White Cliffs

White Cliffs is a surreal, otherworldly outback town in far northwestern New South Wales, famous for its underground homes (dugouts) and opal mining heritage. The landscape is stark and beautiful, with white gibber plains and deep blue skies. This is a place where you can experience authentic Australian pioneer spirit and sleep beneath the earth.

Highlights & What to See

• Underground Motel & Dugouts: Stay in a room carved into the hillside at the White Cliffs Underground Motel, or tour historic dugouts like the ones at the Opal Mine Tour.
• Opal Fossicking: Try your luck at the designated fossicking areas – you might find a precious opal. Equipment can be hired locally.
• Solar Power Station (Big Dish): Visit the site of Australia’s first solar power station, a giant parabolic dish that once generated electricity for the town.
• White Cliffs Lookout: Take in panoramic views of the vast, flat outback stretching to the horizon.
• Daydream Mine: A short drive away, this historic silver mine offers guided tours through original workings.

Suggested Time to Spend

White Cliffs is compact but its unique attractions warrant at least one full day and overnight stay. Arrive early to explore the town and opal fields, enjoy a sunset view from the lookout, then sleep underground. If you're fossicking, allow a half-day extra. Most travellers combine it with a longer outback road trip.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Broken Hill: The iconic outback city, 2.5 hours west, with its art galleries, mining museums, and the Living Desert Sculptures.
• Mutawintji National Park: Ancient Aboriginal rock art and stunning gorge walks, about 2 hours south-west.
• Tibooburra: A remote outback village with a famous pub, further north on the Silver City Highway.
• Menindee Lakes: A series of lakes and wetlands that attract birdlife, ideal for fishing and camping, 2 hours south of White Cliffs.

Please check official sources for current details.