Wentworth
Quick facts
- Population approximately 1,500
- 590 kilometres north-west of Melbourne
- 34 kilometres west of Mildura.
Wentworth was once the busiest inland port in NSW and, at the time of Federation, one of the locations considered for the Australian capital. Only 34 kilometres west of Mildura, Wentworth lies at the confluene of the Darling and Murray rivers. The Darling flows over thousands of miles of limestone-enriched flats, which causes its water to become milky grey. The Murray flows through red clay so its water is a richer brown colour. From the town’s observation tower you can watch the distinctive waters of these mighty rivers intersect.
Its location made Wentworth an important port in the paddle steamer era. The town has retained many historic buildings, including the Courthouse, the Anglican Church and original customs officer’s house. The Old Wentworth Gaol, built in 1881, was the first to be designed in this country.
Wentworth is an ideal place for families to enjoy a wide range of water sports on the river system, and a good jumping-off point for Mungo National Park.
Activities and attractions
- Explore the Old Wentworth Gaol, the first prison to be designed in this country and now home to a number of historic artefacts
- Visit the Pioneer Museum, which houses an extensive collection of photographs, artifacts and relics as well as well as replicas of the mega-fauna that once roamed this region
- Visit the Perry Sandhills just outside Wentworth where you will find 400 acres of rolling red sandhills more than 40,000 years old
- Climb the observation tower at the confluence of the Murray and Darling rivers to see the distinctive waters of each river converge
- Play a round of golf on one of the town’s two golf courses
- Take the opportunity to visit the P.S. Ruby Paddlesteamer as her magnificent restoration draws to completion
- Follow drive and walk trails around the historic port of Wentworth township. Available from the Wentworth Shire Visitor Information Centre
- Take a trip to the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, the first semi-arid botanic garden in the Southern Hemisphere and view a wide array of plants and flowers
- Uncover the Aboriginal heritage of Mungo National Park on a tour with a local Aboriginal guide.
Major events
- Music under the Stars Arts Festival, Perry Sandhills – March
- National Trust Heritage Week – April
- Tri-State Masters Rowing Championships – June
- Annual Wentworth Show – August
- Melbourne Cup Day Race Meeting – November.
How to get there
Wentworth is approximately 6 hours from Melbourne. From Mildura, head west on the Silver City Highway, towards Broken Hill.
