The Ultimate NSW Outback Road Trip itinerary + FREE Map
Planning a road trip from Sydney to Broken Hill? This iconic Outback NSW journey takes you from the city streets of Sydney to some of Australia's most remote landscapes, historic mining towns, and incredible outback experiences!
From the heritage-rich streets of Cobar to the iconic landscapes of Broken Hill and the wild west charm of Silverton, this road trip showcases a side of Australia that many travellers never get to experience. But you can guarantee I’ll be recommending this to everyone now!
We've included our FREE interactive map below with all our favourite stops, photo locations, places to stay, and must-see attractions to help you plan your own Outback NSW adventure.
Road Trip Overview
Route: Moree → Narrabri → Coonamble → Cobar → Broken Hill
Distance: Approx. 1,450km
Duration: We recommend allowing 7–10 days to fully experience the journey. While the drive can be completed quicker, taking your time allows you to explore the history, landscapes, and unique attractions that make this route so memorable.
Best time to go: April – October is ideal, cooler temperatures and comfortable conditions for exploring. We travelled during the winter, it’s definately cooler to the coast so bring jumpers and beanies… it’s gets a lot colder during the night in the outback! But otherwise great for the long driving days and adventures.
Road Trip Tip: Once you leave Sydney behind, the distances between towns start to increase significantly. Make sure you keep an eye on fuel levels, carry plenty of drinking water, and plan your stops ahead of time. Also avoid driving at sunrise, sunset, and after dark, as kangaroos and other wildlife are extremely active throughout this region.
We're currently travelling Australia full-time in our 2025 Jayco Destiny Mercedes Sprinter, and this route was one of our favourite outback adventures so far. If you'd like to see the full journey, check out our YouTube video linked below, your support keeps us on the road and producing long form content which we love!!!
Moree – Artesian Hot Springs & Country Charm
Located around 630km north-west of Sydney, Moree is typically a 7–8 hour drive and makes an excellent first overnight stop before exploring Outback NSW. Famous for its naturally heated artesian waters and rich agricultural history, the town offers a relaxing start before heading further west.
Where to stay: Moree Tourist Park
Located right next to the artesian pools, it's a great base for exploring the town and unwinding after a day on the road.
TOP Things to Do IN MOREE
• Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre – The town's biggest attraction, featuring naturally heated artesian pools that sit at around 41°C and are perfect for relaxing.
• Yaama Ganu Centre – Learn about the history, culture, and stories of the local Gomeroi people through art and cultural displays.
• Jellicoe Park – A peaceful green space in the centre of town, ideal for a stroll or picnic.
• Moree Town Walk – Explore the town's heritage buildings, local shops, and country atmosphere.
• Seasonal Cotton & Agricultural Landscapes – Depending on the time of year, you'll pass some of Australia's largest cotton-growing regions surrounding Moree.
2. Narrabri – Gateway to Mount Kaputar National Park
Located around 270km from Moree (approximately a 3-hour drive), Narrabri is a welcoming country town surrounded by rich farmland, ancient volcanic landscapes, and some of the most unique natural attractions in New South Wales.
It's the perfect stop to experience a different side of regional NSW before continuing further west into the outback.
Where to stay: Narrabri Big Sky Caravan Park - Conveniently located close to town and a comfortable base for exploring the region's natural attractions and national parks.
Top Things to Do
• Mount Kaputar National Park – One of the region's standout attractions, offering spectacular lookouts, volcanic landscapes, walking trails, and panoramic views across northern New South Wales. On a clear day, the views stretch for hundreds of kilometres.
• Sawn Rocks – Often described as Australia's answer to the Giant's Causeway, these striking hexagonal basalt columns were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and are one of the most unique geological formations in NSW.
• Narrabri Lake – A peaceful spot for a walk, picnic, or birdwatching, located just minutes from town.
• The Crossing Theatre & Visitor Information Centre – A great place to learn more about the region, local attractions, and upcoming events.
• Explore the Town Centre – Wander through local shops, cafés, and heritage buildings while enjoying the relaxed country atmosphere.
3. Coonamble – Gateway to the Warrumbungles
Located around 250km from Narrabri (approximately a 3-hour drive), Coonamble is a classic country town and one of the best bases for exploring the incredible Warrumbungles National Park. While the town itself has a relaxed rural feel, the real highlight is the spectacular landscape just outside of town. Known as Australia's first Dark Sky Park, the Warrumbungles offer dramatic volcanic peaks, incredible hiking trails, native wildlife, and some of the best stargazing in the country.
Where to stay: Coonamble Riverside Caravan Park - A convenient stop close to town with easy access to supplies before heading out to explore the national park.
TOP Things to Do
The Breadknife & High Tops Walk
Warrumbungles National Park
• Warrumbungles National Park – One of the most unique national parks in New South Wales, known for its dramatic volcanic rock formations, rugged mountain scenery, and excellent hiking trails. The good news for caravanners and motorhome travellers is that the main attractions, lookouts, visitor areas, and walking tracks are all accessible via sealed roads, making it an easy day trip in a motorhome.
Spirey View Lookout - If your after a shorter yet scenic walk, this is around 6km, and offers views over The Breadknife in all it’s glory.
• The Breadknife & Grand High Tops Walk – The park's most famous hike, taking you through spectacular volcanic landscapes and offering incredible views from the summit. Allow a full day for this walk.
• Whitegum Lookout – One of the easiest ways to experience the beauty of the Warrumbungles, with panoramic views over the park and surrounding countryside.
• Stargazing – As Australia's first Dark Sky Park, the Warrumbungles are famous for their incredibly clear night skies. If conditions are right, you'll see the Milky Way in stunning detail.
• Wildlife Spotting – Kangaroos, wallabies, emus, wedge-tailed eagles, and plenty of birdlife can often be seen throughout the park.
4. Cobar – The Gateway to the Outback
Located around 710km from Sydney (approximately an 8-hour drive), Cobar is where the landscapes begin to feel truly outback. Known for its mining history, red dirt scenery, and vast open spaces, Cobar is a such fascinating small town stop that offers much more than most travellers expect!
The town's history dates back to the 1870’s when copper was discovered in the area, sparking a mining boom that helped shape the region. In fact, the name "Cobar" is believed to come from an Aboriginal word meaning "copper" or "red earth", reflecting the area's long connection to mining. As one of the major service towns in western New South Wales, it's a great place to restock supplies before you continue further west towards Broken Hill.
Where to stay: Cobar Caravan Park - Conveniently located and walking distance into too town, spacious sites, campfire every evening at 5pm (a great way to make new friends & bring a beer!)
BEST Things to Do in cobar
The Great Cobar Heritage Centre - Learn about the town's rich mining history through interactive exhibits, historic displays, and stories of the people who helped shape the region.
Fort Bourke Hill Lookout - Unfortunately, the lookout was closed for us due to construction but it’s scheduled to reopen in August.
Miners Memorial & Heritage Walk - A beautiful park dedicated to the miners who lost their lives
Newey Reservoir - Tons of birdlife and perfect for a lunch side stop!
The Great Western Hotel - The iconic pub. Fun Fact; it’s famous for the longest verandah in Australia!
Mount Grenfell National Park & Historic Site - An absoluate must do. Located about 60 mins North West of Cobar, visit the Aboriginal Rock Art and historic site.
best places to eat in cobar
Be sure to stop into Cobar's Great Western Hotel; a classic country pubs for a hearty meal and a cold drink after a long day on the road. It's the perfect introduction to outback!
5. Broken Hill – Australia's First Heritage City
Located around 460km from Cobar (approximately a 5-hour drive), Broken Hill is one of Australia's most iconic outback destinations and the perfect finale to this road trip. Known as Australia's first heritage-listed city, Broken Hill has a rich mining history, thriving arts scene, and some of the most spectacular outback landscapes in the country.
The city was built on one of the world's richest silver, lead, and zinc deposits, and much of its history can still be seen throughout the historic buildings, wide streets, and mining landmarks that define the town today.
Where to stay: Broken Hill Tourist Park
Broken Hill Tourist Park is a fantastic base for exploring both Broken Hill and nearby Silverton. The park is conveniently located, offers spacious sites, great facilities, and is only a short drive from many of the region's major attractions.
BEST Things to Do in broken hill
• Line of Lode Miners Memorial – One of Broken Hill's most important landmarks, honouring the miners who lost their lives working in the region's mines. The views over the city from here are also incredible.
• Living Desert Sculptures – A collection of sandstone sculptures set amongst the outback landscape, particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
• Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery – One of Australia's oldest regional galleries, showcasing local artists and the region's strong artistic heritage.
• Explore the Historic Town Centre – Wander through heritage buildings, historic pubs, mining architecture, and wide streets that tell the story of Broken Hill's prosperous past.
Day Trip to Silverton
Located just 25km from Broken Hill, Silverton is an absolute must-visit and one of the highlights of any trip to Outback NSW. Once a thriving mining town, Silverton is now famous for its movie history, colourful characters, and spectacular outback scenery.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN SILVERTON
• Mundi Mundi Lookout – One of the most breathtaking lookouts in Australia, with endless views stretching across the outback.
• Mad Max 2 Museum – Packed with memorabilia and vehicles from the iconic film.
• Silverton Gaol Museum – Discover the fascinating history of this former mining settlement.
• John Dynon's Bakery – Home to the famous chicken curry pie and a must-stop while exploring town.
• Silverton Hotel – One of Australia's most iconic outback pubs and a popular filming location.
• Meet the Emu Man – One of Silverton's most memorable local characters.
BEST PLACES TO EAT in silverton
Broken Hill has one of the best food scenes in Outback NSW, with plenty of cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and pubs throughout town. We highly recommend the famous chicken curry pie from the bakery and grab a drink at the iconic Silverton Hotel!
Silverton Sign, Silverton
Hannah & Sam
Australia Travel Creators & Jayco RV Correspondents
Hi, we’re Hannah & Sam! Australian travel content creators and bloggers sharing road trips, destination guides, and real travel experiences across Australia.
As Jayco RV Correspondents, we travel full-time, exploring life on the road and documenting detailed itineraries, hidden gems, and practical tips through our social channels & blog to help you plan your own adventure!
These are all our honest recommendations and tips, all based on real first-hand experience. We’re here to make planning your next trip easier, more enjoyable, and full of experiences for those chasing adventure and freedom on the road!
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