Where to get off the Beaten Track in New South Wales

Seen the Sydney Harbour? Surfed the breaks at Byron? Hiked the Blue Mountains already? For experiences you won’t read about on most travellers’ blogs, try these.

Fossick for black opals at Lightning Ridge

Since 1902, the outback mining town, Lightning Ridge, has been famous for its rare black opals. There are plenty of opportunities to get into the mining spirit while here: try your luck at fossicking, buy some sparkling gems, or take the self-guided tour of the Walk-in Mine at Bald Hill. You can even enjoy a round of golf on a course set on an old opal field with ‘greens’ of oiled sand.

Explore ancient Aboriginal culture at Mutawintji National Park

Dominated by the rugged Bynguano Ranges, Mutawintji National Park is characterised by gorges lined with river red gums. Dotted throughout the maze of overhangs and rock-faces lies an array of Aboriginal rock art and engravings dating back over 8000 years, making this a great place to discover Australia’s Indigenous heritage.

Discover waterfalls & extinct volcanoes at Nightcap National Park

At the southern rim of the 20 million year-old Mount Warning volcano, Nightcap National Park is one of the lushest and best-preserved expanses of subtropical rainforests in New South Wales. Explore Minyon Falls and Protester Falls and camp at Rummery Park and spot endangered birds in this world heritage listed area

Image credits: Broken Hill Tourism & Destination NSW