Explore Australia

Menindee

Menindee Lakes, Tourism New South Wales

Population 331

Menindee is like an oasis in the middle of a desert. Although located in the state's arid inland plains, its immediate surrounds comprise fertile land, thanks to the 20 lakes in the area fed by the Darling River and a dam constructed in the 1960s. The orchards and vegetable farms provide a stark contrast to the vast freshwater lakes full of dead trees, and surrounding saltbush and red soil, on the way into this tiny settlement.

Visitor Information

Yartla St; (08) 8091 4274

Nearby national parks

  • Mutawintji National Park

    There is camping at Homestead Creek with all facilities including gas and/or electric barbecues. No bookings are taken, there is no fuel or...more

  • Mungo National Park

    This is kangaroo country – red, western grey and eastern grey kangaroos are truly at home here – but there are also short-beaked...more

  • Murray–Sunset National Park

    Declared in 1991, Victoria’s second-largest national park is a landscape of wide Mallee country, rolling sand dunes, magnificent river...more

Nearby towns

  • Broken Hill

    In the vast, arid lands of far-western New South Wales, Broken Hill was first an intermittent home for the Willyama people; its lack of...more

  • White Cliffs

    White Cliffs is first and foremost an opal town. The first mining lease was granted in 1890, and a boom followed with an influx of 4500...more

  • Wentworth

    At the junction of the Murray and Darling rivers, Wentworth was once a busy and important town. With the introduction of the railways it...more

In Town

Maiden's Menindee Hotel: Burke and Wills lodged here in 1860. Meals and accommodation are available; Yartla St. Ah Chung's Bakehouse Gallery: William Ah Chung established one of the first market gardens in town. His bakery (c. 1880) now houses a gallery featuring local artists. Open for groups by appt from visitor centre; Menindee St. Heritage trail: through town; maps from visitor centre.

Nearby

Kinchega National Park When full, the lakes support waterbirds such as egrets, cormorants, black swans and spoonbills, and numerous other wildlife. There are giant river red gums growing along the banks of the Darling River, and campsites along the river in the north. Attractions include the wreck of paddlesteamer Providence, the old homestead and woolshed from Kinchega Station, and accommodation in the restored shearers' quarters. There is also a cemetery near the homestead. Activities include swimming, fishing and canoeing. 1 km W. Menindee Lakes: in dry times only the upper lakes have water, making them the most reliable for fishing, swimming, birdwatching and watersports, and the best place for camping; details from visitor centre. Menindee Lake Lookout: good views of the lake; 10 km N. Copi Hollow: great spot for waterskiers, swimmers and powerboat enthusiasts, with campsites on the waterfront; 18 km N.

Fishing spots near town

Curlwaa 196 km

Curlwaa is downstream of Mildura, between Dareton and Wentworth. The boat ramp is nothing flash – a basic dirt facility suited to smaller boats. A kilometre or so upstream from the ramp is the old Abbotsford... Find out more


Wentworth 197 km

As you work your way down the Murray, you’ll find locks near most of the major towns. The locks create deep, holding water, which is especially good news for anglers chasing Murray cod. There’s one at... Find out more


Fort Courage 199 km

One of my favourite destinations is Fort Courage. Little more than a caravan park with a boat ramp, Fort Courage is about 20 km drive out of Wentworth on the road to Renmark. It has great fishing for families or angling... Find out more


Euston 244 km

Euston began as Boomiarcool Station in 1847, growing into a small township and subsequently a busy inland port, from which a fleet of paddlesteamers and barges transported the consignments of wool and wheat along the... Find out more


Robinvale 245 km

We trolled at little more than a fast walking pace, the electric motor giving off a light humming noise. Behind the boat, a couple of large bibbed lures were swimming deep, about a metre off the bottom, their action... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Remote four-wheel-drive tours - around Broken Hill 102 km

Some of Tri-State Safaris’ tours have advanced eco-certification and provide a way to get out to some of the remotest parts of the state. They range from a two-hour sunset tour from Broken Hill, to multi-day tours... Find out more


Wine-tasting - Robinvale 245 km

Robinvale Wines, near Robinvale, produces a wide variety of wines, certified organic and biodynamic, with no chemicals used.... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Mildura Brewery 200 km

Breweries pop up in some rather exotic locations but this is the first I’ve encountered in a former cinema. Once known as the Astor Theatre, the main building is a lovely example of Art Deco architecture, which has... Find out more


Campsites around town

Darling River camping areas 6 km

There are 34 campsites scattered along the Darling, accessible from 10 km south of Menindee along River Dr. Many of the sites are on groves of ancient river red gums, and while you should not set up camp directly... Find out more


Shearers Quarters 11 km

The rooms in these shearers’ quarters each have 2 bunk beds, 3 with additional trundle beds, sleeping a total of 27 people. There are hot showers here, as well as toilets, communal kitchen and gas barbecues.... Find out more


Emu Lake camping area 12 km

This camping area is on Woolshed Dr, near the park visitor centre.... Find out more


Lake Pamamaroo camping area 12 km

Lake Pamamaroo camping area is 16 km north of Menindee, and comprises part of the Menindee Lakes system. Take the Menindee–Broken Hill Rd north of Menindee, and after 8 km you’ll see the turn-off to Lake... Find out more


Main Weir camping area 12 km

To get to this camping spot in the Menindee Lakes area, take the Menindee–Broken Hill Rd north of Menindee, and after 8 km you’ll see the turn-off to Lake Pamamaroo and Main Weir on the right. Bring your own... Find out more


Burke and Wills Campsite 12 km

The famed 1860 Burke and Wills expedition saw the first successful north–south crossing of the continent between Melbourne and the Gulf of Carpentaria. The expedition’s leader, Robert O’Hara Burke, and... Find out more


Lake Cawndilla camping area 16 km

On Lake Dr off Old Pooncarie Rd, this camping area is right on the lake’s foreshore, which offers beautiful early-morning or late-evening views. Following years of drought that saw the lake dry out, it is now... Find out more


Lake View Caravan Park 101 km

Don’t get overly excited about the “lake view” part – you can see it, but it’s not open to the public. Focus instead on the attractions of Broken Hill, a vibrant outback Australian town... Find out more


PADDA Park 111 km

This is a nice little spot on the Darling River, where you can fish, swim or canoe. Dogs are allowed on a lead. It’s in Pooncarie on Tarcoola St.... Find out more


Homestead Creek camping area 124 km

Homestead Creek offers all the facilities you need, including gas/electric barbecues and hot showers. The nearby walk up Homestead Creek passes by some good rock art sites, and on to the ridge top for views over a... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Broken Hill Caravan Park 104 km

With its heated pool, covered barbecues and well-stocked kiosk, this large place is our pick of the Broken Hill parks and we regularly stay here. It is easily accessible from the Barrier Highway. Bookings are required... Find out more


Apex RiverBeach Holiday Park 197 km

The beautiful setting of this park, with its shady trees, green lawns and the river winding by, makes it a favourite of ours. Large and spacious, the park is located 4 km west of Mildura opposite a popular swimming... Find out more


Rivergardens Tourist Park 199 km

This is a great riverfront park on the Sturt Highway close to Mildura, 1 km from the centre of Gol Gol. It is a good owner-operated establishment with a range of accommodation and good facilities. Bookings are required... Find out more


BIG4 Mildura Golden River Holiday Park 200 km

This is a very good quality park on the banks of the Murray River, 4.5 km west of the town centre in a quiet off-highway location. The park has a range of accommodation, a heated pool and a boat parking area. Bookings... Find out more


Buronga Riverside Caravan Park 200 km

Located on the banks of the river close to the bridge and opposite Mildura Wharf, this park has plenty of space for larger rigs. Shady trees and a pool complete the picture. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more


The Palms Caravan Park 201 km

This is a quality park in a quiet area on the edge of town, and will appeal to those travelling with dogs. There is a great dog exercise area and dog bath facilities. The place has a range of accommodation and bookings... Find out more


Mildura and Deakin Holiday Park 203 km

Strategically located on a highway junction, this good quality caravan park is just a short walk from Mildura Centre Plaza. It is a convenient spot for an overnight stay or a few days. It has disabled ensuite sites.... Find out more


Calder Tourist Park 203 km

This is a very good quality, centrally located park. It is close to Mildura Centre Plaza and easily accessible from the Sturt and Calder highways. A pancake breakfast is provided on Sunday mornings. Bookings are required... Find out more


Lake Cullulleraine RSL Holiday Park 222 km

This is a council-owned park on the banks of Lake Cullulleraine. There are green lawns, shady trees and a kiosk that opens during busy holiday periods. This is a good basic park at a budget price (cash only). Pets are... Find out more


Robinvale Riverside Caravan Park 245 km

The park is on the banks of the Murray River, just 1 km from the town centre. There is a large expanse of green lawn and shady river red gums. It is great for a few days at a budget price. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Bindara Station

At the heritage-listed Bindara Station, guests are invited to experience life in the outback on a working homestead on the banks of the Darling River. There are a variety of riverside accommodation options available and... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Mungo Lodge 159 km

If you want a more up-market alternative, try Mungo Lodge, near Mungo National Park. Owned by Indigenous Business Australia, this has 16 recently refurbished units with ensuites, a windmill and solar panels that supply... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Little Topar Rest Area 70 km

Adjacent the roadhouse Small area just off the highway. GPS: S31 46.814 E142 13.620... Find out more


Spring Hills Rest Area 78 km

74 km W of Wilcannia (R) or 122 km E of Broken Hill (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 43.378 E142 41.127  ... Find out more


Thackaringa Hills Rest Area 127 km

36 km W of Broken Hill (L) or 13 km E of Cockburn (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 02.739 E141 07.656  ... Find out more


comments powered by Disqus