To journey into the heart of Outback New South Wales is to find the Australia depicted in movies: breathtaking panoramas, outback characters, historic colonial towns, rich indigenous culture and World Heritage national parks. Embark on an outback road trip like no other and explore Outback NSW.

Getting to Outback NSW

Getting to Outback NSW is made easy by air and rail connections and roads that connect the highlights of this spectacular region. Driving from Sydney to Broken Hill, at the far western end of the state takes approximately 13 hours. Regional Express operates flights between Sydney and Broken Hill and Cobar.

Things to do in Outback NSW

Museums

Explore the rich heritage of Outback NSW by discovering heritage trails and museums. In Brewarrina, the Aboriginal Cultural Centre stands on a site of great importance to Aboriginal people and offers a no-holds-barred re-telling of the history of the local Aboriginal people. In Cobar, the Great Cobar Heritage Centre Museum also presents artefacts and stories from the local Aboriginal people. For a change of pace, visit the Mad Max Museum in Silverton, where the famous movie was filmed, or for something truly quirky, visit Milton Lavers’ Backyard Mineral Museum.

National Parks

Outback NSW offers some spectacular World Heritage national parks to explore. Mungo National Park is a magical and mysterious park home to the world’s oldest ritual human cremation site. Explore Sturt National Park, taking in the historic Dingo Fence that runs along the western and northern boundary of Sturt National Park.

Galleries and Art Centres

Broken Hill is home to some amazing artists, inspired by the rugged landscape. With 30-plus art galleries in this tiny town, we’ve compiled a small, diverse list of art galleries to visit in Broken Hill. Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery and the Pro Hart Art Gallery are also a must-see. Stop at the Silver City Mint and Art Gallery in Broken Hill to see the world’s largest acrylic painting, measuring 100 metres long and 12 metres high. The all-encompassing artwork by Ando gives the impression of actually being in the Outback.

Where to visit in Outback NSW

Bourke

Bourke is the gateway into south-west Queensland and the far west of Outback NSW, where green pastoral lands abruptly stop, settlements are few, and the country is flat, brown and alluring. Visit the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre and explore the history and culture of the Darling River and surrounds, or cruise aboard the Jandra paddleboat and learn about Bourke’s rich river boat history.

Yanga National Park

A rich tapestry of history, landscape and wildlife awaits at Yanga National Park. Located halfway between Hay and Mildura, Yanga National Park is a must-do when visiting Outback NSW. The park stretches for a stunning 160km along the Murrumbidgee riverfront and is an ideal spot for bushwalking and bird watching.

Broken Hill

Broken Hill is considered the capital of the outback, a melting pot made famous by the hit movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Broken Hill is also home to some of Australia’s most iconic artists, an outdoor sculpture gallery and a thriving gallery scene with artists inspired by the rugged outback terrain. Sounds intriguing? Here’s our definitive guide on where to eat, drink, stay and play in Broken Hill.

Where to stay in Outback NSW

Whether you’re planning a family holiday road trip or an adventurous couples getaway, you’ll find the perfect Outback NSW accommodation to suit your style and budget, from Outback NSW caravan parks and motels to country pubs and luxury accommodation.

For modern motel accommodation, try Red Earth Motel or a farm stay at Trilby Station. For self-contained accommodation in Broken Hill, make Amaroo Cottages your base and explore everything Outback NSW has to offer.

Top places to eat in Outback NSW

While Outback NSW isn’t known for its gourmet food culture, there are some quirky food experiences to be had in Outback NSW.

Visit a slice of the 50s in the Outback and slurp an old-fashioned milkshake at Broken Hill’s Bells Milk Bar. The best breakfast in town can be found at the Silly Goat Cafe in Broken Hill, and for great views and casual eats, head to Broken Earth Cafe & Wine Bar at the Line of the Lode Miners Memorial complex.