Texas, Australia

Perched on the edge of the vast, ochre-red landscape of northern New South Wales, Texas is a tiny, sun-baked town that feels a world away from the coast. Named after the American state, this outback settlement is a genuine frontier outpost, where the pub is the social hub and the surrounding bushland is a canvas of ancient granite outcrops, river gums, and boundless skies. It's a place for travellers seeking real isolation, star-stuffed nights, and a glimpse into a resilient rural community.

Highlights & What to See

• Texas Hotel: The heart and soul of town. Grab a cold beer on the verandah, chat with locals, and soak up the outback atmosphere.
• Macintyre River: A lifeline through the parched land. Great for a refreshing swim in the warmer months or a peaceful riverside picnic under the shade of river red gums.
• Texas Caves: Explore the fascinating limestone caves just out of town. These are natural formations that have been carved by water over millennia – a surprising subterranean wonder in this flat landscape.
• Boonoo Boonoo National Park: A short drive away, this park protects a dramatic gorge with eucalypt forests and the stunning Boonoo Boonoo Falls. Look out for wallabies and goannas on the walking tracks.
• Local History: The Texas Heritage Museum offers a modest but charming collection of photos and artefacts that tell the story of the town's pioneering past.

Suggested Time to Spend

Texas is a stopover, not a destination in itself. Most travellers spend one night here, breaking a journey between the coast (like Byron Bay) and the Queensland outback. Arrive in the late afternoon, check into the pub or a local cabin, enjoy a counter meal and a sunset drink by the river. The next morning, explore the caves or Boonoo Boonoo National Park before heading on. If you're a keen stargazer, the lack of light pollution makes a second night tempting.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Goondiwindi (Qld): Just over the border, this larger town on the Macintyre River has more services, a golf course, and the historic Goondiwindi Customs House Museum.
• Boonoo Boonoo National Park: Already mentioned, but it’s the key natural attraction and an easy day trip from Texas.
• Girraween National Park: Famous for its massive granite tors, wildflowers in spring, and excellent walking trails. About an hour's drive east.
• Bald Rock National Park: Home to Australia’s largest exposed granite monolith, Bald Rock. The summit walk offers panoramic views over the border into Queensland.
• Inverell: A historic sapphire-mining town with a superb Pioneer Village museum and sapphire fossicking opportunities.
• Stanthorpe (Qld): The heart of Queensland's Granite Belt wine region, with cellar doors, apple orchards, and a cooler climate. About 90 minutes north-east.

Please check official sources for current details.