{"id":256485,"date":"2023-04-06T15:30:55","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T05:30:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/?p=256485"},"modified":"2023-04-06T15:31:08","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T05:31:08","slug":"outback-nsw-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/outback-nsw\/outback-nsw-in-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"7 reasons why you should visit Outback NSW this winter"},"content":{"rendered":"
Winter in the outback will leave you awestruck, so what are you waiting for?<\/h5>\n

From underground dugouts in the desert to quirky museums, old-school watering holes, and the dusty roads in between, we share why Outback NSW<\/a> should be at the top of your travel bucket list this winter.<\/p>\n

\"Silverton

Outback NSW is the place to be this winter. (Image: Matt Cheok)<\/p><\/div>\n

1. To wander underground dugouts in the desert<\/h2>\n

Since the 1880s, miners, hobbyists and other fortune-seekers have descended on White Cliffs<\/a> to pursue opals.<\/p>\n

And although the township seemingly appears abandoned with mounds of earth, holes in the ground and old \u2018blower trucks\u2019 in every direction, its residents actually live in underground dugouts to avoid the extreme summer conditions and keep temperatures between a pleasant 16-26\u00b0C.<\/p>\n

Should you desire, it\u2019s possible to visit an underground dugout or join a mine tour to experience the fossicking process and learn about the town\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

In addition, around dawn or dusk, we recommend going on a self-guided walking loop to Sullivan Hill and strolling to Turleys Hill for a spectacular vantage point.<\/p>\n

\"Aerial

White Cliffs seemingly appears abandoned, but its residents actually live in underground dugouts. (Image: Matt Cheok)<\/p><\/div>\n

2. To explore a lunar landscape at dusk<\/h2>\n

Traversing the corrugated path to Mungo National Park<\/a> is a bumpy but memorable journey where clay and sand pinnacles stand in the desert, and the Walls of China highlight one\u2019s visitor experience.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s here that Mungo Man and Lady Mungo<\/a> were discovered \u2013 the oldest human remains found in Australia laid to rest over 40,000 years ago.<\/p>\n

\"People

Mungo National Park is a bumpy but memorable journey. (Image: Matt Cheok)<\/p><\/div>\n

You\u2019ll encounter ancient burial sites including the world\u2019s oldest-recorded cremation site, stone tools, and old fish bones remaining fixed in the sand. Today, the land is maintained by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service<\/a> and representatives of the local Barkindji, Ngyiampaa and Mutthi Mutthi communities.<\/p>\n

To wander beyond the Walls of China viewing platform, you must join a sunset tour. We strongly recommend doing one with Mungo Lodge or National Park Aboriginal Discovery Tours to get up close and personal with these formations.<\/p>\n

Accommodation options inside the park are plentiful and cater to all budgets, ranging from the no-frills Main Campground to Mungo Shearers\u2019 Quarters and the high-end Mungo Lodge.<\/p>\n

\"Walls

To wander beyond the Walls of China viewing platform, you must join a sunset tour. (Image: Matt Cheok)<\/p><\/div>\n

3. To discover silo and water tower art in Bourke<\/h2>\n

Not only are the outback murals enormous in stature, but they also offer insight into our rich country town history and the stories about the people who came from them.<\/p>\n

Bourke\u2019s hometown hero, Percy Hobson, is portrayed high jumping an impressive 2.11 metres to claim gold at the 1962 Perth Commonwealth Games \u2013 the first Indigenous Australian to do so.<\/p>\n

By transforming silos and water towers into visual art pieces, these repurposed structures are often significant drawcards for communities, bringing tourism opportunities to the region and breathing new life into the local economy.<\/p>\n

\"Percy

Percy Hobson is portrayed high jumping in the mural. (Image: Matt Cheok)<\/p><\/div>\n

4. To encounter quirky museums and Aussie galleries<\/h2>\n

Chances are your film fanaticism is far from the level of Adrian and Linda Bennett, who moved their family from Northern England to the remote town of Silverton to set up the Mad Max Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The carefully curated space features an extensive collection of original\/replica vehicles, costumes and memorabilia that must be seen to be believed.<\/p>\n

\"Mad

The Mad Max Museum features an extensive collection. (Image: Matt Cheok)<\/p><\/div>\n

While you\u2019re in Silverton, stop by John Dynon\u2019s Gallery<\/a> and studio. The facade is enough to turn heads with paint-splatted cars, bicycles and sculptures canvassing the entry point. Dynon\u2019s artwork beautifully captures the feel of the outback with his renditions of emus, shacks and local rivers. And if you\u2019re curious about his work, you can chat with him in person.<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re done exploring Silverton\u2019s offerings, continue the drive to the Mundi Mundi Lookout for a view of the Barrier Ranges and relive the film set of an iconic Australian classic.<\/p>\n

\"John

Stop by John Dynon\u2019s Gallery in Silverton. (Image: Matt Cheok)<\/p><\/div>\n

5. To visit old-school watering holes<\/h2>\n

Our country town pubs are full of charm<\/a> and larrikins and are often a great source of information about a region’s hidden gems and recommendations.<\/p>\n

Couple that with the hearty feeds, the refreshing cold beverages, beer gardens and heritage architecture, and that\u2019s a recipe for success. Our favourite watering holes include the Palace Hotel in Broken Hill<\/a>, The Great Western Hotel in Cobar and the Tilpa Hotel in Tilpa.<\/p>\n

\"The

Sit in the sun on the deck of the Palace Hotel in Broken Hill.<\/p><\/div>\n

6. To admire sculptures in the desert<\/h2>\n

About a 15-minute drive from Broken Hill\u2019s<\/a> centre, 12 impressive sandstone sculptures stand triumphantly inside the Living Desert State Park.<\/p>\n

The interplay of light, especially at sunset, gives these structures new life and purpose, so we recommend visiting in the late afternoon. Amidst this dramatic landscape, visitors can access numerous walking trails and fascinating flora and fauna sanctuaries.<\/p>\n

\"Living

12 impressive sandstone sculptures stand triumphantly inside the Living Desert State Park. (Image: Matt Cheok)<\/p><\/div>\n

7. To marvel at a forest of drowned trees<\/h2>\n

Black box trees rise from the ephemeral lakes along the Darling River, offering an eerie yet captivating view stretching kilometres.<\/p>\n

The major highlight of any trip to Menindee Lakes<\/a> is a camping experience on the shores of Lake Pamamaroo as the sun goes down. Caravans, 4WDs, tents and swimmers line the banks, and it won\u2019t cost you an arm and a leg to stay here \u2013 it\u2019s actually free.<\/p>\n

Although our Outback can be very desolate and unforgiving, regional NSW\u2019s hidden gems prove that some of the best travel destinations in the world are right under our noses. We urge you to adventure there this winter!<\/p>\n

\"Menindee

Black box trees rise from Menindee Lakes. (Image: Matt Cheok)<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Winter in the outback will leave you awestruck, so what are you waiting for? From underground dugouts in the desert to quirky museums, old-school watering holes, and the dusty roads in between, we share why Outback NSW should be at the top of your travel bucket list this winter. 1. To wander underground dugouts in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":257,"featured_media":256500,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"article.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_expiration-date-status":"","_expiration-date":0,"_expiration-date-type":"","_expiration-date-categories":[],"_expiration-date-options":[]},"categories":[4199],"tags":[4542,4393,5713,5513,5427,5431],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhy You Should Visit Outback NSW In Winter - Australian Traveller<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From underground dugouts to quirky museums and old-school watering holes, Outback NSW should be at the top of your bucket list this winter.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nsw\/outback-nsw\/outback-nsw-in-winter\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why You Should Visit Outback NSW In Winter - 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