Adventure in Outback NSW

With dramatic landscapes, rugged World Heritage wilderness and vast wetlands teeming with birdlife, the adventure never stops in Outback NSW. Experience this thrilling region on a do-it-yourself expedition or part of a guided tour. Spend a night under the stars, go exploring off-road and find incredible Aboriginal historic sites.

Bushwalking & camping

There are seven national parks to explore in Outback NSW, each with its own fascinating history, indigenous heritage and stunning landscapes. Enjoy hikes, bushwalks, cycle rides or guided tours through the parks and discover unique wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Enhance the experience by camping under bright outback skies. There are campsites in many of the national parks including Culgoa National Park and Toorale National Park, and the historic Redbank Homestead or Belah Shearers’ Quarters in Gundabooka National Park.

Aboriginal sites

The land has many stories to tell. Listen to an indigenous ranger interpret ancient rock art in Mutawintji National Park, north east of Broken Hill. Less than an hour’s drive from Bourke, you’ll find the vast Gundabooka National Park, where you can also see Aboriginal rock art and walk near the majestic Mount Gundabooka.

In spectacular Mungo National Park, take an indigenous-led tour of the towering Walls of China and drive the 70km Mungo Loop Track. Explore the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, home to the famous archaeological discoveries of Mungo Woman and Mungo Man.

Explore heritage trails

Take a paddle boat down the Darling River, and discover the heritage river port towns of Bourke, Walgett and Tilpa. Tour more waterways in the Paroo-Darling National Park, an area of outstanding beauty, where you can swim, kayak and relax by Peery Lake, or pitch a tent at the Coach and Horses campground.

Sturt’s Steps Touring Route follows in the footsteps of explorer Charles Sturt and his team as they searched in vain for an inland sea. Further south, you can climb the huge red dunes at Perry Sandhills near Wentworth, used as a bombing range during WWII.

The historic and colourful mining town of Lightning Ridge is home to the rare black opal. At The Big Opal, take a tour of a working opal mine or try your hand at fossicking. The White Cliffs area is another legendary opal mining region, equally famous for its cool, all-white underground living.

Getting there & where to stay

NSW TrainLink’s Xplorer trains connect Broken Hill with Sydney and other Outback NSW towns including Nyngan, Cobar, Wilcannia and Menindee. Regional Express Airlines operates daily flights between Sydney and Broken Hill. You can also fly to Moree and Dubbo. As well as camping, you’ll also find lodges and homesteads, such as Mungo Lodge near Mungo National Park.