Gain a deeper understanding of thousands of years of indigenous history, take in some of the most ruggedly beautiful outback landscapes and fossick for buried treasure.
A trip to Far West NSW wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to Mutawintji National Park.
Home to one of Australia’s largest indigenous rock art collections and ancient landscapes, there is plenty to explore through the numerous bushwalks around the park. Though the best way to experience the park is through a Mutawintji Heritage Tour, you will uncover the history and culture of the Malyangapa and Pantyikali people – it’s also the only way to access the sacred Mutawintji Historic Site.
The only accommodation in the park is the Homestead Creek Campground, which has basic amenities including showers, toilets, and barbecue facilities (booking required).
Make your way northeast to the opal mining town of White Cliffs. It might look a bit empty but that’s only because most of the town is underground to escape the heat! Check out the Red Earth Opal mine tour which offers seasonal tours through the working mine. You’ll also be able to find plenty of jewellery and fossils at the various stores across town.
The White Cliffs Underground Motel is a fun novelty if you fancy spending a night like many of the locals underground.
It’s time to hit the road again and slowly complete a loop back to Broken Hill. Stop off at Wilcannia for lunch at the Wilcannia Golf Club and check out the original site of Resch’s Brewery. Don’t leave without visiting the Queens Head Hotel, a repurposed pub that now acts as an art gallery where locals can exhibit their work – if need be, you can also stay the night in one of the four Airbnb rooms.
If you’re visiting the area between May and November, it’s worth extending your trip by a night to see a full Peery Lake in the Paroo-Darling National Park. Leave from White Cliffs and spend the day exploring the area that is home to a variety of flora and fauna before heading an hour down the road to stay in Wilcannia at the Queens Head Hotel.
