Minindee Lakes anyone been there?

Cloak · Guru

Minindee Lakes anyone been there?

oldboar · Senior Member

John, you didn't happen to run into Tom who often looks after the van park by any chance. My previous wife's cousin and one of the nicest blokes I've ever met.

Darrell

-- Edited by oldboar on Sunday 24th of March 2013 08:45:53 PM

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Spent about 10 days in the area back in August 2010 (stayed in the Menindee Van Park - basic but cheap - only tank water to drink) and wandered all over, including the Kinchega Nat Pk. There are a number of free camps around the lakes in the area and in the Nat Pk ... but of course the Nat Pk charges (same price per night as the van park) but with no showers or water or power or flushing toilet

Got some great photos and enjoyed the "outback" and the history of the area.

Attached photo is of Lake Mendinee from our van park site.

Cheers - John

herbie · Guru

There was a free camp when we were there but we stayed in c/ park,( but maybe the free camp has disapeared now )This spot is called Burke and Wills campsite about 110 km south of Brokenhill or 8km north/ west of Maenindee. take the dirt road to the north east and follow it for 9km to the wier then turn right to campsite at ..Lat 32 .18. 09. s. long 142. 29. 57.13. E. The ground in campsite could get very slippery when wet. The road in though is an all weather road.Only amenities were a drop toilet fire place and picnic table shelter.a must see is Ah Chungs Bakehouse and Dost Mahomets grave and Kinchega Homestead site and Woolshed to name just a few things.Did you know Minindee Lakes ownes Tarzan.....A Norm Edwards lived with his parents on a smallpaddle steamer Daisy and settled in the Pamamaroo area in the 1920s. Norm went off and joined a travelling circus and performed on the high trapeze. REturning to the lakes he entertained all the locals with feats such as walking a high wire and bending iron bars with his teeth.When Tarzan the movie was to be made in Oz he went into training for the role , but the movie never made in Oz , so he had to go back making a liing from fishing. (Just a bit of trivia). about one of the many charactors who lived there.

-- Edited by herbie on Sunday 24th of March 2013 11:36:58 PM

golivers travels · Guru

Cloak we have stayed there a number of times. Like rockylizard, we preferred to stay at the Menindee Van Park. There is also Copi Hollow Caravan Park on tshoe doge of Hopi Hollow Lake. You can also free camp on the east side of the lake.

Staying at Menindee gives you access to the surrounding National Parks and even a trip to Mungo National Park is worth it. Very little supplies in town so worth taking all that you need, including alcohol. Great bird watching in the area.

cheers

Glenda

herbie · Guru

A great place around that area, but pick a van park to stay in ,as if you stay in the N/Ps you pay but don't get any thing for your $$$ and out that way you will want a shower after exploring each day.

Griff · Member

Stayed in the NP a couple of years ago at site 34 along the Darling River and will be back there again in a few weeks. There are showers at the homestead/NP office for a gold coin donation. There are pit toilets nearby the camping areas otherwise no facilities. We found it to be the best camping spot in the area and thoroughly enjoyed the tranquility of the river and the privacy.

Cheers

Griff

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Afraid I don't remember the names of the van park owner/manager/operators but I do recall they were very laid back, friendly and very helpful.

Husband and wife both chatted with us as we were the only ones in the van park for two nights which made it a very nice stay.

I also must admit the camping spots along the Darling River were tranquil and lovely spots. However, at the cost of Nat Pk entry fee, plus camping fees for no facilities except a drop dunny in no way represented value for money when compared to the van park, camped right next to the Menindee Lake. We spent the day and early evenings in the Nat Pk and enjoyed all it had to offer without having to pay a high fee to sleep there.

Cheers - John

neilnruth · Guru

We stayed at Copi Hollow CP. Our avatar is a sunset photo looking across the lake from our caravan. Make sure you include Kinchega NP in your trips. The old shearing shed and farm relics are great. Agree with the advice given above too. Enjoy your visit. Lovely place. If it has been wet though there may be some roads closed. We had to go up to Broken Hill and out to it - couldn't access directly from Wentworth. PS Welcome to the forum from us by the way.

Cloak · Guru

The Wentworth Menundee road is sealed these day isn't it? I remember about 30 yeas ago I had to turn back on a day trip from Mildura where we were camping because it was so badly rutted. Ever since that trip I've wanted to go back - big sky country and rivers... yeah.

golivers travels · Guru

Cloak wrote:
The Wentworth Menundee road is sealed these day isn't it? I remember about 30 yeas ago I had to turn back on a day trip from Mildura where we were camping because it was so badly rutted. Ever since that trip I've wanted to go back - big sky country and rivers... yeah.

Yes road is sealed Cloak, but not sealed all the way Yao Mungo.

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.