Outback NSW

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

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.

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

Further north, the Paroo-Darling National Park is another area of outstanding natural beauty, and great for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Spend the night under the stars on the banks of the Darling River at Coach and Horses campground. Or visit the birdwatchers’ paradise of Kinchega National Park wetlands, near Menindee.

In Northern Outback NSW, discover rare and luminous gems, fabulous underground art caves and natural heated springs in the majestic surrounds of historic Lightning Ridge. Further south, the White Cliffs area is another legendary opal mining region with underground dwellings and fascinating heritage attractions.

Heritage buildings line the streets of 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. Mutawintji National Park is 143km northeast of Broken Hill.

Another great place to stay is the historic town of Bourke. A major river port and trading post in the 19th century, you can experience Bourke’s colourful paddle-steamer past aboard the Paddle Vessel Jandra as you cruise the Darling River. Explore other historic towns in this region on the Darling River Run road trip.

A white wooden bridge crosses the Darling River, Bourke

NSW TrainLink’s Explorer trains and the Indian Pacific connect Sydney with towns and cities of Outback NSW including Nyngan, Cobar, Wilcannia, Menindee and Broken Hill. The Indian Pacific also connects Adelaide and Perth with this region.