White Cliffs

White Cliffs is a remote outback settlement in New South Wales, known for its unique underground homes (dugouts) and opal mining history. It's a quirky, off-the-beaten-path destination that offers a glimpse into Australia's pioneering spirit.

Highlights & What to See

• Underground Homes: Explore the famous dugout residences carved into the hillside, some of which are open for tours, offering a cool refuge from the desert heat.
• Opal Mining: Visit the White Cliffs Opal Mine and try your luck at noodling for opals. The town's history is deeply tied to opal mining.
• Solar Power Station: See the historic solar power station, one of the world's first, which once supplied electricity to the town.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, White Cliffs offers incredible night skies perfect for astronomy enthusiasts.
• Outback Landscapes: The surrounding red dirt plains and rocky outcrops provide a stark, beautiful backdrop for photography and bushwalking.

Suggested Time to Spend

White Cliffs is a small settlement that can be explored in a half-day to a full day. Most visitors stop here as part of a longer outback road trip. Plan to arrive early, take a guided tour of the dugouts, and spend the evening stargazing. Overnight stays in a dugout accommodation are highly recommended for a unique experience.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Broken Hill: The 'Silver City' is about 3 hours east, offering art galleries, the Living Desert Reserve, and mining heritage.
• Mutawintji National Park: A stunning national park with ancient rock art, gorges, and waterholes, located about 2 hours northeast.
• Menindee Lakes: A series of freshwater lakes and wetlands, perfect for birdwatching and fishing, about 2 hours southeast.
• Silverton: A historic ghost town near Broken Hill, famous for its Mad Max filming locations.
• Kinchega National Park: Adjacent to Menindee Lakes, this park offers historic woolsheds and river red gum forests.

Please check official sources for current details.