Why You Should Visit Outback NSW In Winter

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.

Silverton welcome sign in outback NSW — Outback NSW is the place to be this winter. (Image: Matt Cheok)

1. To wander underground dugouts in the desert

Since the 1880s, miners, hobbyists and other fortune-seekers have descended on White Cliffs to pursue opals.

And although the township seemingly appears abandoned with mounds of earth, holes in the ground and old ‘blower trucks’ in every direction, its residents actually live in underground dugouts to avoid the extreme summer conditions and keep temperatures between a pleasant 16-26°C.

Should you desire, it’s possible to visit an underground dugout or join a mine tour to experience the fossicking process and learn about the town’s history.

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.

Aerial view of White Cliffs — White Cliffs seemingly appears abandoned, but its residents actually live in underground dugouts. (Image: Matt Cheok)

2. To explore a lunar landscape at dusk

Traversing the corrugated path to Mungo National Park is a bumpy but memorable journey where clay and sand pinnacles stand in the desert, and the Walls of China highlight one’s visitor experience.

It’s here that Mungo Man and Lady Mungo were discovered – the oldest human remains found in Australia laid to rest over 40,000 years ago.

People walking in Mungo National Park, NSW — Mungo National Park is a bumpy but memorable journey. (Image: Matt Cheok)

You’ll encounter ancient burial sites including the world’s 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 and representatives of the local Barkindji, Ngyiampaa and Mutthi Mutthi communities.

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.

Accommodation options inside the park are plentiful and cater to all budgets, ranging from the no-frills Main Campground to Mungo Shearers’ Quarters and the high-end Mungo Lodge.

Walls of China, Mungo National Park — To wander beyond the Walls of China viewing platform, you must join a sunset tour. (Image: Matt Cheok)

3. To discover silo and water tower art in Bourke

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.

Bourke’s hometown hero, Percy Hobson, is portrayed high jumping an impressive 2.11 metres to claim gold at the 1962 Perth Commonwealth Games – the first Indigenous Australian to do so.

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.

Percy Hobson Mural, Bourke — Percy Hobson is portrayed high jumping in the mural. (Image: Matt Cheok)

4. To encounter quirky museums and Aussie galleries

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 .

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

Mad Max Museum, Silverton — The Mad Max Museum features an extensive collection. (Image: Matt Cheok)

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

When you’re done exploring Silverton’s 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.

John Dynon Gallery, Silverton — Stop by John Dynon’s Gallery in Silverton. (Image: Matt Cheok)

5. To visit old-school watering holes

Our country town pubs are full of charm and larrikins and are often a great source of information about a region’s hidden gems and recommendations.

Couple that with the hearty feeds, the refreshing cold beverages, beer gardens and heritage architecture, and that’s a recipe for success. Our favourite watering holes include the Palace Hotel in Broken Hill, The Great Western Hotel in Cobar and the Tilpa Hotel in Tilpa.

The deck of the Palace Hotel — Sit in the sun on the deck of the Palace Hotel in Broken Hill.

6. To admire sculptures in the desert

About a 15-minute drive from Broken Hill’s centre, 12 impressive sandstone sculptures stand triumphantly inside the Living Desert State Park.

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.

Living Desert State Park, Broken Hill — 12 impressive sandstone sculptures stand triumphantly inside the Living Desert State Park. (Image: Matt Cheok)

7. To marvel at a forest of drowned trees

Black box trees rise from the ephemeral lakes along the Darling River, offering an eerie yet captivating view stretching kilometres.

The major highlight of any trip to Menindee Lakes 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’t cost you an arm and a leg to stay here – it’s actually free.

Although our Outback can be very desolate and unforgiving, regional NSW’s 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!

Menindee Lakes, NSW — Black box trees rise from Menindee Lakes. (Image: Matt Cheok)

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

7 reasons why you should visit Outback NSW this winter