quiet and beautiful, and you can fish, paddle, or go for a swim if you... Find out moreKidman's Camp 88 km
This is a neat and friendly caravan park in North Bourke, not far from the famed Darling River. It’s got a swimming pool, which is heavenly in the high heat of summer, as well as powered and unpowered tent sites,... Find out moreCulgoa River Campground 89 km
Don’t get too excited about fishing and swimming, as the river here is often dry. Instead, you can camp among the gidgee trees and take the Riverbank Walk to the river, or the Connellys Walk through stands of tall... Find out moreCulgoa Floodplain (bush camping) 115 km
For self-sufficient campers only, bush camping is permitted at various sites throughout the park. To get there from St George, travel 160 km south to Hebel on a sealed road then 45 km south to Goodooga (impassable after... Find out moreYanda camping ground 123 km
Camp right on the Darling River at this newly established site on the north-western side of Louth Rd. From Bourke, head south along the Kidman Way and turn right onto Louth Rd. Follow the road about 45 km and watch for a... Find out moreDry Tank camping ground 126 km
Follow Kidman Way 50 km south of Bourke and turn right onto the main park road; alternatively, turn onto East Toorale Rd 10 km south of Bourke and follow the signs. There’s a 2.4 km walk from here leading to a... Find out moreBokhara River camping area 142 km
This site with no facilities is set beside the Bokhara River in Hebel, 162 km south of St George and 65 km south of Dirranbandi.... Find out moreNarran River camping area 170 km
This campground beside the Narran River has no facilities. To get here, take Dirranbandi–Hebel Rd, 37 km south of Dirranbandi.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Kidmans Camp 88 km
Located 8 km north of town, this spacious riverfront park has plenty of lawn and lots of shade. The park is in a quiet, out-of-town location backing onto the Darling River.... Find out moreMitchell Caravan Park 89 km
This caravan park is located in a quiet, off-highway position about 1 km from the town centre. It has modern, clean amenities and good basic facilities. It is an ideal base for those exploring Bourke. Bookings are... Find out moreRiverside Caravan Park 180 km
The park is set in a quiet riverfront location on the western side of Nyngan, strategically located near the junction of the Mitchell and Barrier highways. It has most of the normal park facilities and, while it has... Find out moreCobar Caravan Park 197 km
This park appeals to us each time we stay here. The neat, well-maintained place is located on the Barrier Highway about 1 km west of the shopping centre. There are good amenities and it is an ideal overnight stop for... Find out moreCunnamulla Caravan Park 238 km
This is a typical country-town caravan park with good amenities, good basic facilities and a resident manager. The park is in a quiet, off-highway location and is an ideal base for exploring the area or a good choice for... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Rest areas around town
Latoka Rest Area 83 km
57 km NW of Byrock (L) or 21 km SE of Bourke (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S30 14.42 E146 03.30... Find out moreBahloo Rest Area 101 km
27 km NW of Coolabah (L) or 24 km SE of Byrock (R) Large area just off the highway surrounded by scrub. Limited shade. GPS: S30 49.52 E146 32.48 ... Find out moreTuncoona Rest Area 107 km
65 km N of Bourke (L) or 71 km S of Barringun (R) Large secluded area well off the highway among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S29 35.139 E145 50.504 ... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Barwon River Rodeo: Easter.
Brewarrina Annual
Races: May.
