Condobolin
Sun rises over a cotton field in Condobolin
Condobolin
A charming, riverside country town, Condobolin is small enough to stay endearing and large enough to keep you entertained. Set on the banks of the beautiful Lachlan River in Central West NSW, it's a great spot for fishing and water sports, with plenty of cultural heritage to explore.
Highlights
Nature and water sports
The Lachlan River is the fourth-longest in Australia, flowing from the Great Dividing Range to its junction with the Murrumbidgee River. It’s a popular fishing spot teeming with cod, yellowbelly and silver perch and is known for water sports, including waterskiing. Gum Bend Lake is another popular waterway for waterskiing, windsurfing and sailing. There’s a dedicated swimming area and picnic tables, free barbecues and other amenities. The kids will love the children’s playground, and there is a shared cycling and walking track into town.
Gum Bend Lake, Condobolin - Credit: Lachlan Shire Council
The shimmering Lake Cargelligo is about an hour’s drive west of Condobolin. The large, tranquil waterway is perfect for a range of water sports, including kayaking, waterskiing and fishing. It’s also a bird sanctuary, where you can spot brolgas and white-bellied sea eagles. Explore the walking and cycling track along the pretty foreshore.
Lake Cargelligo, Parkes - Credit: Parkes Shire Council
Arts and history
While the town started as a popular river-crossing stopover for drovers in the 19th century, the area is the traditional land of the Wiradjuri Aboriginal people. You can learn about their history and take in intricate Aboriginal arts at The Wiradjuri Study Centre.
Condobolin Sign, Condobolin
Utes in the Paddock is the kind of unique outdoor art trail you could only find in Australia. Famous local artists have turned classic Holden utes into works of art to celebrate life in the outback. Check it out and time your visit with the Condobolin Show in August or other events on the lively events calendar.
Utes in the Paddock, Condobolin
Eat and drink
Get your caffeine fix at Happy Daze Coffee Lounge or Cafe Romo, which also do breakfast and casual lunches. The Condobolin Motor Inn Restaurant serves up big, hearty meals and if you want a classic country pub meal with a cold beer in relaxed surroundings, stop off at the Railway Hotel, Imperial Hotel or Red Cattle Dog Hotel.
The Lachlan River, Condobolin
Getting there
Condobolin is just under six hours' drive from Sydney, around seven hours from Melbourne and around four hours from Canberra. You can also fly into Parkes and rent a car for the 70-minute drive.
