Menindee

• Summary
• Weather for Menindee

This is a historic township on the Darling River, flanked by the massive water storage system of the Menindee Lakes. The region has hosted some of Australia's most illustrious explorers: Surveyor-General Major Thomas Mitchell in 1835 and, in 1860, the members of the doomed Burke and Wills expedition. Burke and Wills camped beside the river - you can read all about it at the pub (Yartla Street) and stand in the room in which they slept.

Try and make it out to Burke & Wills campsite just out of town (a popular stopover for campers but no onsite electricity) or if water sports is more your line try Copi Hollow - a real coastal resort in the middle of the Outback with its own camping ground (with electricity).

Menindee rivalled Wilcannia for the river but was never quite as successful, being further away from supply points such as Cobar and White Cliffs. The development of the Menindee Lakes water storage system during the 1960s created what has become a water playground for local residents and this, plus the town's history and proximity to Kinchega National Park, has made it an attractive destination for travellers. The word 'Menindee' is derived from the Aboriginal word for 'egg yolk'.

The whole town is a living history to outback exploration. In addition to the spectacular scenery the locals are friendly and proud of both their European and Aboriginal heritage.