A visit to the Outback is one of the highlights of a stay in Australia. And you don't have to go all the way to the center of the country to do it! On a trip to New South Wales, you won't want to miss out on discovering this red earth and its endless horizons, which put each of us in the shoes of an adventurer. A journey that takes in historic towns, opal mines, Aboriginal sites, cattle farms and national parks with incredible panoramas. Here are just a few of the places in the Australian Outback that are a must-see on a trip to New South Wales.
1. Broken Hill, a legendary town
Located in the heart of the sublimeOutback landscape, Broken Hill is Australia's oldest mining town. Once here, it's only logical to take a closer look at its rich mining history, by visiting the Line of Lode Miner's Memorial, which celebrates the lives and work of over 800 miners who lost their lives. Or take a stroll through the Albert Kersten Mining and Mineral Museum, home to a wealth of artifacts. The beautifulAustralian outback landscapes surrounding Broken Hill are an endless source of inspiration for artists. The town abounds in art galleries, such as the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery. Here you can see works by the Brushmen of the Bush group of artists, as well as a magnificent collection of Aboriginal art. A 20-minute drive north is the astonishingLiving Desert and Sculptures. 12 sandstone sculptures, each telling a story, dominate the desert landscape and highlight the skyline. Particularly beautiful at sunset, this is clearly one of the top 10 cultural experiences in New South Wales.
Broken Hill is a vibrant town. Several festivals are held here every year, including The Broken Heel Festival and the Perfect Light Film Festival. Not to mention its pubs, bars and gourmet addresses. A destination not to be missed under any circumstances, and one that appeals to all types of travelers.
2. Lightning Ridge, a variety of experiences
Lightning Ridge is a historic opal-mining town in theNew South Wales outback. It's renowned for its rare black opal. A town where the locals are particularly welcoming. The tour begins with a look at these rare stones at the Opal Bin, where the rough opals are polished into sparkling gems. Then, at The Big Opal, try your luck searching for fossils, before visiting the incredible Australian Opal Centre, a monument to black opal, many other sparkling treasures from the earth and the fascinating stories of the people who found them.
Later, head for the Chambers of the Black Hand, an underground gallery featuring over 350 hand-carved sculptures carved into the walls of an old opal mine. Some of the creations by miner and artist Ron Canlin are simply astonishing! Art lovers will also appreciate a visit to the John Murray Art Gallery. The artist's works truly capture the spirit of the Outback and Lightning Ridge.
To recover from all these emotions, there's nothing like a dip in the warm waters that feed the Artesian Bore Baths. The water flowing from the well maintains a constant temperature of around 41.5°C and contains therapeutic qualities reputed to relieve aches and pains. Lightning Ridge and Walgett are among the best places to recharge your batteries.
Those planning a visit to Lightning Ridge in July will have the opportunity to celebrate the local pride, opal, at the Lightning Ridge Opal Festival.
3. White Cliffs, another land of opals
Nestled in one of the most remote corners of New South Wales, White Cliffs owes its reputation to the presence of opal fields, revealing lunar landscapes. Like Lightning Ridge, it's one of the few places in the world where this precious stone is found. One of the experiences to be had is to go underground to the Red Earth Opal Mine, in search of these sparkling gems. White Cliffs is renowned for its galleries and jewellers who work the stones with great precision.
Looking for an unusual experience? Why not stay in a hotel where the rooms are located in underground troglodytes?
Not far from White Cliffs, the river towns of Wilcannia and Tilpa are a must-see after driving through the bush. Wilcannia is home to some superb 19th-century buildings. Tilpa offers the opportunity to enjoy a drink in an authentic wooden pub emblematic of the Australian outback.
White Cliffs can also be explored on walks in Paroo-Darling National Park. This magnificent wetland offers canoeing and kayaking on the Paroo Overflow, walking around Lake Peery, fishing, birdwatching and camping under the stars.
4. Mungo National Park, breathtaking nature
Mungo National Park reveals magnificent landscapes of ancient dry lake basins and sand formations. Head for the Chinese Walls to contemplate this long chain of white sand dunes that once surrounded Lake Mungo. With the help of a guide, you'll discover the local aboriginal culture and that of Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, human remains discovered in the 1960s-1970s that are 42,000 years old! By car, on foot or by bike, you can discover the local flora and fauna. You'll cross paths with emus, red kangaroos and Australian eagles. One of the best ways to enjoy the incredible landscapes of this national park in New South Wales, a fascinating and diverse state, is to stay for a few nights in an ecolodge, close to nature and with that great feeling of being away from it all.
5. Dubbo, the beginnings of the Outback
Dubbo is a town on the banks of the majestic Macquarie River. Following the Dubbo Heritage Walk is the best way to learn about the town's history, from the pioneers to the bushrangers and the architects who built its main monuments. Within the city, Old Dubbo Gaol is as fascinating as it is edifying. It's a former 19th-century prison where you can explore the conditions and brutality of prison life. The Western Plains Cultural Centre, meanwhile, is a museum that conveys the living culture of the Wiradjuri people, the original inhabitants of the territory.
At the Terramungamine Reserve, a guide who is a descendant of the Wiradjuri is happy to talk about the manufacture of weapons used by the Aborigines, as well as remedies based on medicinal plants found in the bush. And don't forget to admire the rock paintings.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is another not-to-be-missed attraction in Dubbo. The park is home to hundreds of rare and endangered animals, including rhinos and big cats. Whether on foot, by car or on horseback, the 5 km circuit is yours to explore. And if you're a star gazer, you can also take a trip to the Dubbo Observatory, where you can observe the constellations through telescopes.
6. These other Outback places to discover in New South Wales
There's no shortage of experiences when it comes to discovering the fascinating outback landscapes of New South Wales. East of Coonabarabran, Garrawilla is a historic family cattle farm. It's one of those picturesque ranches of the West. Staying here, travelers discover the real Australian cattle country, with over 7,000 hectares to explore on horseback. Hiking, cattle-moving techniques, home-cooked meals and chats around campfires or fireplaces enliven the days. And there's so much more to do in the area: bushwalking through the rugged landscapes of Warrumbungle National Park, fishing, wildlife watching and evening stargazing.
On the plains of Mundi Mundi, Eldee Station is a sheep and cattle farm where a couple welcomes visitors with a wide range of experiences, including 4WD outback drives, mountain biking, photo workshops and walks to meet the local wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, lizards and snakes, emus and many other bird species. And don't forget to spend some time at the spa overlooking The Barrier Ranges.
Nestled in the heart of central-western New South Wales, between the remote towns of Nyngan and Tottenham, Callubri Station is another farm where a couple awaits travelers for a true immersion in the heart of the Australian Outback. Sheep farming, observation of the abundant local wildlife, tastings of fine local produce, gourmet specialties and wines, and much more! It's a real privilege to stay on an authentic farm and discover the many facets of the Australian Outback.
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