It was while we were around the Wentworth-NSW area on the Murray River, when I heard about the Rufus River drive. Wentworth itself is chockers with history, dating back to 1830 when explorer Charles Sturt and his crew rowed down the Murray River and reached the junction of the Darling River, where he wrote in his log, “a new and beautiful stream apparently coming from the north.”

Sturt was the first white man to encounter the local Barkindji people along the river, and they did not welcome the new arrivals. It was just six years later when explorer Thomas Mitchell travelled down the Darling to the junction of the two rivers. This opened the door to an influx of European overlanders who moved sheep and cattle along the rivers to find better pastoral lands.

The area’s sandy roads are well-maintained

Houses were built from early 1851, but Wentworth wasn’t proclaimed until 1859. Over the next few years it boomed from the river traffic, with police quarters built and a solid town emerging – it’s reported that in 1895, 495 vessels passed through the customs office at Wentworth.

Today, Wentworth has a strong local population and plenty of tourists visiting year-round. There’s plenty to see and do around town including the replica of the 1879 wharf, which was claimed to be the busiest port in NSW in its heyday (after Sydney and Newcastle); the heritage-listed buildings lining the streets; and Junction Park, to see where the Darling and Murray rivers meet. Explore the history at Fatherly Park and its old implements, the Paddle Steamer called Ruby, and McClymont House which was Wentworth’s first courthouse built in 1863. There’s also Sturt’s Tree, and the monument to the Ferguson ‘Fergie’ tractor, where back in 1956 nearly 40 Fergies worked day and night building a levee bank around town when it was threatened by the worst floods at the time.

Along the Murray are a series of locks, and in Wentworth the historic lock number 10 and weir is always a good visit. It was built to maintain and control water levels, and there’s a fishway to allow fish to move freely past the weir.

Old Wentworth Gaol

A must-do while in town is to spend time at the Old Wentworth Gaol and Pioneer Museum. The gaol dates back to 1879 and is unique with its 45cm-thick walls, lookout towers, shackles set in a boulder in the full sun, stretching rack, whipping stocks, and much more.

The gaol was built for very serious offenders at the time, with only 10 male and two female cells. More than one million bricks were used in its construction. Nearly 3000 items are on display across the road at the museum, with items from old river-boat days, extinct megafauna fossil remnants, and folk and pioneer memorabilia.

Wentworth Gaol once held the most hardcore of criminals

We started the Rufus River Run from the northern side of Wentworth, along Renmark Road. It was only 4km out of town where we found the turn-off to the stunning 40,000-year-old Perry Sandhills. These remarkable dunes and its surrounding landscape have uncovered an array of bones from many megafauna animals including kangaroos, emus, wombats and giant goannas. There’s been evidence of early Aboriginal occupation both here and at the nearby lakes. Today, both kids and adults use the dunes as big sand slides, going down them on anything flat and smooth.

Heading back along Renmark Rd for another 20km, Rufus River Rd swings off to the left and straight on to dirt. We found the road in pretty good nick, driving the entire 170km through to Renmark in South Australia. Along the way are several free camps beside the river, as well as information regarding the Australian rangelands as you pass through Moorna Station. The rangelands are defined as a mix of drylands and wetlands, where businesses harvest either plant or animal, mine resources or provide recreational areas. This contributes more than $150 billion annually to the Australian economy and covers nearly 80 per cent of our mainland.

Good dirt driving on Rufus River Road

TAR-RU

Continuing on through station roads, we closely followed tributaries of the Murray until Lake Victoria. Traditionally known as Tar-Ru, the lake has been home to the local Maraura people for more than 45,000 years.

Around 10,000 years ago the flow from the Murray slowed, leaving a smaller lake. When explorer Sturt (in 1830) passed through here, it disrupted the life of the Maraura people, with herds of sheep and cattle subsequently being driven through the area. In consequence, exotic diseases spread through the region, while in 1841 a disastrous conflict occurred when nearly 40 locals were massacred – they were no match for guns, and it was known as the Rufus River Massacre.

The vast expanse of Lake Victoria stretches to the horizon

In 1919, the natural lake was doubled in size to hold a massive 680 gigalitres, with nearly 55km of new levee banks constructed.

Following this came transformations in the landscape, with rivers being rerouted, existing shorelines dying off and changes in erosion and sediment patterns. Push the clock forward to 1994 when the lake was lowered for maintenance, and delicate and significant Aboriginal human remains and artefacts were found. Areas uncovered also featured campsites, stone tools, shell middens, cooking hearths and a large burial ground.

In the following years, elders and archaeologists surveyed and put protection orders in place over these significant areas. Today the lake is a holding source for the river downstream, where the Murray-Darling Basin Authority controls the discharge of water to the Murray River via the Rufus River – this was named by Charles Sturt in honour of his red-haired friend George McLeahy.

Heading to Lake Victoria on Rufus River Rd

Today the lake has an impressive viewing point and info boards explaining in-depth the prehistoric, Aboriginal and other significant history. There’s also a free camp beside the lake’s lookout, with toilets, fireplaces and free showers. The Rufus River Rd continues for another 30km before it rejoins Renmark Rd north of the lake, where it leads in to SA and passes the official border marker.

There are bins at the border to throw out fresh fruit and veggies that are illegal to take in to SA, as they may be carrying fruit fly which causes damage to the valuable crops in the area. Funnily enough, once you cross the border grid, the road name changes to the Wentworth-Renmark Road. We were surprised to see such wide, sandy roads throughout the trip.

Renmark

It’s another 55km to the outskirts of Renmark, which itself has a stack of history and more free camping along the banks of the Murray. Renmark dates back to 1830, when Charles Sturt rowed down the Murray River and the area inhabited by the local Naralte people. The name Renmark derives from the local language for ‘red mud’, presumably from the rich, red sands that surround the area and the red cliffs along the Murray.

The red cliffs of the Murray River, Renmark

Today the town is known as a major service town for the region and as the oldest irrigation settlement in Australia. Renmark is surrounded by a host of horticultural crops including grapes, citrus, olives and seasonal veggies. Among the displays around town is the Argo Barge, which is recognised as the largest barge to grace the waters of the Murray, carrying at times up to 200 tonnes of freight. It worked on the river until 1942 before being put to work to help pump water for new irrigation channels. Then there’s the PS Industry that was built in 1911 and spent its working life removing snags from the river, with the odd rescue when other steamers sank.

The beautiful Renmark Hotel was once known for having the finest accommodation in the state and serving the finest meals. When established, the hotel became famous for two reasons: putting a reported 13 sly grog shops out of business in the ‘supposed’ dry town, and becoming the first community hotel in the British Empire.

The historical and beautifully maintained Renmark Hotel

The Rufus River drive from Wentworth to Renmark is a great route, and there’s plenty of river pioneering and local history to delve into along the way.

COMMENTS

Keyword: Rufus River Run: Wentworth to Renmark, NSW-SA

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Best cars for a 'Love Bug' remake

Tennessee’s Yard Art The Thorndyke Special The Hot Rod The Hippie Van Jim’s Lamborghini Growing up, it’s safe to say my absolute favorite movie was Disney’s “The Love Bug.” As a kid living in a world before Pixar’s “Cars,” it was pretty much the best car movie. I loved ...

View more: Best cars for a 'Love Bug' remake

Audi timing belt tensioner prompts Utah bomb squad visit

An aftermarket timing belt tensioner found in a Salt Lake City apartment prompted a visit from the bomb squad this week after it was mistaken for a potential explosive device. Police partially evacuated the apartment complex in which it was found “out of an abundance of caution” and called ...

View more: Audi timing belt tensioner prompts Utah bomb squad visit

2023 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 will get more expensive

GMC Sierra HD pickups are about to get more expensive again after recently becoming more expensive, according to GM Authority. In July, GMC and Buick raised the prices on certain vehicles in their lineups anywhere from $975 to $1,675 by making the previously optional OnStar a standard feature. Next ...

View more: 2023 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 will get more expensive

Our week with EVs: Recapping the diverse collection of electric cars we tested

Mercedes-Benz EQB First Drive Review: Next electric Benz is a little different 2022 Chevy Bolt EV Road Test Review: Time to play EV, gas or airplane 2023 Genesis GV60 Road Test Review: The third of Hyundai Group’s E-GMP EVs is the fastest, but softest It may be hard to ...

View more: Our week with EVs: Recapping the diverse collection of electric cars we tested

Europe car sales lowest since 1996 after 12-month decline

BERLIN – Europe registered the lowest number of new passenger cars in the month of June this year since 1996 at just over 1.06 million vehicles, with some carmakers seeing sales drop by nearly 50%, data from Europe’s automobile association showed on Friday. Volkswagen Group was the hardest-hit major ...

View more: Europe car sales lowest since 1996 after 12-month decline

More Than Just A Carmaker: Toyota Motor PH Launches Toyota Mobility Solutions

Automotive industry leader, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) inaugurated today Toyota Mobility Solutions Philippines, Inc. (TMSPH), a wholly owned subsidiary that will be a provider of mobility-related services. TMSPH ventures into the development and offering of a range of ‘new mobility solutions’ that will enhance Toyota as a brand ...

View more: More Than Just A Carmaker: Toyota Motor PH Launches Toyota Mobility Solutions

'F1 22' feels fast and familiar | Gaming Roundup

‘F1 22’ impressions ‘Construction Simulator’ is launching Sept. 20 Autoblog may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change. This week in racing game news: ‘F1 22’ impressions At its core, “F1 22,” the latest installment in the F1 ...

View more: 'F1 22' feels fast and familiar | Gaming Roundup

Watch a single-engine plane crash-land on 91 Freeway in California

A single-engine Piper Cherokee airplane was forced to crash land on the 91 Freeway in California after losing power about 45 minutes outside of Los Angeles. Yes, that means this was a very busy highway, practically bursting at the seams with traffic. No, amazingly nobody died, either in the ...

View more: Watch a single-engine plane crash-land on 91 Freeway in California

Ford files 'Mustang Dark Horse' trademark application

Make adventures more comfortable with high-quality Jeep grab handles

New Lucid Air variant to debut & Stealth Look to be on display during Monetary Car Week

Chevy offers incentives to prevent Corvette Z06 flipping

Average U.S. gas price falls below $4/gallon

German court: SUV driver must pay more than a car for running red light

Australian vehicle crash tests to include underwater performance

Toyota C-HR rumored to get revamp next year and an EV version

Geely's electric Zeekr 009 is an EV Alphard we never had; 700 km, 542 PS, top speed 190 km/h

A Newey, Brawn and Anderson row that shows F1 doesn’t change

Sorry, EV buyers, you won't get to pick your own pedestrian safety sounds

There won't be enough copper to meet climate goals, study indicates

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel