Want to feel like the only people on earth? Then grab a travelling partner and hit the road on a remote NSW road trip – taking in everything from artesian baths to important Aboriginal sites – and feel alone, together.
Darling River Run
Quick facts:
- Distance: approx. 940km
- Best for: historic river towns, Aboriginal culture, Australian bushland, easy off-road driving
- Start → end: Walgett → Wentworth
- Time needed: one week minimum, two weeks ideal
- Best time to go: late autumn into winter
- Best stops along the way: Brewarrina (home to one of Australia's most significant Aboriginal sites), Bourke (historic outback town), Louth (tiny outback village), Tilpa (famed for its famous pub), Wilcannia (heritage sandstone buildings), Menindee (hub for birdlife, fishing and walks), Pooncarie (a peaceful river village), Wentworth (junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers)
In a nutshell: Sunsets, paddlesteamers and riverside wineries await on the Darling River Run, a spectacular drive following the Darling to the Murray. Encounter the oldest human-made structure on earth: the Brewarrina Fish Traps (Baiame’s Ngunnhu), hop aboard a unique and iconic paddleboat with Jandra Paddleboat and visit the Mars-like landscape of Mungo National Park. For a guided journey, book a Down the Darling Tour with Outback Bed Tours.
Where to stay: Experience an authentic outback stay on a historic 130,000-hectare sheep station Trilby Station, camp riverside at Kinchega National Park and bask in uninterrupted views of the semi-arid outback from a cabin or glamping site with Mungo Lodge.
Ivanhoe and Menindee, Outback NSW
Central to Outback NSW
Quick facts:
- Distance: approx. 780km
- Best for: sweeping panoramas, historic river towns, iconic Broken Hill
- Start → end: Dubbo → Broken Hill
- Time needed: four days or more
- Best time to go: late autumn into winter
- Best stops along the way: Dubbo (the heart of the Macquarie Valley), Nyngan (built on the agriculture and the 1800s goldrush), Cobar (aka ‘The Copper City’, once Australia’s largest producer of the mineral), Wilcannia, Broken Hill (legendary outback city with history and a vibrant art community)
In a nutshell: Buckle up for a journey through the expansive heart of Outback NSW. On the Central to Outback NSW road trip start on safari at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, wander past historic sandstone buildings and street art in Wilcannia, and explore the The Living Desert and Sculptures in Broken Hill before settling down to an iconic milkshake at Bells Milk Bar or an award-winning tipple at Broken Hill Distillery.
Where to stay: Begin with an overnighter at Zoofari Lodge Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, opt for modern comforts at The Nyngan Hotel and round out the trip with a stay at the iconic The Palace Hotel Broken Hill.
The Living Desert and Sculptures, Broken Hill
Great Artesian Drive
Quick facts:
- Distance: approx. 1,090km
- Best for: natural, mineral-rich thermal water baths
- Start → end: Sydney → Lightning Ridge
- Time needed: five days or more
- Best time to go: autumn to spring
- Best stops along the way: Pilliga (home of the Pilliga Artesian Bore Baths), Burren Junction (home of the Burren Junction Bore Baths), Moree (home of the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre), Lightning Ridge (a unique and historic opal mining town)
In a nutshell: The Great Artesian Basin covers 1.7 million square kilometres and is one of the largest and deepest freshwater basins in the world. On the Great Artesian Drive you’ll cover ground from Sydney to Lightning Ridge, with Pilliga, Burren Junction and Moree in between, as you soak in the natural, mineral-rich waters – and atmosphere – of some of NSW’s most far-flung towns.
Where to stay: Round out your dip in the baths with an overnight camp at the Burren Junction Bore Baths and Camp Ground, and later in your journey, book a stay at Carinya Station Farm Stay, just 10 minutes’ drive from Lightning Ridge.
Lightning Ridge Bore Baths, Lightning Ridge
The Kidman Way
Quick facts:
- Distance: approx. 820km
- Best for: produce-rich farmland, majestic rivers, character-filled towns
- Start → end: Albury → Bourke
- Time needed: three-to-five days minimum
- Best time to go: autumn to spring
- Best stops along the way: Albury (delicious food scene, outdoor adventure and a thriving arts culture), Jerilderie (prolific bush-ranging history), Coleambally (picturesque gardens and streets), Darlington Point (riverside town with great camping), Griffith (heart of the Riverina ‘food bowl’), Hillston (small town big on country charm), Cobar, Bourke
In a nutshell: The Kidman Way cuts through the centre of rural NSW from south to north. Start in Albury and take in the city’s art scene; in Griffith be sure to visit some of the region’s acclaimed wineries such as Calabria Family Wines Riverina Cellar Door and Yarran Wines; and in Bourke drop by the Back O' Bourke Gallery featuring original art by renowned outback artist Jenny Greentree.
Where to stay: With a stay at Albury’s Circa 1928 Hotel & Spa you’ll be treated to suites adorned with Art Deco influences and an alluring day spa offering. While in Bourke, Kidman's Camp offers riverside camping and cabins with access to the famed Jandra Paddle Vessel.
Yarran Wines, Yenda
The Classic Australian Drive
Quick facts:
- Distance: approx. 780km
- Best for: Desert moonscapes, otherworldly national park scenery
- Start → end: Wentworth → Gundagai
- Time needed: one week or more
- Best time to go: autumn to spring
- Best stops along the way: Wentworth, Mungo National Park (otherworldly landscape, rich with Aboriginal history), Balranald (surrounded by riverscapes and national park), Hay (home to sweeping plains), Darlington Point, Narrandera (home to expansive cycling and walking trails, and wilderness areas), Wagga Wagga (the largest inland city in NSW), Gundagai (boutique wineries, Aboriginal history, rich architecture)
In a nutshell: The Classic Australian Drive is an epic road trip. Traversing the outback through the Riverina, it encapsulates the rich history, folklore and spirit of true-blue Australia. In Wentworth explore the ancient Perry Sandhills, in Balranald try your luck fishing one of the region's five rivers and in Gundagai stop by the The Dog on the Tuckerbox before perusing the Gundagai Historical Museum.
Where to stay: Gundagai is home to much delightful accommodation: Kimo Estate is a peaceful farm stay with stunning hilltop EcoHuts boasting 360° views and private hot tubs, and Hillview Farmstay similarly offers five charming cottages complete with private verandahs and barbecue facilities.
Perry Sandhills, Wentworth
The Long Paddock
Quick facts:
- Distance: approx. 640km
- Best for: a historic network of stock routes
- Start → end: Echuca Moama → Wilcannia
- Time needed: three days or more
- Best time to go: autumn to spring
- Best stops along the way: Echuca Moama (Australia’s paddle steamer capital), Mathoura (famed for its red gum forest), Deniliquin (an ideal river aquatic playground), Booroorban (home to an iconic pub and farmstay), Hay, Booligal (historic, tiny village), Ivanhoe (tiny town on a well-used stock route), Wilcannia
In a nutshell: Those with a keen interest in historic stock routes will enjoy the north-south Long Paddock road trip. Follow the Cobb Highway as it retraces a historic network from Echuca-Moama on the Murray River to Wilcannia. In Deniliquin, ski, swim, float or boat in the Edward River; see shearing in action in Hay at Shear Outback - Australian Shearer's Hall of Fame; and in Wilcannia set up a picnic on Peery Lake – complete with stunning views and possible wildlife encounters.
Where to stay: Opt for a houseboat experience with Edward River Houseboats or Murray River Paddlesteamers, or keep it low-key at Coach and Horses campground in Wilcannia.
PS Emmylou, Echuca-Moama
Kamilaroi Contrasts
Quick facts:
- Distance: approx. 925km
- Best for: Agricultural townships, sweeping plains, rugged mountain ranges
- Start → end: Willow Tree → Bourke
- Time needed: Minimum eight days
- Best time to go: autumn to spring
- Best stops along the way: Willow Tree (small village central to a vast farming region), Quirindi (at the heart of the picturesque Liverpool Plains), Gunnedah (classic country town on the banks of the Namoi), Narrabri (a great base for outdoor adventure, near the Namoi Valley), Moree , Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina, Bourke
In a nutshell: The Kamilaroi Contrasts road trip, an extensive iteration of the Kamilaroi Highway road trip, is an epic journey through Kamilaroi country, starting on the Liverpool Plains and ending at the back o’ Bourke. Discover agricultural townships, sweeping plains and rugged mountain ranges that reverberate with tales of the Dreamtime. If the timing’s right, bask in the marigold beauty of the Quirindi canola fields in full bloom, meander along the Poets Precinct in Gunnedah and have a hands-on yabbying or fishing experience at the Narrabri Fish Farm.
Where to stay: The Willow Tree Inn offers ornately kitted-out cottages and lodges, while Bagala Cottage in Lightning Ridge offers five-star comfort in a unique mining camp setting.
Nettleton's First Shaft Lookout, Lightning Ridge
