Corner Country

Corner Country covers the far north-west of NSW, north of Broken Hill. Its main settlements are Tibooburra and Milparinka, with the Packsaddle Roadhouse to the south and the Cameron Corner Store at the three-state border. Most of the land is pastoral lease, along with Sturt National Park and the newer Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park. It's on the Country of the Wadigali, Malyangapa, Wangkumara and other Aboriginal peoples.

Getting there: the Silver City Highway and Sturt's Steps

From Broken Hill, the Silver City Highway runs north through Packsaddle and Milparinka to Tibooburra and on towards the Queensland border. The NSW Government and Visit Corner Country promote a loop of about 1,100 km from Broken Hill as the Sturt's Steps Touring Route. It follows the path of Charles Sturt's 1844–45 expedition through Packsaddle, Milparinka, Tibooburra and Cameron Corner, on a mix of sealed and unsealed roads. Interpretive signs along the route tell the story of the expedition.

Distances listed by Corner Country tourism sources:

The road from Tibooburra to Cameron Corner is unsealed. Check road conditions before you go, because roads close after rain.

Towns and places

Tibooburra

Tibooburra is the region's main town. It has two historic hotels, fuel, a store, a health service and a National Parks office, and it's surrounded by granite tors. It's the base for exploring Sturt National Park.

Milparinka

Milparinka is a near-ghost town from the 1880s Albert goldfield. Its restored heritage precinct, including the old courthouse, is managed by volunteers, and the Albert Hotel still serves meals. Nearby, Depot Glen and the grave of James Poole mark where Sturt's party was stranded for months in 1845. Visit Corner Country notes that fuel isn't available at Milparinka.

Cameron Corner

At Cameron Corner, NSW, Queensland and South Australia meet. There's a survey marker, the Dog Fence and the Cameron Corner Store, which first opened in 1989. Bulloo Shire Council says the store provides accommodation, meals, fuel, puncture repairs and camping. Because of the three states, the corner has two time zones, or three during daylight saving, when NSW and SA change their clocks but Queensland doesn't.

Packsaddle

The Packsaddle Roadhouse, on the Silver City Highway between Broken Hill and Milparinka, is a fuel and meal stop.

A short history

Aboriginal people have lived in Corner Country for thousands of years, relying on waterholes, soaks and plant foods. Charles Sturt's expedition of 1844–45 was searching for an inland sea. It was trapped at Depot Glen near present-day Milparinka for months during a drought, and James Poole died there in 1845. Gold was found in the area in the early 1880s, and the Albert goldfield led to the growth of Milparinka and Tibooburra. Later the region became pastoral country, and the Dog Fence was built along the state borders to keep dingoes out of the sheep country to the south. Our guides to outback history and droving and stock routes have more background.

Wildlife and wildflowers

Red kangaroos and emus are common on the plains, and wedge-tailed eagles are often seen overhead. After good rain the gibber can be carpeted with wildflowers, and ephemeral lakes attract waterbirds. Wildlife on the road is a real hazard, especially at dawn and dusk, so slow down. See kangaroos and driving safety and outback wildlife.

Sturt National Park

Sturt National Park covers a large area of Corner Country, with gibber plains, red dunes, the Jump Ups mesas and old pastoral homesteads. Campgrounds include Dead Horse Gully near Tibooburra and Fort Grey near Cameron Corner. See our Sturt National Park guide.

Fuel, water and supplies

Visit Corner Country's checklist lists diesel and petrol at Packsaddle Roadhouse, TJ's Service Station and Tibooburra Food & Fuel in Tibooburra, and the Cameron Corner Store. It notes that fuel and drinking water aren't available at Milparinka. North of Tibooburra, Noccundra in Queensland has reportedly stopped selling fuel. Carry enough to reach your next confirmed stop, plus a reserve. See fuel, permits and road conditions.

Weather

Bureau of Meteorology long-term averages for Tibooburra Post Office:

Source: BOM climate statistics for Tibooburra Post Office (046037).

The cooler months, roughly April to October, are most comfortable. Summer is very hot, and winter nights are cold. Rainfall is low and irregular, but even a modest fall can close the unsealed roads for days. See outback weather by month.

Road conditions and safety

• Check Live Traffic NSW, local road reports and the NPWS park alerts before setting out. The Tibooburra NPWS office can also help.
• Never drive on closed roads. You can cause serious damage and face fines.
• Close every gate you pass through, including the Dog Fence gates.
• Visit Corner Country advises that mobile coverage is limited and slow outside towns, so carry a satellite device or PLB.

Suggested trip

A typical four- to five-day loop from Broken Hill starts with the drive to Milparinka (day 1), then Tibooburra and Sturt National Park (days 2–3), Cameron Corner (day 4) and a return to Broken Hill (day 5). Allow extra days if it rains. See Broken Hill and our one-week itineraries.

Planning your days

Most visitors reach Corner Country from Broken Hill. The Silver City Highway runs north to Milparinka and Tibooburra. From there, unsealed roads lead into Sturt National Park and on to Cameron Corner. Allow three to five days for a round trip from Broken Hill, more if you want to continue into Queensland or South Australia. The Sturt's Steps touring route links many of the region's heritage sites. See Sturt National Park.

Road conditions

Many Corner Country roads are unsealed, and rain can close them for days. Check Live Traffic NSW and the local council road reports before setting out, and again each day. Driving on closed roads can bring fines and damages the roads. See wet season and road closures.

Night skies and solitude

With very few people and almost no artificial light, Corner Country has some of the darkest skies in NSW. Camping in Sturt National Park on a moonless winter night is unforgettable. Pack warm gear, as BOM averages show cold winter nights at Tibooburra. See stargazing and dark skies.

Related guides

• Outback regions
• Outback New South Wales
• Channel Country
• Strzelecki Track
• Remote area travel safety