Photo: Poyt448 Peter Woodard / Public domain
Sturt National Park sprawls across the remote red centre of Far West New South Wales, a vast outback landscape of gibber plains, red dunes, and ancient river red gums. This is the land of the Kamilaroi people, and the park preserves significant Aboriginal sites alongside pioneering pastoral history. The park is a haven for desert wildlife—look out for the endangered yellow-footed rock-wallaby and the striking Major Mitchell's cockatoo. The vast, empty horizons and star-filled skies make this a true outback adventure, best experienced on a self-drive trip between Broken Hill and Cameron Corner.
Highlights & What to See
- Corner Country: Stand at Cameron Corner, where the borders of New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia meet. It's the only point in Australia where three state boundaries converge.
- Jump-Ups: Explore the dramatic flat-topped mesas called 'jump-ups' along the Jump-Up Loop, offering panoramic views and a sense of ancient geological time.
- Mount Wood Homestead: Visit this historic 1880s homestead complex, now a museum with restored buildings and a shearing shed, offering a glimpse into pioneering pastoral life.
- Fort Grey & the Woolshed: Camp at Fort Grey campground and explore the nearby ruins of the old woolshed, a relic of the region's wool-growing heritage.
- Aboriginal Rock Art: Discover ancient rock carvings and grinding grooves at sites like the 'Stone Woman' near the Tibooburra turn-off.
- Outback Wildlife: Spot red kangaroos, emus, and flocks of budgerigars at waterholes; keep an eye out for the rare yellow-footed rock-wallaby on the jump-ups.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allocate at least two to three days to properly explore Sturt National Park. The park is remote, and many attractions require driving on unsealed roads. A full day is needed to drive the Jump-Up Loop and visit Cameron Corner, while another day allows for walks, visiting Mount Wood Homestead, and exploring Tibooburra village. If you're self-driving from Broken Hill, factor in a full day's travel each way. For a deeper immersion, consider staying at one of the park's campgrounds or in Tibooburra.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Tibooburra: The quirky outback town with its famous 'Tibooburra Hotel', a great place to stock up and learn about local history.
- Cameron Corner: Beyond the park boundary, the Corner Store and the Dingo Fence are iconic photo stops.
- Broken Hill: The 'Silver City' is a major hub with art galleries, the Living Desert Sculptures, and mining heritage—about 330 km south.
- Kinchega National Park: South of Broken Hill, this park features the Darling River, historic woolsheds, and abundant birdlife.
- Innamincka Regional Reserve: Across the border in South Australia, this remote reserve offers Cooper Creek waterholes and the historic Burke and Will's Dig Tree.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Tibooburra — Peterdownunder / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Cameron Corner — SplaTT / CC BY 2.0
- Broken Hill — Steve Swayne / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Kinchega National Park — John Tann from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0
- Corner Country — denisbin / CC BY-SA 2.0