Outback NSW

Discover ancient landscapes, unique rock formations and rich Aboriginal culture in Outback NSW. Road trip through historic paddle-steamer towns, explore stunning national parks and camp under the stars. The vast and ruggedly handsome Outback is home to many epic and memorable experiences.

Broken Hill

The Broken Hill area is a breathtaking part of Australia. Make this your base in Outback NSW and discover a friendly city of federation heritage, fine restaurants and cafes, and amazing art galleries, set against a spectacular desert backdrop.

The sun sets over the striking rock formations of the Walls of China, Mungo National Park

Outback Experiences

In northern Outback NSW, discover rare and luminous opals, fabulous underground art caves and natural heated springs in the majestic surrounds of historic Lightning Ridge. A few hours west, Brewarrina is home to ancient Aboriginal fish traps, estimated to be over 40,000 years old.

The White Cliffs area is another legendary opal mining region with underground dwellings and fascinating heritage attractions. The nearby Paroo-Darling National Park, reached by unsealed road, is another area of outstanding natural beauty, and great for kayaking, canoeing and fishing.

Another great place to stay is the historic town of Bourke. A major river port and trading post in the 19th century. Follow the Bourke Town Trail to see historic landmarks from the Cobb & Co stagecoach days.

Aboriginal rock art located at Gundabooka National Park in Gunderbooka, Outback NSW

National Parks

Outback NSW is home to seven spectacular national parks. Visit the birdwatchers’ paradise of Kinchega National Park wetlands, near Menindee or marvel at the vibrant red colour of the Bynguano Ranges in Mutawintji National Park, 143km northeast of Broken Hill.

In Mungo National Park, uncover a starkly beautiful panorama of ancient dry lake basins and sand formations. This area is bursting with Aboriginal history and home to the world’s oldest ritual human cremation site, Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, and the unbelievable Walls of China rock formation.

A scenic sand formation (lunette) in the UNESCO World Heritage at Mungo National Park, Outback NSW

Getting to Outback NSW

NSW TrainLink’s Explorer trains connect Sydney with towns and cities of Outback NSW including Nyngan, Cobar, Wilcannia, Menindee and Broken Hill. There are direct flights from Sydney to Broken Hill and to Dubbo and Moree. 4WD cars are recommended for unsealed roads and many of the national parks.