Outback NSW not only has some of the best National Parks in NSW, but also Australia. National Parks of Outback NSW are as diverse as the area itself; from the haunting Walls of China at Mungo National Park in the south-west of the State, the evocative river land along the Darling River at Kinchega NP, the very spiritual landscape found at Mutawintji, to the remote outback expanses of Sturt National Park in the very north-west corner of NSW.
These areas are superb examples of Aboriginal connectivity to the land and these territories are integral to the indigenous culture, both historically and contemporarily. These sites enable the continuum of this rich culture which has been estimated to have existed for 40,000, and probably longer.
The carefully managed National Parks enables the visitor to experience the awesome majesty and beauty of the physical landscape, the humbling and moving spirituality of an ancient land, and the ubiquitous and unique Australian flora and fauna. Whether it is a visit for a day or several days, these natural treasures offer a true outback experience for hiking, camping, bird watching, nature and cultural experiences or just a place to relax and recharge the batteries far for the maddening crowd.
Some parks, such as Mutawintji NP, offers year round culture experience with guided tours with Aboriginal custodians to the more significant and cultural areas while other parks such as Mungo, Paroo-Darling, Mungo, and Kinchega offer special Discovery programs during the School holidays.
Words might tell a story and a picture may tell a thousand stories, but the whole narrative cannot be comprehended until one visits these areas to gain an actual experience. It is when you visit these places that you get an understanding of what this great land is all about - and many elements of Aboriginal Culture and spirituality becomes apparent.
Gundabooka National Park is located a short drive from Bourke and the Darling River boasts some magnificent examples of Aboriginal Rock Art in addition to three magnificent walks to access different sections of Mt Gundabooka. Easily accessible off the Kidman way the three main areas of the park provide great walks and picnic locations and the centrally located Dry Tank area provides the visitor with a wonderfully located camping area.
Located on the Darling River near Menindee, Kinchega National Park covers a large area incorporating several of the Menindee Lakes (originally names the Laidley Ponds) and some of the best vantage points for fishing and camping along the banks of the Darling River. The magnificent, and much photographed Kinchega Woolshed is also located within the park and is situated near the National Park Office.
The best know of the National Parks of the Outback, Mungo National Park and its iconic 'Walls of China' is a 'must see' park not only for the shear beauty of the Lunette and the dunes which make up the 'Walls' but for the amazing and spiritually moving anthological significance of the area which has evidence of continual Indigenous habitation extending over 40,000 years.
Mutawintji National Park and the Mutawintji Historic site is an extremely special place for the living culture and spirituality of Indigenous Australians The historic site has an extensive history as an Aboriginal ceremonial site relevant to many indigenous groups from the immediate and surrounding country. Its significance was further consolidated by a blockade in the 1980's to regain traditional custodianship of the Historic Site. The park also provides the visitor with many wonderful walks through magnificent gorges and ephemeral streams in addition to wonderful art sites.
One of the newer parks, The Paroo-Darling National Park is split into two regions covering the Paroo River and Perry Lake in the north and Wilga Station on the Darling River in the south of the Park near Wilcannia. Peery Lake is a haven for water birds and when full (as it is currently) will contain water for several years. Wilga Station provides some of the best camping along the whole of the Darling River.
Located in the north-west corner of NSW and bordering South Australia to the West and Queensland to the north, this massive park provides the visitor with a great insight to the geomorphology of Outback Australia with ancient eroded mountain ranges and vast gibber plains easily illustrating the concept of the inland sea that early explorers believed covered the interior of Australia. The park also provides several vantage points to the Dingo Fence.
The park is situated in dry eucalypt forests and grassy woodlands and offers the visitor a great insight into the pastoral history of outback NSW. The Coolibah-lined Willandra creek attracts an assortment of wildlife including kangaroos, emus, and ground-nesting birds. Within the park there is the Willandra Homestead area and the Willandra Shearing complex located about 1.5 kms away. Both provide a great insight into the pastoral heritage of the area.
The Culgoa National Park, which shares its northern border with the Culgoa Floodplain National Park in Queensland, is relatively small park but is no less important in its location in the Murray Darling basin in addition to Aboriginal and European culture. With the Coolibah-lined Culgoa River running through it it is a birdwatchers paradise and a must after spring rains for those interested in outback wildflowers. The park offers the visitor camping and picnic areas which are ideal for car-based and caravan camping.
Mt Grenfell Historic site is a spiritually moving area as it provides many examples of magnificent rock paintings. The semi-permanent waterhole and many rockshelfs that provided shelter and ceremonial places that now exhibits some wonderful linear and figure designs depicting humans and assorted animals that are significant to the area and Aboriginal culture The picnic area at the start of the park is a great place for experience the area before or after taking either the short walk to the rock art or the longer Ngiyambaa Walkabout (about 5kms). The Ngiyambaa Walk affords the visitor with a wonderful 360 degree view from the ridge.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia is a not-for-profit charitable Service providing aeromedical emergency and primary health care services together with communication and education assistance to people who live, work and travel in regional and remote Australia.
The Outback NSW Tourism Organisation is a proud supporter of the RFDS and the work they do to provided essential support to out Outback areas.
Staying with the Outback Beds network allows you to experience working sheep and cattle stations, bush pubs, log cabins, living underground, Bed and Breakfasts, a little luxury and tranquil river campsites.... even camel campouts. It's a true-blue outback adventure.
Gary and Liz Murray from Trilby Station, a 200,000 acres sheep and cattle property on the banks of the Darling River in Outback NSW, invite visitors from around the world to come and taste their unique lifestyle. Trilby Station offers accommodation in the renovated Stockman’s Cottages & Shearer’s Bunkhouse. There’s also powered caravan sites with amenities and secluded Darling River camp spots. Guests can self cater or enjoy a range of delicious Australian country-style meals such as Liz’s farmyard breakfasts, stockman’s lunches and two or three course dinners served to your accommodation.
Turlee Station is a working sheep and wheat station located adjacent to Mungo National Park in outback NSW. Situated within the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, Turlee is a great place to experience outback station culture whilst exploring the national park. Accommodation options include camping, shearer’s quarters as well as a self contained cottage. Tag-along tours, sheep shearing and sheep dog working demonstrations as well as a self guided drive tour are all available at Turlee. We pride ourselves in our one-on-one interaction with guests and aim to provide our guests with a memorable experience of outback Australia!
Outback NSW have some of the most majestic parks in Australia all of which a carefully managed by the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service to allow for the best management of these natural and cultural wonders.
Parks
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