Fishing in Paroo-Darling National Park

Paroo-Darling National Park sits in the far west of New South Wales, near White Cliffs and Wilcannia, where the arid catchments of the Paroo River meet the Darling.

The park spans two distinct sections: a northern area centred on Peery and Poloko Lakes and the Paroo River floodplain, and a southern section along the Darling River on the old Wilga Station country.

Both sections are reached by dry-weather roads, so conditions on the ground dictate access as much as the calendar does.

The Paroo River is the only unregulated river in the Murray-Darling Basin — no dams, no weirs — which means its flows are driven entirely by rainfall and flood cycles. That unregulated character shapes everything about fishing here.

When the Paroo runs, it fills Peery Lake and the surrounding floodplain, and the system comes alive.

Peery Lake itself can hold water for several years after a good flood, making it a productive target when full, though it can also sit dry for extended periods. Poloko Lake shares that same boom-and-bust rhythm.

The southern section is the more reliable fishing destination. The Coach and Horses campground, about 50 kilometres east of Wilcannia on the Darling River, is consistently cited as one of the better camping and fishing spots along the entire Darling.

The river here is permanent water, and the campground draws anglers who want a few days on the bank rather than a day trip. Access to both sections is via unsealed roads, and the park's remoteness is real — the nearest visitor centre is at White Cliffs.

Check road conditions before heading out, particularly after rain, and carry what you need. Standard NSW recreational fishing rules apply in the park. Check current regulations with NSW DPI Fisheries before your trip, as rules can change.

The Darling in flood and the Paroo in full run are worth timing a trip around if you can. Out here, the fish follow the water, and so should you.