Outback New South Wales

Outback NSW was the most-read state section of the original Outback Now, with town pages for Bourke, Lightning Ridge, Broken Hill, White Cliffs, Tibooburra and dozens of tiny settlements. It is classic outback country: red earth, mulga and saltbush plains, the winding Darling River (Baaka), opal fields and mining cities.

Getting there

From Sydney, the Mitchell Highway runs through Dubbo and Nyngan to Bourke, the Barrier Highway continues from Nyngan through Cobar and Wilcannia to Broken Hill, and the Castlereagh Highway leads north to Lightning Ridge. NSW TrainLink's Outback Xplorer and the Indian Pacific serve Broken Hill, and Broken Hill and Bourke have airports.

Outback NSW town guides

• Bourke — the gateway to the "back o' Bourke" on the Darling River.
• Broken Hill — Australia's first heritage-listed city, the Silver City.
• Lightning Ridge — black opal, bore baths and eccentric architecture.
• White Cliffs — underground homes on an opal field.
• Silverton — the near-ghost town that became a film set.
• Cobar — copper country on the Barrier Highway.

Other places to know

Brewarrina is home to the Baiame's Ngunnhu fish traps, ancient stone fish traps on the Barwon River listed on the National Heritage List. Wilcannia was once a busy Darling River port with fine sandstone buildings. Tibooburra and Milparinka, in the far north-west corner, lead to Sturt National Park and Cameron Corner, where NSW, Queensland and South Australia meet. Menindee sits beside the Menindee Lakes and Kinchega National Park.

National parks

Mutawintji, Gundabooka, Kinchega, Sturt and Paroo-Darling national parks protect outback landscapes and important Aboriginal sites. Many roads are unsealed and close after rain; see our national parks guide.

Suggested loop

Sydney – Dubbo – Nyngan – Bourke – (Brewarrina day trip) – Cobar – Wilcannia – White Cliffs – Broken Hill – Silverton – Menindee – back via the Murray. Allow about two weeks, and check Live Traffic NSW for closures, especially on unsealed sections around White Cliffs and Menindee.

More outback NSW towns

• Brewarrina — ancient fish traps on the Barwon River.
• Walgett — where the Barwon and Namoi rivers meet.
• Wilcannia — sandstone heritage buildings on the Darling (Baaka).
• Menindee — lakes and Burke and Wills history.
• Tibooburra and Milparinka — Corner Country gold-rush history.
• Cameron Corner — where three states meet.
• Hay — the Hay Plains and Shear Outback.

The Darling River (Baaka)

The Darling River, known as the Baaka to the Barkindji people, is the lifeblood of outback NSW. It flows from the junction of the Barwon and Culgoa rivers near Bourke south-west to join the Murray at Wentworth. In the nineteenth century, paddle steamers carried wool down the river, and towns such as Bourke, Wilcannia and Menindee were busy river ports. The river's flows vary enormously between floods and droughts, and its health has been a major concern in recent years. River red gum forests, lakes and anabranches support wildlife, and riverside camping is popular in national parks and reserves.

The Corner Country

The far north-west corner of NSW is the most remote part of the state. Tibooburra, on the edge of Sturt National Park, is the main town, and Cameron Corner marks the point where NSW, Queensland and South Australia meet. The Dog Fence runs along the state border. The country is gibber plains, red sand dunes and ephemeral lakes, and after rain, wildflowers and birdlife can be spectacular. Roads are mostly unsealed and close after rain; check with Live Traffic NSW and the shire before you go.

Aboriginal heritage

Outback NSW has some of Australia's most significant Aboriginal heritage sites. Mungo National Park preserves evidence of human life stretching back tens of thousands of years. Mutawintji has a remarkable collection of rock art, accessible on guided tours. Brewarrina's fish traps, Gundabooka's rock art and the Mount Grenfell Historic Site near Cobar are also important. See Aboriginal rock art sites to visit.

Opal country

Lightning Ridge is famous for black opal, while White Cliffs was Australia's first commercial opal field, with residents living in underground dugouts. Both offer mine tours, opal shops and fossicking opportunities. Follow local rules and never enter mine shafts or claims without permission.

Getting around

Outback NSW is the most accessible outback in Australia. The Mitchell, Barrier, Kidman Way and Silver City highways are sealed, with regular fuel stops. NSW TrainLink's Outback Xplorer runs between Sydney and Broken Hill, and flights serve Broken Hill, Bourke, Cobar and other towns. Many minor roads are unsealed; check Live Traffic NSW and council road reports.

When to go

Autumn and spring are the best times to visit, with mild days. Winter days are pleasant but nights can be frosty. Summer can be very hot, often above 40°C, and some tours and attractions reduce their hours. See best time to visit.

Who it suits

Outback NSW suits first-time outback travellers, families and anyone short on time: the main towns are a day or two's drive from Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne or Adelaide.

Visitor centres

Accredited visitor information centres in Broken Hill, Bourke, Cobar, Lightning Ridge and other towns are the best source of current local advice on roads, tours, events and opening hours.

Explore the Corner Country region guide.

Plan a drive: outback NSW road trip.