Tuesday 28/10/2025 Kidman’s Camp – PV Jandra – Darling River – North Bourke Bridge – The Big Billabong
Darling River Cruise
North Bourke, NSW
Ngemba Country (Ngemba people)
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
The PV Jandra—a replica of a classic paddle steamer—evoked the era when riverboats shaped regional life and trade. As we glided out from the wharf, our guide shared stories about early river explorers and the crucial relationship of the Darling River to Aboriginal Ngemba people. The backdrop of centuries-old red gums and gnarled coolibahs reflected the enduring life of these waters.
Max elevation: 108 m
Total climbing: 21 m
Total descent: -9 m
Average speed: 6.18 km/h
Total time: 01:14:43
On the Water: Birdlife and Wildlife
We were delighted by excellent wildlife viewing on our cruise:
•Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea): We watched flocks of Little Corellas gather at the water’s edge, their loud social calls echoing through the river gums as they drank and foraged for seeds and grasses along the banks.
•Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides): A small raptor hovered in place above the floodplain, scanning for mice or small reptiles—a beautiful demonstration of its precision hunting style.
•Australasian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae): The “snakebird” was seen drying its wings on a half-submerged log. Its slender neck, protruding above the water, gave it an unmistakable profile as it fished for small prey.
•Black Kite (Milvus migrans): Several Black Kites circled effortlessly above, scanning for carrion or small prey, their forked tails and broad wings making them easy to identify over the open floodplain.
•Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena): A lively flock of Welcome Swallows darted and skimmed low over the river’s surface, catching insects in mid-air. Their glossy blue-black upperparts and rust-red throats were easily visible as they swooped between the rushes. There were what seemed hundreds of their mud nests built side by side on the tops of the pillars of North Bourke Bridge.
Other species that may be seen along this stretch of river include emus, galahs, cormorants, tortoises, and water dragons, depending on season and habitat. Flocks of corellas, whistling kites, and herons are often sighted from the river, with dragonflies and butterflies flitting above the water or reed beds.
Darling River past North Bourke Bridge
Riparian Landscapes and Habitats
The riverbank scenery was striking with stands of majestic river red gums, tangled coolibah trees, and dense groves of black box. Reeds and rushes lined the billabong, providing habitat for waterbirds, amphibians, and insects. The rich flora—and the distinctive sounds of both bird and frog—reminded us of the interconnectedness between landscape, species, and people.
History and Connection
Aboard the PV Jandra, it was easy to imagine the river’s golden era and its critical role in connecting outback towns. The commentary highlighted both settler and Aboriginal relationships to the Darling, and the stories of its changing channels and epic floods that shape local lives. This journey gave us a deep appreciation of the region’s cultural and ecological heritage and the unique wildlife thriving along the riverbanks.
Back at camp after sunset we were lucky enough to find an Australian Green Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea), its vibrant green skin gleaming in our torch lights.
Amongst other photographically recorded observations during this walk, we were able to confirm sightings of each of the following species: Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea), Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides), Australasian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena), Australian Green Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)
Clickable icons on this world map will open the related trip report
A detailed, searchable trip list with links to reports, photo galleries
Information on Parks signage along the way
Kidman’s Camp, PV Jandra, Darling River (at North Bourke), North Bourke Bridge, and The Big Billabong are all located adjacent to and along the Darling River in the North Bourke area, just north of the town of Bourke, NSW.
This region forms part of Ngemba Country (Ngemba people). The land on the eastern side of the Darling River at Bourke is traditionally recognised as Ngemba country, and the Ngemba remain the acknowledged custodians of this section of the river and surrounding floodplain.
Designated Area
•Kidman’s Camp is a large commercial caravan park and tourist site on the banks of the Darling River at North Bourke; it is not inside a National Park, State Forest, or formal conservation reserve, but borders significant natural sites and riverine bushland.
•PV Jandra operates river cruises from this camp along the Darling River, highlighting the cultural and natural history of the area.
•North Bourke Bridge and The Big Billabong are local features north of Bourke town, within the river corridor.
Aboriginal Country
•This location is situated on the Ngemba Country, as the eastern (right) bank of the Darling at Bourke and North Bourke is traditional Ngemba land.
•While Barkindji/Barindji people are associated with much of the Darling River downstream from Bourke, the Bourke and North Bourke stretches are ancient lands of the Ngemba people.
•Interpretive material at local attractions, river cruises, and official sources consistently note this custodianship.
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, Indigenous history, white history and other nearby walks in the area (Perplexity AI Model)
Landscape Features and Geology
Kidman’s Camp is located approximately 8 kilometres north of Bourke, adjoining the Darling River, one of Australia’s longest river systems. The river forms low, meandering banks, sandy bars, and broad floodplains interspersed with ephemeral billabongs such as the Big Billabong. The geology consists of alluvial soils deposited by repeated flood events, underlain by older sedimentary basins formed during the Mesozoic era. North Bourke Bridge spans the river, with flat river terraces and outback woodlands stretching away to the east and west. The landscape marks the boundary between dry western plains and the more fertile riparian corridor.
Scenic Highlights
The PV Jandra, a replica paddle vessel, provides cruise experiences along the Darling River, showcasing views of broad water, ancient red gums, and shifting channel banks. The Big Billabong displays contrasting wet and dry phases, with birdlife, water reflections, and dramatic sunsets. The historic North Bourke Bridge (opened in 1883) is the oldest movable span bridge in Australia and a legacy of the river trade era. Kidman’s Camp offers shaded gardens, open sky vistas, and direct access to the river, with opportunities for observing wildlife, walking, and enjoying sunsets over the water.
Local Flora
Vegetation is dominated by river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) lining the riverbanks, providing crucial shade, nesting sites, and bank stability. Away from the water, black box (Eucalyptus largiflorens), coolibah (Eucalyptus coolabah), and native grasses form open woodland and floodplain habitats. Shaded areas in Kidman’s Camp support ornamental gardens, acacias, and flowering shrubs. Billabong margins are seasonally green with sedges, rushes, saltbush, and native wildflowers.
Local Fauna
The western catchment supports 471 animal species, with the river and billabongs central to aquatic and terrestrial life. Notable fauna includes Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii), yellowbelly (Macquaria ambigua), eastern long-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis), and a range of waterbirds such as the white-faced heron (Egretta novaehollandiae), pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus), and whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus). The iconic red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii) nests in the hollows of mature river red gums along the river course. Kangaroos, emus, and echidnas are regularly seen in adjoining grasslands.
Indigenous History
North Bourke and the Darling River are on Ngemba (Ngiyaampa) Country, with deep historical connection to the river (called Barka by the Barkindji people). Archaeological evidence confirms occupancy for thousands of years, with river, billabong, and woodland habitats providing reliable food, water, and shelter. The cultural significance of the river is reflected in stories, language, ceremonial sites, fish traps, and continued stewardship. The area also marks the interface of several nations and language groups beyond Ngemba, including Barkindji and Murrawarri. Contemporary initiatives highlight preservation, interpretation, and shared management of natural and cultural places.
White History
European exploration began with Charles Sturt in 1828, followed by naming the river after Governor Darling. Bourke arose as a vital outback port and trading post from the 1860s, supported by paddle steamers like the original PV Jandra. North Bourke Bridge (1883) and the subsequent railway and road links enabled expansion of wool, livestock, and produce export. Kidman’s Camp is named after Sir Sidney Kidman, the “Cattle King,” who held extensive pastoral interests in the area. The region’s early industry, colonial expansion, and the decline of river trade after the 1930s are reflected in its historic sites and living traditions.
Clickable icons on this world map will open the related trip report
A detailed, searchable trip list with links to reports, photo galleries
