Tibooburra

Tucked away in the northwestern corner of the state, Tibooburra is one of the furthest reaches of NSW. With the spectacular Sturt National Park on its doorstep, it’s a great base to explore the region’s magnificent gorges and rippling red sandhills, as well as the unique history of this former gold mining settlement.

Aboriginal & colonial heritage

For thousands of years, this region has been home to local indigenous tribes, whose middens and quarries can be found throughout the area. The Aboriginal Keeping Place Museum honours this history through a fascinating collection of artefacts and photographs.

Step back in time at the Courthouse Museum for an insight into the way of life for the settlers who came to this remote town in search of gold. Browse artefacts from sheep stations once housed where Sturt National Park now lies, as well as an original medical kit from the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Tibooburra’s Pioneer Park is the site of a remarkable sculpture, Myth and Mirage 1999. The upside-down whaleboat is an exact replica of the boat Captain Charles Sturt dragged from Adelaide, in order to cross the inland sea he was convinced he would discover in the centre of Australia.

Sturt National Park

Venture north into the spectacular Sturt National Park, home to abundant wildlife such as giant red kangaroos, emus and wedge-tailed eagles, as well as thousands of years of indigenous history. Retrace the inland sea expedition on Sturt’s Tree Walk. Self-drive park tours include Gorge Loop Road and Jump-Up Loop Road.

Eat & drink

Enjoy outback hospitality at the historic Family Hotel, built from local sandstone in 1882. The pub is famous for its murals painted by renowned Australian artists Russell Drysdale, Eric Minchin and Clifton Pugh during their stay here in the 1960s. You can also stock up on supplies and fuel at the Corner Country Store.

Getting there & where to stay

Tibooburra is around 16 hours’ drive from Sydney and Brisbane, 12 hours from Melbourne and 10 hours from Adelaide. You can also fly into Broken Hill and hire a car for the 3hr 30min drive north. You may need a 4WD for unsealed roads and national parks. The town has a range of motel, pub and campground accommodation.