11-Jul-2011 Gateway to Outback New South Wales

Getting around Wentworth, the gateway to the Outback New South Wales and nearby towns... 

Orange World at Buronga NSW. 

We took a 10:30 am train tour around a big orchard with different varieties of citrus fruits and avocados.  We were greeted by a friendly host, Mario who gave us a complimentary orange juice and mandarins.  And just before the start of the tour, we were welcomed by a beautiful country music rendered by Bryan, the train driver.   

Saw 2 types of cumquats, a citrus fruit called Buddha’s hand (they’re like chilly but actually citrus fruit, tastes bitter according to Brian), valencia oranges, pomelos, tangelos, limes and many others.  According to them, there were around 30 varieties... couldn't remember all of them.

At Wentworth, NSW - 

Two Rivers Ski Reserve.  In here was a bridge to the small island where you can stand at the confluence of the Darling and Murray River.  We walked a bit but came back immediately to the car,  the place was very bushy, scared to encounter a snake along the way.

<- Murray River

                      Darling River ->

Junction Park.   Where the rivers meet.... The confluence of the 2 mighty rivers can be best viewed from the observation tower located at the park.  Darling River is Australia's longest river.   It starts in Queensland SE and NSW, flows 2740km and ends/joins the Murray River at Wentworth.  Murray River, the great dividing range, acts as a natural border between Victoria and New South Wales and flows around 2530 km.  

Lock 10 and Weir.   Completed in 1929 to regulate the level of water of Murray River for irrigation

Perry Sandhills.  A natural wonder of Wentworth, good for toboganning up and down the sand dunes. 

Justin enjoyed this place the most.  It reminded us of our Desert Safari tour at Dubai. 

It's winter so no need to worry about the burning sun.  Another thing that caught our attention were the wild plants around the area bearing small water melons. 

Woodsies Gem Shop at Mildura.  The place provides a demo for cutting, grinding and polishing of gemstones.  We're late and missed this part when we got there.  It has an outstanding display of gemstones -- jewellery and giftware in different colours.  While Justin was out enjoying the Garden Crazy Maze, we looked around and managed to buy a pair of green-brownish heavy bookends and a small vase made from solid stones, to replace the decors  broken late last year in our bathroom downstairs when Justin's friends had a gathering in the house. 

It was 5pm and time to head home.  We arrived just before 11pm at Melbourne where we had an order of Cantonese rice stick noodle and Spicy Chicken Chop to take home. 

More photos:
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