Northwestern New South Wales Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of Northwestern New South Wales with our comprehensive travel guide! Learn about the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Northwestern New South Wales

Northwestern New South Wales is a gem of the Australian Outback. It’s a vast region of rugged beauty, where dusty roads lead to remote towns and spectacular national parks. The region is famous for its breathtaking scenery, fascinating Aboriginal history, and unique wildlife. It’s the perfect destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the best things to do, places to visit, and hidden gems of Northwestern New South Wales.

List of Places to Visit in Northwestern New South Wales

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes
  • Aboriginal Rock Art in Culgoa National Park
  • The Outback Arts Gallery in Coonamble
  • The Old Dubbo Gaol in Dubbo
  • The Mungo National Park World Heritage Area

Natural Attractions of Northwestern New South Wales: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Warrumbungle National Park and Siding Spring Observatory
  • The Pilliga Forest
  • The Mount Kaputar National Park
  • The Darling River Run
  • The Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northwestern New South Wales

  • The Dubbo Cycleway
  • The Warrumbungle National Park Walks
  • The Mount Kaputar National Park Summit Walk
  • The Yarrobil National Park Trail

Best Things to Do in Northwestern New South Wales: Activities and Tours

  • Stargazing at The Siding Spring Observatory
  • Kayaking on The Macquarie River
  • Bird Watching in The Goobang National Park
  • Spotting Kangaroos at The Pilliga Forest
  • Tasting Local Wine at The Robert Stein Vineyard

Week-Long Itinerary for Northwestern New South Wales

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit The Australian Standing Stones and The Glen Innes Town
Day 2 Explore The Pilliga Forest and Sandstone Caves
Day 3 Go Bird Watching in The Goobang National Park
Day 4 Visit The Old Dubbo Gaol and The Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden
Day 5 Kayaking on The Macquarie River and Lunch at The Terramungamine Reserve
Day 6 Stargazing at The Siding Spring Observatory
Day 7 Discover The Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve and Mendooran

Food and Drink Scene of Northwestern New South Wales

Must-Try Dishes

  • The Smoked Trout from Goodwoods’ Smokehouse in Inverell
  • The Locally-sourced Pizzas from The Two Rivers Café in Brewarrina
  • The Kangaroo Pie from The Bourke Bakery
  • The Nutella Donuts from The Warren Bakery
  • The Emu Sausages from The Farm Gate

Local Beverages

  • The Local Wines from The Robert Stein Vineyard in Mudgee
  • The Beer from The Gwydir Grove Brewery in Moree
  • The Coffee from The Brew Coffee Bar in Dubbo
  • The Milkshakes from The Milkbar in Cobar
  • The Lemon Myrtle Iced Tea from The Yarrobil National Park

Where to Stay in Northwestern New South Wales: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Powerhouse Hotel Armidale by Rydges in Armidale
  • The The Wattle Tree Motel in Coonabarabran
  • The Burke and Wills Motor Inn in Bourke
  • The Orana Windmill Motel in Coonamble
  • The Eldee Station in Silverton

What to Buy in Northwestern New South Wales: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • The Handcrafted Pottery from The Eumungerie Pottery in Dubbo
  • The Opals from The Gemstone Market in Lightning Ridge
  • The Jams and Sauces from The Warrumbungle Food Festival
  • The Local Handicrafts from The Outback Arts Gallery in Coonamble
  • The Olive Oil from The Gwydir Grove Olives in Moree

Local Culture and Customs of Northwestern New South Wales

Northwestern New South Wales is rich in Aboriginal culture and history. It’s important to respect and acknowledge the indigenous people and their land. Visitors are encouraged to learn about the local customs and traditions, and support the indigenous businesses and communities.

Best Time to Visit Northwestern New South Wales

The best time to visit Northwestern New South Wales is from March to May and September to November. These shoulder seasons offer less extreme temperatures and are less crowded than the summer months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northwestern New South Wales

Do:

  • Respect the indigenous culture and heritage
  • Take plenty of water and sunscreen when venturing outdoors
  • Watch out for wildlife on the roads
  • Be prepared for long driving distances
  • Say “G’day!” to the friendly locals

Don’t:

  • Ignore road safety rules and drive too fast
  • Touch the Aboriginal rock art or heritage sites
  • Litter or harm the local wildlife
  • Hike or explore in remote areas alone
  • Judge the locals by their accents or clothing

Safety and Health

Safety in Northwestern New South Wales

Northwestern New South Wales is generally considered a safe travel destination. However, visitors should take precautions against the extreme weather, particularly during the hot summer months, and be aware of the risks of driving on remote roads.

Health in Northwestern New South Wales

Visitors should take precautions against the Australian sun and take plenty of water and sunscreen. It’s also recommended to check with a healthcare professional before venturing into remote areas, to ensure up-to-date vaccinations and medications.

Getting to Northwestern New South Wales: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Northwestern New South Wales

  • Dubbo City Regional Airport
  • Moree Airport
  • Tamworth Regional Airport
  • Narrabri Airport

Bus Stations Near Northwestern New South Wales

  • Greyhound Bus Service in Dubbo
  • Premier Motor Service in Gunnedah
  • NSW TrainLink Coach Service in Moree
  • Outback NSW Travel in Bourke

Other Options

  • Driving from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane

How to Get Around in Northwestern New South Wales

Many of the regional attractions in Northwestern New South Wales are only accessible by car. Visitors can rent a car or hire a tour operator. Some areas may also have cycling and walking tracks.

Where to Go Next from Northwestern New South Wales: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • The Hunter Valley Wine Region
  • The Blue Mountains National Park
  • The Great Ocean Road
  • The Grampians National Park
  • The Kakadu National Park

Conclusion

Northwestern New South Wales is a unique travel destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in Aboriginal history, hiking, stargazing, or trying local cuisine, Northwestern New South Wales has it all. It’s an ideal destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure that showcases Australia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Petroglyphs in Gundabooka NP Petroglyphs in Gundabooka NP


    Brewarrina
    Collarenebri
    Gundabooka National Park
    Toorale National Park