Departing The Alfred Deakin Visitor Information Centre we follow
Tourist Route 4 through to Merbein.
At the intersection of Commercial Street and the Calder Highway we
turn right travelling towards Wentworth following the tourist route 5 signs.
Further along the road is lined by palms. The palms were planted by
American immigrant, Mr Dean in 1909 and have since been added to the National Register.
Hefty fines are incurred if the trees are damaged or removed.
We are now travelling towards Yelta; you may have noticed the
irrigation wheels at the front of the fruit blocks. The irrigation wheels measure the
water usage by district farmers (commonly referred to as Blockies).
On our right is Kremor's Model Aircraft Display with over 500 model
aircraft on display. Open daily from 1pm to 5pm.
As we travel towards the Abbotsford Bridge we notice the Yelta
Saleyards to our left. Regular sheep sales are held here.
Now we cross the Abbotsford Bridge into New South Wales.
Once over the bridge we are in Curlwaa, to our left is a lovely park
with picnic tables, playground and toilet facilities.
We are now travelling on the Silver city Highway towards Wentworth.
On our left we pass the Old Rose Garden Tea Rooms and Nursery, open 10am to 5pm, Friday to
Sunday and Public Holidays from October to April.
After crossing Tuckers Creek Bridge, Fotherby Park is to our left.
The park has a real historic feel with the drop log cottage, McClymont House (once used at
the courthouse), the P.S. Ruby (currently under restoration) and of course, the statue of
Possum, a well known local identity (listen to the audio for his incredible story).
Crossing the Darling River, we see the Wentworth and District
Services Club, one of the regions largest clubs. Open 7 days a week.
Take a moment to call at Harry Mitchell Art and Craft, corner of
Sandwych and Adams Streets, for a copy of you guide to Wentworth.
Following our tour we are guided around the Ferguson Tractor
Monument towards Cadell Street. In Cadell Street we pass historic churches and St Ignatius
High School (Built in 1912 and restored by the National Trust).
Further
along we come to the turn off for the junction of the Murray/Darling Rivers. This lovely
parkland area has a viewing tower for a birds eye view of the Murray Darling Junction. A
short walk to the Weir and Lock 10 along the river can be commenced from the park.
Constructed between 1925 and 1929, like all locks, Lock 10 helps maintain constant river
heights all year round.
Retracing our drive back along Cadell Street, we turn left into
Beverly Street, passing the swimming pool and the Wentworth Sporting Complex. The sporting
complex is home to tennis, golf and lawn bowls.
We now come to the Old Wentworth gaol and opposite the Pioneer
Museum. The Old Wentworth Gaol was built in 1879 and was in use until 1927. Open daily
from 10am to 5pm. The pioneer Museum, gives us the opportunity to learn about the local
history and the junction of the Murray and Darling river. Open 7 days 10am to 5pm.
Following the tourist drive signs to Silver City Highway you can
continue on to Perry Sand Hills, once part of the Willandra Lake System.
We retrace the drive back towards Wentworth and follow the tourist
drive down Perry Street into Darling Street. As we travel down Darling Street we pass many
historic buildings including St Johns Anglican Church built in 1871. Further along we pass
the departure point for the MV Loyalty. The Loyalty cruises from behind the Wentworth
Services Club daily except for Saturday at 1:45pm.
Continuing past the Wentworth Club and crossing the highway we enter
the main shopping precinct. To our right you will see Darling Junction Gallery. Following
the street along we turn left at the old customs officer's house, at the end of Wharf road
we come to a replica of the original wharf. Once restored the P.S. Ruby will be moored at
the wharf. To our right is the Wentworth Rowing Club, where the Henley on the Darling
rowing regatta is hosted every Easter Monday.
Retracing the drive back to Darling Street our tour comes to an end.
We invite you to spend more time exploring the Historic Port of Wentworth.
Drive: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
