Outback NSW is an untamed landscape, vast and full of raw beauty. Rich in Aboriginal culture, it is a place where travellers can enjoy unforgettable experiences; from camping under the stars to discovering ancient landscapes as well as uncovering the wonders of some spectacular national parks.
If your clients are looking for a domestic travel adventure to remember, a journey through Outback NSW is going to sweep them off their feet.
From exploring rugged 4WD tracks and discovering unique rock formations under a bright blue sky to up-close wildlife encounters and vivid sunsets. From movie museums and gemstone fossicking to gazing up, into the twinkling abyss whilst camping in the desert.
Outback NSW is an iconic destination full of spirit, history, diversity, and character; and offers a plethora of experiences to suit your clients’ needs.
Here’s our quick guide to the wonders of Outback NSW and a run-down of the reasons why it should be a top choice for your client’s next adventure.
Fascinating Historic Towns
Broken Hill is the unofficial capital of Outback NSW. Boasting a rich history, it is Australia’s very first heritage-listed city and is home to a vibrant artistic community. Broken Hill offers an amazing array of galleries, cool places to dine, and moving mining landmarks.
TOP TIPS: The Living Desert and Sculptures are two must-see major attractions. Immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of the 12 sandstone sculptures and gain unique insight into flora, fauna, and Aboriginal culture of the destination in the living desert. Astrophiles should check out Outback Astronomy for an informative and entertaining experience, as you stargaze from a reclined chair in a purpose-built stargazing dome. For discoveries slightly further afar, take a 2.5hr drive, and learn about the remarkable area and underground buildings of White Cliffs.
A stone’s throw out of Broken Hill, only 25 kilometres, is the town of Silverton. This charming old silver mining town has starred in a number of iconic Australian movies and showcases its famous history around the town. Learn about Silverton’s fascinating history, get to know the artists of the area, and meet the friendly local donkeys.
TOP TIPS: Step into Outback NSW’s version of Hollywood and visit the Mad Max Museum. If your clients are Mad Max fans, they’ll love the large collection of photographs, life-size characters in full costumes, and original vehicles at the museum. If they enjoy going behind the scenes, they’ll be fascinated to discover what impact Mad Max had on this region and on the Australian film scene.
Northeast of Bourke you’ll find the historic town of Lightning Ridge, home to the rare black opal. If you’re feeling lucky, you could give fossicking a go and discover your very own opal treasure.
If your clients would rather take it easy, they can head to the Artesian Baths where they can soak in warm water that comes from the Great Artesian Basin – which is approximately two million years old.
Whatever they choose to experience during their stay, your clients will understand why visitors come from all over the world to visit the colourful town of Lightning Ridge.
TOP TIPS: Gemstone enthusiasts will be dazzled at the Australian Opal Centre, which is home to the world’s greatest public collection of Australian opal, rare opalised fossils, opal-related geological samples and opal from around the world.
Wondrous Nature & National Parks
Mungo National Park is an extremely special place. Here, Aboriginal people have walked in the footsteps of their ancestors since the Dreamtime. It may come as no surprise that this area is rich with Aboriginal history. Home to the famous Walls of China, and the significant archaeological discoveries of Mungo Lady and the ochred skeleton of Mungo Man, Mungo National Park offers unique and eye-opening experiences.
TOP TIP: Book a stay at Mungo Lodge and discover Mungo’s ancient story. Enjoy a guided tour to the Walls of China or take to the skies on a scenic flight for a bird’s eye view of the incredible landscape.
Mutawintji National Park displays the classic outback landscape for which Australia is famous around the world. If your clients are dreaming of red dirt roads, rugged gorges, and the peace and space of the desert, they’ll be right at home in Mutawintji. Book a Mutawintji Heritage Tour for a cultural guided tour with a passionate Aboriginal guide and discover unique Aboriginal stencils and engravings along creeks and cliff walks.
Sturt National Park is a “must do” for any outback adventure. The best way to really explore this national park is to set up camp for a few days at one of four campgrounds. Then, all your clients have to do is soak up the rolling red sand dunes, flat-topped mesas, and 450 million-year-old granite tors around Tibooburra.
Kinchega National Park showcases ever-changing colours, Aboriginal history, and bountiful birdlife. Camp beside the Darling River among the majestic river red gums, and visit the historic Kinchega Woolshed and Old Kinchega Homestead for a taste of the area’s pastoral heritage.
TOP TIP: If your clients would like expert knowledge on the region’s culture, heritage, environment, wildlife, and geology, a trip with Tri State Safaris should definitely be on the to-do list.
Channel your inner David Attenborough and admire the wetlands, woodlands, and grassy plains of Willandra National Park, which is home to 23 species of reptile and over 195 different types of bird – including emu and the endangered plains-wanderer.
Unique Accommodation
Outback Beds offers travellers the chance to truly get a feel for the untamed outback, while staying in unique and quality-assured accommodation, across a diverse range of iconic destinations.
Outback Beds provides a great base for your clients to experience the iconic towns, scenic drives and diverse attractions that Outback NSW has to offer.
Getting there
One of the most immersive ways to explore the Outback is to drive. The drive from Sydney to Broken Hill, in the far west of the state, takes around 13 hours. If drivings not your client’s thing, Regional Express Airlines operates daily flights between Sydney and Broken Hill, and NSW TrainLink’s Explorer trains connect Sydney with towns and cities of Outback NSW including Bourke, Lightning Ridge, Cobar, Brewarrina, Menindee and Broken Hill.
Tell me more…
Wanna know even more about the amazing products NSW has on offer to inspire your clients’ next escape?
Click here for the super handy NSW travel trade toolkit.
Oh, and don’t forget to tell your clients to share the love on social media by using the hashtags #LoveNSW or #NewSouthWales
This article was brought to you by:
