Darlington Point to Balranald

Leaving our peaceful overnight camp at Birdcage Reserve we were soon back on the busy Sturt Highway heading west. It was time for a break at the large inland town of Hay from where we decided to leave the highway and take the alternative route on the northern side of the river through the small village of Maude. This road is mainly in very good condition with almost no traffic and is certainly a better alternative for travellers like us. It allows you to travel at a more relaxed pace and take in the scenery without the worry of the many passing and overtaking heavy vehicles. Just after passing through Maude you are required to re-join the highway for the rest of the way to Balranald.

The intention was to stay in one of the newest national parks in NSW, Yanga N.P. just out of town. We travelled out to the camping area on the banks of the river which was certainly very attractive, however with the temperature hovering around 37 degrees with a hot and gusty northerly wind making conditions unpleasant we decided to return to town and take up residence in the caravan park, at least so we could run our air-conditioner. The Balranald caravan park is very attractive and is situated right on the banks of a bend in the river, and the staff are very friendly. We stayed 2 nights and treated ourselves to dinner at the local club and the next day a visit back out to the national park, this time to the old homestead, where we were fortunate enough to join the morning tour of this fabulous collection of well kept old buildings.Yanga homestead garden