Newell Highway

The Newell Highway is Australia's longest inland highway, stretching over 1,000 kilometres from Victoria to Queensland. While it's a vital transport corridor for freight and travellers, the section passing through New South Wales offers a quintessential outback road trip experience. This is a journey through vast landscapes, historic towns, and unexpected natural wonders – a classic Australian adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Dubbo's Western Plains Zoo: A world-class open-range zoo where you can see African and Australian animals in vast enclosures – a must-stop for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
• Parkes Radio Telescope (The Dish): Visit the iconic telescope that relayed the Apollo 11 moon landing. The Discovery Centre offers fascinating insights into space exploration.
• Warrumbungle National Park: Australia's first Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazing. Walk among volcanic peaks and spot kangaroos at dawn.
• Narrabri's Australian Cotton Centre: Learn about the region's cotton industry and the innovative farming techniques used in this dry landscape.
• Moree's Artesian Hot Springs: Soak in the mineral-rich thermal pools – a relaxing break after a long drive.
• Goondiwindi's Macintyre River: A lovely spot for a picnic or a paddle, with a historic bridge and riverside parks.

Suggested Time to Spend

The full Newell Highway from the Victorian border to the Queensland border is about 1,000 km and can be driven in two days if you push, but three to five days is ideal to soak up the attractions. Break the drive into manageable chunks: stop overnight in Dubbo, Narrabri, and Moree (or Goondiwindi). Each day's drive is around 3–4 hours, leaving time for detours to national parks or a relaxing soak in the hot springs.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dubbo & Wellington: Combine Dubbo's zoo with the Wellington Caves for a full day of exploration.
• Coonabarabran & Warrumbungle NP: A perfect pairing for stargazing and hiking – stay overnight in Coonabarabran.
• Narrabri & Mount Kaputar National Park: Drive up to the summit for panoramic views of the plains.
• Moree & the Gwydir Wetlands: Visit the wetlands for birdwatching (seasonal) and learn about Indigenous culture.
• Goondiwindi & the Macintyre River: Combine with a side trip to the nearby towns of Boggabilla or Texas (Qld).

Please check official sources for current details.