At the northern end of the Darling River Run, Walgett sits snug in rolling farmland and is notable for its muscle-soothing Artesian Bore Baths.

Further west is Brewarrina, once significant as a hub for the Cobb & Co stagecoach company, and for being the highest point on the Darling River accessible by paddleboat. ButBrewarrina’s most astonishing landmark is the 40,000-year-old Indigenous fish traps.

Bourke was established in the 1860s as the hinge between outback, agricultural land and east-coast towns. Bourke Town Trail takes you past historic buildings such as the courthouse and colonial-era hotels, now slumbering beneath eucalyptus trees where cockatoos cackle.

Louth is a dot on the Darling River centred around the friendly Shindy’s Inn, but in August its 50 inhabitants are joined by 5000 outback travellers in caravans, utes and dust-covered cars, here for the Louth Races, first run in 1880. Some racegoers wear high heels and Flemington frocks, others cow suits and pink wigs. As races progress, the beer shed gets more raucous and red dust swirls. Other events over race weekend include a golf challenge, fishing competition and damper bake-off.

Don't miss the welcoming town of Tilpa in the Far West region of NSW known for its historic role as a hub for Darling River trade and agriculture.

Wilcannia is another once-bustling riverside town associated with the wool trade. Sturdy colonial-era buildings remain, and today the town has a reputation for its arts community – look out for works by local indigenous artist Eddy Harris.

The Darling River helped open up inland Australia to European settlement, and Menindee features yet more attractive colonial-era architecture.

Pooncarie, another historic river port, lies on the Darling River’s eastern side and is the closest town to the Mungo National Park. Here you’ll be greeted by many friendly locals, a sense of calmness and perhaps even a sighting of kangaroos along the riverside.

The Darling River Run ends in Wentworth at the confluence of Australia’s two greatest rivers, the Darling and the Murray. This was Australia’s busiest inland port in colonial days.