Head west of the coastline, and you’ll begin to discover Australia’s sunburnt country; Outback New South Wales. Like a scene straight out of a movie, drive through historic colonial towns and learn about rich indigenous culture with an array of national parks and native wildlife surrounding you. Set your base in Broken Hill filled with beautiful restaurants, cafes and art, or Bourke, which was once a major inland river port.
On a hot summer’s day, temperatures can skyrocket so consider visiting during the colder months or in spring. Roads connect the region efficiently, and the drive from Sydney to Broken Hill is about 13 hours. Outback NSW is also easily accessible by air or rail.
The Darling River will guide your trail through the outback country as you pass through paddleboat towns. Learn about Australia’s rich heritage through its array of museums, with the Aboriginal Culture Centre preserving stories and artefacts from the local Aboriginal people. Embrace Outback NSW’s spectacular national parks between Mungo National Park, Kinchega National Park or Sturt National Park. At Mungo National Park you’ll find the world’s oldest ritual human cremation site and the Mungo Track circuit to guide you. The circuit connects each of the main attractions of the land; from short walks to lookouts and heritage features. Take the journey at a leisurely pace and camp overnight at Belah Camp, as light begins to fade, watch the sky fill with pastel colours.
Sturt National Park is made up of contrasting landscapes and expansive outback that gives you a glimpse of some of the incredible wildlife across the land. Lake Pinaroo gathers many waterbirds and waders, acting as a stunning contrast to the red landscape. Take a scenic drive along the lake or set up camp for a night to completely disconnect.
Further north, enjoy the wetlands of Kinchega National Park where you’ll be able to take advantage of the water adventures around Menindee Lakes, surrounded by river red gums and colourful birdlife.
Explore the area’s precious stones in Lightning Ridge and learn about a rare gem mined from surrounding plains, the black opal. The town is filled with opal stores and gives you the chance to visit an opal mine too. While you're there make sure you experience Lightning Ridge’s incredible natural heated springs where water remains at a constant 42C. Stay til late and watch the sun go down and stars begin to twinkle over you.
Broken Hill is home to over 30 art galleries, and it is clear the rugged landscape has inspired and influenced many of these incredible artists. Spend some time absorbing the incredible pieces of work at Broken Hill Region Art Gallery or Silver City Mint and Art Gallery.
Outback NSW is a haven of majestic wildlife, iconic red soil and breathtaking scenery that will leave you feeling connected to nature. Take the opportunity to discover the diverse and fascinating heritage of Australia and spend your days exploring the numerous national parks and lakes surrounding the area.
Places
Attractions
Pro Hart Gallery was created as a tribute to the incredible artist, Pro Hart. A Broken Hill local, this artist transforms Australian scenery and outback hues into colourful artwork. Starting out as a miner, he is now one of Australia’s notable artists, specialising in a range of media from drawing to painting and sculpting too. The three-level gallery showcases Pro Hart’s work and originally was his studio and home where his five children were raised. Beyond art, you’ll also see up close Pro Hart’s incredible car collection as well as sculptures standing tall as soon as you step into the gallery. See the detail in his Rolls Royce, which has been hand painted, or stop and observe the video presentation telling the story of his life and work.
Pro Hart’s art encapsulates the striking colours of the outback; his ongoing desire to experiment with media is evident in his work too. At the gallery, you’ll also find art for sale, available for you to take home or a gift shop for an array of homewares, stationary books and ornaments. Pro Hart’s passion resided in both the creation and philosophy of art and his work is categorised in formal and narrative styles. A mix of colours, forms and patterns give his work a distinctive sense that creates his unique aesthetic. When it comes to showcasing his narrative style, you’ll see picnics, streetscapes, portraits and country race meetings depicted throughout his work. The more figurative work demonstrates life in Broken Hill and his take on it.
Stop by Pro Hart Gallery for an interactive experience and to learn about local, Broken Hill artist, Pro Hart.
Considered to be the oldest art gallery in regional New South Wales, the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery resides in one of the towns original heritage buildings.
Visitors can expect a mix of colonial, modern and contemporary art including artists like Arthur Streeton, John Olsen and Rupert Bunny. The museum hosts an extensive display of Aboriginal artists like Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Emily Kame Kngwarre and Michael Nelson Tjackamarra, as well as local artists prevalent like Sam Byrne, Jim Paterson and Pro Hart.
Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery has won many rewards for its incredible restoration of the heritage building. The venue brings incredible exhibition spaces, touring exhibitions, floor talks, workshops and guided tours. The gallery shop onsite means you can take home a memory of the gallery for you to cherish forever.
The gallery is wheelchair friendly and a lovely way to spend the day learning about art culture in Australia.
During your visit to Bourke, stop by the Back O’Bourke Exhibition Centre to learn about the story of Outback New South Wales. Tales of the Inland Sea, riverboats, wool and CEW Bean are told in an interactive and fun way. The life of Henry Lawson and women of the west are also shared. Should you opt for a two-day ticket to truly indulge in the exhibition, it will allow you also to take a ride on the PV Jandra River Cruise.
Discover stories told through modern-day resources around the rich culture of the outback, through visual displays and interactive installations, taking you on an engaging journey.
Set on the banks of the Darling River, the exhibition centre has a cafe on site so you can spend the whole day exploring. Take some time to learn about early exploration, the grazing industry, bushrangers and conflicts all at the Back O’Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre.