The first stop of the day- sunset strip. Great views over Menindee Lake perhaps since it was after a series of heavy rain. The day started with a drive down Menindee Road from Broken Hill, one of the only 4 sealed roads out of Broken Hill. Got out of the Broken Hill time zone (same as Adelaide), crossed the track leading from Syd to Adelaide via Broken Hill, and continued deeper into Menindee.

Then we got to Lake Copi Hollow, slightly off Lake Menindee but in the same system. 

The drive continues down the unsealed roads around Lake Pamamaroo. A bit of scenery opens up through the bush. At this time there's just been heavy rains around Sydney and it's a rare occasion to be able to see some clear skies.

End of the road is an inlet regulator. This is where a bit of swampy landscape of Lake Pamamaroo can be seen.

Further down is the main weir where water from Darling River (Barka) is diverted to the lake. This essentially uses the lake as water storage for irrigation and water supply of nearby settlements. Most notably Broken Hill as mining consumes large amounts of water and during droughts decision was often made to prioritise mining over basic needs of residents. 

And then a river cruise down a bit of Darling River. This was in 2022 after the floods which can be seen from this water level. The river itself, flowing from outback Queensland down to the Murray River, has a fairly slow flow and the river banks appear more like a swamp, coming into life after rainfalls. Mismanagement of water in recent years has led to poor health, algae growth and most notably a fish death right in Menindee. Lack of marine life impacts directly on those relying on fishing for survival.

An exhibition in the Australian Museum in 2023 showcased how the Barka/Darling River is in chronic mismanagement and unsustainable agricultural practices. The indigenous population was given a native title claim but that didn't include water management rights

Back to the population centre of Menindee for lunch. It's a very small settlement comprising of just several street blocks and one train station, seeing one train per week to Sydney.

Down the road to the Kinchega Woodshed in the national park. This was where sheeps were once held for shearing and is now a site to visit next to a massive campground.

Some emus on the way back. It appears that in the outback it's far easier to see emus than kangaroos.

Into Broken Hill right before sunset. On the way to Coles for some shopping.