Brewarrina Area, New South Wales

The settlement of Brewarrina is situated at the boundary of the traditional areas occupied by several language groups including the Ngemba, Murrawarri, Ualarai, Weilwan, and the Baranbinja people. Brewarrina therefore developed into a traditional inter tribal meeting place, emerging as the site for gatherings for ceremonial purposes. These included initiation ceremonies, marriages, cultural festivals and other celebrations and meetings relating to the law.

Brewarrina is a one hour drive east from Bourke, on the Kamilaroi Highway, which leads east towards Walgett, Moree and then Brisbane. From Brewarrrina travellers can easily reach Lightning Ridge, the home of Australia's Black Opal, within two hours.

The attraction of this area is the feeling of space created by the vast plains and open horizons. Water is the great decider. In good seasons, the grazing is plentiful and the harvests are rewarding. But during times of drought the creeks are dry, the rivers reduced to a muddy trickle. Drivers need to watch out for cattle grids and other hazards of country roads - emus, kangaroos and stock. Dirt roads become impassable for conventional vehicles in wet weather. Contact the local police or Shire for details on road closures.