Pooncarie - NSW

Pooncarie is a pretty township on the Darling River,between Wentworth and Menindee. Originally gazetted as ‘Pooncaira' in 1863, the area was first 'established' by Europeans in the 1840's as settlers took up illegal livestock runs on crown land. By the 1860's the federal government, in an attempt to gain control of the area, formalised these illegal (and unfenced) claims.

The famous explorers Bourke and Wills reached the Darling River at nearby Tarcoola Station and made camp at what is now Bilbarka Park in September 1860 one way to their ill-fated expedition to the North West

More settlers followed and the town established itself as a service hub for outlying stations and more importantly, at the time, a port for the Paddle-steamer trade that was pushing up the Darling River.

The highlight on the social calendar is the Pooncarie Cup (October).
Text courtesy of Outback NSW Tourism

Pooncarie offers a seven-day-a-week local store with all sorts of goodies plus fuel. We also have a great pub with cold beer, great food and accommodation.