About Wentworth

A Brief History…

Wentworth sits on the junction of Australia’s two mightiest rivers – the Murray and Darling.

Captain Charles Sturt discovered the junction of Australia’s two mightiest river systems – the Murray and Darling – in the 1830s paving the way for what was to become the thriving river port town of Wentworth.

The overlanders followed the explorers, using the routes along the river the drive their cattle to the Adelaide markets. The trail along the Murrumbidgee and Murray Rivers became so popular it became known as the Sydney/Adelaide ‘highway’.

With the arrival of the river steamers in 1853, the small hamlet found itself ideally situated as an administrative and commercial centre for the untapped wealth of the vast outback.

For many years Sydney and Newcastle were the only ports in New South Wales to handle more cargo than Wentworth as the steamers brought a new sophistication to the rugged river towns. They carried the hopes and dreams of the communities they served for more than three quarters of a century.

Wentworth became a town on June 21, 1859, named for the New South Wales explorer and politician William Charles Wentworth.

As an affluent town situated on the junction of Australia’s two most important rivers, Wentworth was once considered a potential site for the nation’s capital. It made it to the short-list of three, but Canberra won out. Thankfully!

Attractions

Wentworth is a town steeped in history and a tourist area of great diversity. The region has much to offer the visitor including:

The junction of the country’s two largest waterways, the Murray & Darling Rivers.
Lock 10 and Weir
Paddle steamers and houseboats
Historic buildings including the Old Wentworth Gaol and Pioneer Museum
The picturesque Perry Sand Hills
Aboriginal culture and galleries
The Australian Inland Botanical Gardens
Mungo National Park and Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area
Unique outback and river scenery and an abundance of native flora and fauna.