Menindee Lakes and Darling River Cruises
Early explorers and native tribes left their legacy behind in town names around here: Menindee, Pooncarie Wilcannia and Broken Hill. Rolling grazingland stretches out to the horizon; farms are called stations and are measured in square kilometers; natural ephemeral lakes were modified to channel the river’s flow. What to do on a river tour? Grab your binoculars and study a pair of White Breasted Sea Eagles or Whistling Kites. Wave to the fishermen and campers as we pass them by. Study ancient River Red Gums and scar trees, tap into the sense of wonder that caused early pioneers to call the desert home and caused so much heart ache and despair. Reflect on the days when 90 paddle steamers frequented the ports along the Darling River.
River Lady Tours Menindee
Menindee is a great place to start a cruise – access is easy by road or rail! Come along for our 1 hour morning river tour and a 2 hour sunset river cruise. Bring along your drinks and nibbles – Just pack you camera and maybe a jacket in the cooler months, the choice is yours. Or arrange a private charter.
Our boat cruise season begins at the start of March and goes through until the end of November.
We welcome group bookings. The boat offers unparalleled 360 degree views of this incredible lake system. The River Lady is comfortably carries 20 passengers. For larger groups back to back tours can be arranged.
Tours
There is no better way to capture all of this outstanding beauty than to take a cruise with River Lady Tours. Specialized charters such as bird watching and exploration can be arranged with prior notice.
Morning Cruise
On board our purpose built vessel the “River Lady” which carries 20 passengers, you will cruise at a leisurely pace exploring the upper reaches of Lake Wetherell. This 1 hour cruise takes in constantly changing scenery from the amazing bird life, ancient River Red Gums and remnants of our early inhabitance along this life blood of the inland. Cruise past the remains of the now famous Edwards Family Homestead where Menindee’s own Tarzan lived. Explore the wet home to a myriad of birdlife, at times numbering in the tens of thousands. Binoculars are provided for a closer look at the display of different wildlife.
Sunset Cruise
With the amazing reflections and the ghost like figures of the River Red Gums Menindee Lakes has become famous for its sunsets. This water cruise presents all that you will experience on the Morning Cruise then stays out on the water in an ideal setting to catch the last golden rays of the outback sun. As the sun sets behind the River Red Gums, enjoy this magic time of day. Cruise departure time varies in relation to sunset times and depending on cruise duration and that is dependent on you.
Private Charter
On board our purpose built vessel the “River Lady” we can design a tour to fit your own special needs. From birthday parties, weddings, or any other special occasion. Minimum 15 passengers required. Available Monday to Friday.