Outback Self Drive

Leave the vineyard-laced valleys of the Hunter behind and point your wheels west into the raw, red heart of New South Wales. This is a self-drive adventure that trades cool-climate chardonnay for dust, heat, and the kind of silence that rings in your ears. The route unfurls across ancient landscapes, through tiny pub towns and past rust-coloured gorges, offering a genuine taste of outback Australia that feels a world away from the coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Barrington Tops National Park – A dramatic transition from lush rainforest to alpine plateaus; look for wild horses and take short walks to waterfalls.
• Wollemi National Park – Remote wilderness where the prehistoric Wollemi pine was discovered; scenic drives and deep canyons reward the adventurous.
• Goulburn River National Park – Sheer sandstone cliffs, river gorges, and Aboriginal rock art sites accessible via unsealed roads.
• Merriwa – A classic country town with a historic main street, the Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces, and a great bakery for a pie stop.
• Cassilis – Quirky heritage village with the Cassilis Hotel and the excellent Cassilis Historical Museum.
• Coolah Tops National Park – Volcanic peaks, grassy woodlands, and stunning views from the summit; a peaceful bush-camping spot.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least three to four days to do this drive justice. A long weekend works if you push hard, but a leisurely five days allows for detours, walks, and overnight stays in character-filled pubs. Start early each day to avoid driving in the heat, and plan to arrive at your accommodation by mid-afternoon. The distances are deceptive – many roads are unsealed and slower than they appear on the map.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley Wine Country – Kick off or finish your trip with a day of cellar door tastings and gourmet dining.
• Mudgee – A gold-rush era town with a thriving food scene and more wineries, about two hours west of Merriwa.
• Dunedoo – Known for its “Canoon Caves” (limestone formations) and the Dunedoo Hotel, a classic outback pub.
• Bylong Valley – A scenic valley with the Bylong River, perfect for a picnic and a short hike.
• Kandos – A historic cement-mining town with interesting industrial ruins and the nearby Rylstone Kandos Museum.

Please check official sources for current details.