White Cliffs & surrounds

Opals in White Cliffs

The town of White Cliffs is home to Australia's oldest commercial opal field. Mining began here in the 1880s and people have flocked here ever since hoping to find their fortune. Go underground into a working mine with the Red Earth Opal Mine Tour and try your hand at uncovering one of these glittering gems.

The local opal showrooms in White Cliffs are a great place to shop for locally-mined opals, cut and set by expert jewellers. White Cliffs is also famous for its cool, all-white underground dwellings that hide the town from the scorching sun. Experience subterranean living at the Underground Motel White Cliffs or take a tour of a private home.

Red Earth Opal, White Cliffs

Wilcannia & Tilpa

A one-hour drive south of White Cliffs is Wilcannia, a former paddlesteamer river port from the 1860s that was a hub for the transport of wool and wheat along the Darling River. Today the town boasts magnificent heritage sandstone buildings such as the 19th-century post office and Wilcannia Athenaeum.

Wilcannia Court House, Wilcannia

Northeast of Wilcannia, on the banks of the Darling River, is the tiny town of Tilpa. It’s a stop on the Darling River Run and best known for its iconic pub. Established in 1894, the Tilpa Hotel is a true outback timber pub, with walls covered in messages that capture the spirit of the bush. Further west, Louth is another tiny riverside settlement known for its pub and the annual Louth Races in August.

Emus in the Paroo-Darling National Park - Credit: John Spencer/DPIE

Wetlands & birdlife

Enjoy kayaking, canoeing and fishing in Paroo-Darling National Park, a beautiful wetland and home to the Paroo Overflow, the only unregulated river in the Murray-Darling Basin. Walk around Peery Lake, see amazing birdlife and pitch a tent at Coach and Horses campground.

Driving through the outback town, White Cliffs

Getting there & where to stay

The White Cliffs area is around 11 hours' drive from Sydney, 10 hours from Canberra and Melbourne, and nine hours from Adelaide. You can also fly into Broken Hill and hire a car for the three-hour drive. You may need a 4WD for unsealed roads and national parks. Accommodation includes motels, pub rooms, B&Bs, campgrounds and authentic farmstays.