Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru)

🏕️ Darling River Campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru) – Gumbalie, NSW

📍 Description & Location

Located in Toorale National Park, about 80 km southwest of Bourke, this riverside bush camp offers raw natural beauty and a deep spiritual connection to Kurnu-Baakandji Country. The name "Yapara Paaka Thuru" honors the traditional custodians and their ties to the Paaka (Darling River).

🛠️ Facilities and Amenities

• 4 unmarked bush campsites

• Toilets and picnic tables

• Space for tents, camper trailers, caravans, and vehicle-based camping

• No power or water—bring everything you need

• Booking required ($6 fee, camping is free)

🛻 Vehicle Access

• Access via unsealed roads—4WD recommended, especially in wet weather

• No access during heavy rain or floods

• Check park alerts before travel

• Isolated and remote—carry fuel, supplies, and maps

🕰️ History

This land tells two stories: the cultural legacy of the Kurnu-Baakandji People, whose connection to the Darling River spans millennia, and the pioneering Toorale Station, once the largest sheep station in the world. In recent years, the area has been reclaimed and protected as a national park, with conservation projects restoring its natural and cultural heritage.

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• Yanda Campground (Gundabooka SCA) – Another tranquil Darling River site, northeast of Toorale

• Dry Tank Campground – Further east in Gundabooka NP, with bushwalks and outback vistas

• Belah Shearers’ Quarters – For rustic heritage-style accommodation

🌄 Nearby Attractions

• Toorale Homestead Precinct – Historic station buildings and outback heritage

• Mount Talowla Lookout – Epic views across Toorale’s floodplains

• Darling River Drive – Remote touring route along the river

• Gundabooka National Park – Aboriginal rock art and rugged escarpments

• Bourke – Classic outback town with galleries, museums, and river cruises

💬 Reviews Summary

Campers often describe:

• “A remote gem—quiet, peaceful, and full of life”

• “Incredible wildlife—emus, roos, cockatoos galore”

• “Amazing sunsets over the river gums”

• “Simple, but soul-refreshing”

• “Be well-prepared—it’s wild country”

🌾 Whether you’re here for birdwatching, fishing, or sitting in silence under ancient gums, Yapara Paaka Thuru offers a sacred connection to land and water.