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1 Mulga Creek
The Mitchell Highway runs in a straight line parallel to the railway line. In the days of Cobb & Co. the road followed Mulga Creek. Remnants of the pise homesteads that serves as regular coach stops for mail and passengers remain on local properties Kenilworth and Mullagallah.
2 Byrock Water Hole
The ancient Rock Hole at Byrock is an historic water source important to the traditions of the Aboriginal people, and much later the cameleers and coach drivers. The first Byrock Hotel and Cobb & Co. changing station were located near the rock hole. Call in at the present day Mulga Creek Hotel or the Mulga Market for refreshments before taking the unsealed road to Gongolgon. The first 18 km travels along the same line of road that the mail coaches took 120 years ago when travelling from Byrock to Tarcoon and Brewarrina.
3 Gongolgon
Once the site of a thriving village located on the Bogan River, Gongolgon reflects the past with the ruins of the Chinese shed - a reminder of the Chinese market gardeners and the Afghan traders who distributed the produce throughout the district.
4 Tarcoon
Look for the relics of the town of Tarcoon. Following the construction of the railway lineto Brewarrina the town of Tarcoon flourished and then faded.
5 Charlton Station
The site of a river crossing was generally the location of a hotel and coach changing station. Remnants of the 19th century stables and buildings survive at Charlton Station, amidst the mulga scrub near the Bogan River crossing. Pink Hills on the road to Bourke was also the site of a Cobb & Co. hotel known as the Red House.
6 Mount Oxley
Detour to visit Mount Oxley and enjoy the same views that the early explorer Captain Charles Sturt did in 1828. A Cobb & Co. changing station located at the base of the mountain was known as the Mountain House.
7 Brewarrina
The fish traps and museums make a worthwhile visit. As there are three crossings on the road from Charlton Station it is recommended that advice on road conditions be sought before embarking on this trip.
8 Back to Bourke
Travelling back to Bourke along the Kamilaroi Highway, you will pass Beemery. This property was the site of the Half Way house - a coaching stop for travellers to the outback. The site predates the town of Bourke.
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