On the way to Wentworth we pass Mungo national park. This place has been continually been occupied by humans for more than 40,000 years. The natural clay and sand, have over the years been made into formations and sculptures. The best known is 'the Walls of China' which stretch for 30kms.
We stop the night at Pooncarie, camp by the river just on the outskirts of town.We move late at night, because I wanted this, as the clouds were getting dark and it was looking like rain. We were camped on dirt and I did not like the idea of trying to haul the van on slippery wet dirt up and down and around tight corners for about 1km. I thought we might get stuck, needless to say Larry was not of the same opinion, but we moved up to the back of the sports ground anyway. It did not rain.

We are entering the Riverina area of NSW, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country.
With wineries and table grapes, lamb and wool, potatoes, cherries, nuts, grain and rice, and of course citrus. The Balranald shire is also the largest organic grain producing area of Australia.
Yes we did visit a few places and found that if they did tours of their farms , the attached shops were very expensive. We bought fruit and veg at little stands outside farm gates instead.

We left Pooncararie in the morning heading to Wentworth.
  
It rained all night and I am so glad we moved on from Pooncarie in early morning as the road to Wentworth is a dirt/ gravel dry weather road. We would have had a slippery mess to drive on and even dry it took a couple of hours to travel.
 
Wentworth – we parked on the banks of the Darling river. This is were the Darling meets the Murray river, flow through a lock and emerge as the Murray.
You can see were the two rivers meet, one is browner than the other, holding more sediment..
We visit Perry sand hills which at places is 12m high and has about 400 sand dunes.
We go kayaking on the wetlands and lakes and take out a double kayak. We usually have single ones but because of the currant and submerged obstacles this is best. I might not be able to steer or paddle against the wind and currant , which proves to be the case when I try to do it all in the front of the double , Larry has to save us from a tree stump.

 
 
Next is Balranald as we find out some of our grandchildren will be in Leeton for a few days so we head across slowly to see them for a few days.
On the way we stay at Lake Benanee, a man made Lake. We walk part of the lake and then swim as it is very hot. This lake has a sand base so good for swimming. Local people use this lake this way

 

Balranald area is home to the Southern Bell frog or Barking frog , so the town has frog sculptors . The frog has been adopted as the town mascot in order to raise awareness of the plight of this endangered species. There is a walk for children to search for the frog, there is also a bird walking trail in town so we try to walk this but can only walk half as part is flooded . The southern Bell frog is one of the largest frog species in Australia, and lives in semi permanent wetlands, closely related to the Green and Golden Bell frog that halted work on the Olympic village at Sydney. It is bright green with splotches of gold, bronze and black with black along its back. It can change to dark brown when too hot during the day.
 
We spend time in Yanga national park just outside Balranald. A few days here on the river bank over the new year period to keep us off the road and away from mad drivers. This area is supposed to have the southern bell frog but we do not find any.
We stay at Mamanga campground and visit the Yanga homestead. This is NSW latest national park , it was once Yanga homestead a working pastoral,cropping, and irrigation property since the 1840s.
Sityated on the Murrumbidgee flood plains.
The homestead as built mainly of Murray pine using 'drop log' construction around 1870.
There is a Cook's cottage fully equipped,woolshed built to accommodate 3,000 sheep, quarters for 40 shearers, jackaroos,and of course a managers residence. This property was the largest privately freehold property in the southern hemisphere. It has tennis court and is overlooking the river.
Now has a walking trail and bird hide so you know were we went.

 
 
 
We move on to Hay stopping at Sandy beach the local camping and swimming beach on the Murrumbidgee. This very flat area has some strange cloud formations to look at as you drive into Hay. We do not stay long just overnight but we do take advantage of the free swimming complex when we arrive and the walking track and swimming in the river in the morning before leaving.As well as star gazing clear night sky , shopping in the morning. 


 
We head for Gogeldrie Weir along the Murrummbidgee river 20 mins from Leeton, to meet with the daughter and family. Camping close to the water for a few days. While the men including Larry go fishing, yes big surprise, the kids and I go swimming and of course just talking , I have not seen them for 7 months.


We move on heading to the two other grandkids. One, the oldest, in Wodonga at university and the youngest in Benalla. This will be soon but we will stop to see the Koala reserve in Narrandera first.