NSW is getting a dazzling new reason to plan an outback road trip.
A flamingo-hued natural wonder rarely seen in NSW is set to become a new drawcard for outback tourism.
For the first time, pink lakes will be protected within the NSW national parks estate, following the state and federal governments’ acquisition of Pulgamurtie Station.
The joint purchase will safeguard more than 74,000 hectares of outback landscapes and ecosystems in Far West NSW, around three hours’ north-east of Broken Hill, including two striking pink saltwater lakes.
One of the spectacular pink lakes at Pulgamurtie Station. (Credit: NSW DCCEEW)
Western Australia’s coral-pink lakes have long dominated Instagram feeds, captivating photographers and travellers with their extraterrestrial hues. The vibrant colours result from natural microorganisms, such as algae and bacteria, in the water that thrive in highly salty conditions. But these lakes are rarely seen in NSW, and many only appear seasonally.
NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe says the lakes at Pulgamurtie Station will become a unique new tourist attraction.
“This is a once-in-a-generation conservation and tourism opportunity that will protect these spectacular landscapes and allow more people to experience them."
Where is Pulgamurtie Station?
Pulgamurtie Station is home to wonderful wildlife, such as wallabies. (Credit: NSW DCCEEW)
Located 235 kilometres north-east of Broken Hill along the Silver City Highway, Pulgamurtie Station is a vast expanse of sweeping outback plains, undulating sand dunes and thriving wetlands providing breeding grounds for thousands of waterbirds.
The conservation area will provide a home to more than 70 threatened wildlife species, including the iconic brolga, pink cockatoo and slender darling pea – playing an important role in helping restore the nation’s biodiversity.
The area will protect species including the pink cockatoo. (Credit: NSW DCCEEW)
The station is also steeped in Aboriginal cultural heritage, situated along significant Dreaming songlines and dotted with historic stone artefacts.
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A new wave of tourists
The bright-pink hues are a result of microorganisms that thrive in the water’s salty conditions. (Credit: NSW DCCEEW)
The park’s spectacular pink lakes and wildlife are set to lure a new wave of tourists to Far West NSW, sparking new interest in the region’s already striking outback landscape and encouraging visitors to make a road trip of the journey.
“Few places capture the scale and diversity of the NSW outback quite like Pulgamurtie, where a mosaic of wetlands, lakes and rolling arid plains exist side by side," says Sharpe.
Following environmental and cultural surveys, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will explore a range of potential visitor experiences around the site, including campsites near the larger lakes, convenient day-use areas, walking trails and scenic drives that offer birdwatching opportunities and sweeping views towards the Koonenberry Range.
When will the new NSW pink lakes open?
The land purchase will draw more visitors to the dazzling outback landscapes. (Credit: NSW DCCEEW)
When and how visitors will be able to access the site is yet to be confirmed, but the prospect is an enticing one: vast open country, wetlands buzzing with birds, the chance to escape the city – and two extraordinary natural wonders glowing pink. We’ll all be sitting tight.
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Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or hunting down Sydney's cosiest cafes.
Think you know Lismore? Think again. From pop-up feasts to a buzzing nightlife to a thriving arts scene, discover a new side of the Northern Rivers.
Scratch beneath the surface of Lismore and its surrounding villages and you’ll discover a side of the Northern Rivers many travellers don’t expect. Here lies a region bursting with creativity, where vibrant street art, innovative eateries and enriching cultural experiences shape everyday life. Best of all, it’s authentic, and can be enjoyed without the crowds. Here are eight reasons why it deserves a closer look.
1. Nights come to life
Stay out a little longer and experience the vibrant nightlife. (Image: Visit Lismore)
The Lismore region stirs after the sun sets, with wine bars, pub gigs, pop-up dinners and live music events at atmospheric country pubs and halls. The Eltham Hotel is a hinterland institution, its verandah regularly echoing with rootsy live music. Nimbin Bush Theatre’s Sonic Bloom nights bring pop-up dinners, films and DJ sets. The Channon Tavern hosts weekend sessions, while Il Carretto’s pizza nights fill Clunes Cafe on Thursday nights and Bexhill Hall on Fridays. Rider Taco Pop Up also brings a laid-back Mexican feast to Clunes, where guests spread out on the grass or gather in the old hall to share freshly made tacos.
2. A thriving arts and culture scene
Follow the Art & Culture Trail. (Image: Visit Lismore)
The Northern Rivers has long attracted artists, makers and free thinkers, and nowhere is that creative energy more evident than in Lismore and its neighbouring hamlets. The city’s Art & Culture Trail shines a spotlight on the city’s flourishing arts scene, linking galleries, studios and public art across the region. Start at the Lismore Regional Gallery, which has a dynamic mix of contemporary works and community-focused exhibitions. Also keep an eye out for events at The Quad, an open-air space that lights up with live music, projections and family-friendly events. Beyond the city, discover the colourful street murals of Nimbin, browse local art at Blue Knob Gallery or get your hands dirty during a clay workshop at Silt Studio.
For travellers who love discovering independent labels and one-of-a-kind finds, Lismore and its nearby villages offer a treasure trove of boutiques. Here, you’ll find everything from clothes and hand-crafted trinkets to books and homewares, each store reflecting the personality of its makers and curators. Highlights include Hanging Rock Flowers, where seasonal blooms meet beautifully chosen artisan gifts, and Two Ravens Antique and Vintage, where a collection of objects whisper stories of the past. Little Polli and the Blackbird offers whimsical fashion and homewares, while Folk Modern champions eclectic textiles and global finds and Valley of the Craftsmen showcases refined handmade artistry.
4. Diverse food offerings
Settle in for an evening of great drinks and live tunes. (Image: Visit Lismore)
Lismore’s dining scene is celebrated for its paddock-to-plate produce, global cuisines and cafe culture. At Two Mates Brewing small-batch beers are crafted for easy afternoons, often best enjoyed with a food truck bite, while The Levee Lounge and Bar brings a touch of Melbourne-style polish to town, with cocktails and wine served against the hum of live music.
Heritage bones meet a modern buzz at The Bank Cafe & Espresso, while smoked meats and fried chicken take centre stage at The Stockpot Kitchen. Housed in a former butter factory, Channon Tavern is the ideal place to while away the day on the grass by Terania Creek, and the The Eltham Hotel offers an upscale food menu with old school charm.
Find Annies Country Bakery in Modanville on Lismore’s Great Pie Trail, serving award-winning pies, open every day, it’s a great stop on a scenic drive on route to nearby national parks and Rocky Creek Dam. Or pop into Clunes Cafe for regular hosted dinners, each with its own unique flair. Listen to live music while you’re there, and maybe even join in a line dance.
5. Alternative lifestyles reign
Discover a place where freedom, art and community are part of everyday life. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)
This area has long been a free-spirited community, where counterculture values and creative expression shape everyday life. Its roots trace back to the 1973 Aquarius Festival, when thousands gathered in the hills near Nimbin and the one-time dairy town’s once-quiet streets were painted in kaleidoscopic colour. Many never left, establishing communes and laying the foundations of a community built on sustainability and freedom. Events such as the annual Nimbin MardiGrass festival keep its activist, grassroots spirit alive, while continuing to welcome diverse travellers in search of something a little different.
6. Breathtaking nature on the doorstep
Step into a world of ancient forests. (Image: Visit Lismore)
Lismore acts as the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular ancient Gondwana rainforests and untouched wilderness. Nearby Nightcap National Park offers UNESCO-listed rainforest walks and waterfalls, while Rocky Creek Dam is a tranquil spot for picnics and birdlife – and you may even spot a platypus if your timing is right. Whian Whian State Conservation Area reveals lush subtropical trails and hidden swimming holes, while the Northern Rivers Rail Trail winds through farmland and forest, passing historic railway bridges along the way.
7. Boutique stays
Experience award-winning eco stays. (Image: Contained in Nimbin)
Accommodation in the Lismore region tends to favour character over gloss, with stays that trade uniform luxury for a stronger sense of place and personality. Lismore Gateway Motel and Invercauld House offer easy comfort close to Lismore CBD, while The Eltham Hotel pairs a lively pub atmosphere with individually designed rooms that reflect the building’s heritage character. Nightcap Ridgesecluded luxury eco retreat and Rummery Park Campground in Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and Contained in Nimbin’s award-winning eco cabins, all bring you closer to nature.
8. Form community connections
Celebrate winter solstice at the Lismore Lantern Parade. (Image: Visit Lismore)
If you are wanting to immerse yourself more in the community, there are some standout events that embrace Lismore’s individuality. Lismore is known for its markets, so they’re a great place to start. The fire twirling at Lismore’s weekly Thursday produce markets makes for a particularly fun spectacle.
