Artesian Bore Baths, Lightning RidgeCredit: Destination NSW
Take an invigorating soak in Lightning Ridge’s artesian bore baths.
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Looking for a different outback New South Wales road trip option? Then set your satnav for Lightning Ridge. The historic opal mining town is a nine-hour drive northwest of Sydney, and there are plenty of great stops to make along the way.
This seven-day itinerary won’t just take you to Lightning Ridge, but also get you all the way back to Sydney. With 1,500km to cover, it’s a road trip best suited to couples or a small group of friends who can share the driving; with sealed roads all the way, you can undertake this journey in any type of vehicle.
Highlights:
- Sipping fine wines at the cellar doors of Mudgee and the Hunter Valley
- Exploring atmospheric outback towns like Coonamble with its Art Deco architecture
- Taking a relaxing soak in Lightning Ridge’s artesian bore baths under a twinkling night sky
Day 1: Sydney – Blue Mountains
Depart Sydney for the 90-minute drive west to Katoomba in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, where you can enjoy superb views of the Three Sisters rock formation at the Echo Point Lookout, go for bushwalks, and browse antiques stores to your heart’s content. Katoomba has plenty of cafes (try Pomegranate Cafe or the Yellow Deli) but for a smart meal to remember, book a table at award-winning Darley’s Restaurant at Lilianfels Resort and Spa. Treat yourself to a night here, too, or opt for one of Katoomba’s many cosy guesthouses.
Day 2: Blue Mountains – Mudgee
It’s only two hours’ drive northwest of Katoomba to the relaxed wine region of Mudgee, leaving you plenty of time to start your day with a Blue Mountains bushwalk before an afternoon of wine tasting. Try Logan Wines, the first winery on your way into Mudgee, or First Ridge, closer to town, which has a striking cellar door built out of shipping containers. On a stroll through Mudgee’s attractive town centre, you’ll also find plenty of boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants — try Eltons for a casual dinner in the 1896 Eltons Pharmacy building. While you’re out and about, pick up some nibbles from High Valley Mudgee Cheese Co to snack on during the next day’s drive.
Three Sisters, Blue Mountains Credit: Filippo Rivetti
Sunrise over the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary in the Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba.
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Three Sisters, Blue Mountains Credit: Filippo Rivetti
Sunrise over the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary in the Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba.
Logan Wines, Mudgee Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying a round of wine tasting at Logan Wines, Mudgee.
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Logan Wines, Mudgee Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying a round of wine tasting at Logan Wines, Mudgee.
Day 3: Mudgee – Coonamble
Set off along the Castlereagh Highway to the small town of Coonamble, 264km north of Mudgee, and spend your afternoon admiring the town’s Art Deco architectural influences. Don’t miss the Outback Arts Centre, a small gallery displaying locally made ceramics, sculpture, and more.
Alternatively, take a detour to Warrumbungle National Park via the Newell Highway and stretch your legs on one of the park’s many walking trails. If it’s a clear night consider camping here to enjoy the spectacular stargazing opportunities in Australia’s first Dark Sky Park.
Day 4-5: Coonamble – Lightning Ridge
It’s only 190km (or two hours’ drive) to Lightning Ridge from Coonamble (or just over three hours from Warrumbungle National Park). Once settled into one of the town’s holiday parks or bed and breakfasts (Sonja’s Bed and Breakfast is a popular choice) it’s time to explore ‘The Ridge’. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied: shop for precious gems, take an opal mine tour, try your hand at fossicking, or explore the town’s quirky arts scene — don’t miss the John Murray Gallery and Chambers of the Black Hand, which features engravings in an underground mine. Other attractions include the Heritage Cottage Museum, housed in a1932 miner’s hut, and the Australian Opal Centre, where you can view rare fossils from the age of the dinosaurs, and learn how to cut and polish an opal.
After dinner (try Bruno’s Italian Restaurant), unwind in one of Lightning Ridge’s naturally heated bore baths. The outdoor pools, which have no entry fee, maintain a temperature of between 40 to 50°C and are open 24 hours a day, so you can enjoy a spot of stargazing during a nighttime soak.
Day 6: Lightning Ridge – Gunnedah
Take a different route back to Sydney by heading east on the Kamilaroi Highway just before you reach the town of Walgett on the Castlereagh Highway. Roughly half-way, the agricultural town of Gunnedah makes a good place to spend the night. Allow time to explore the country towns of Wee Waa (Australia’s cotton capital) and Narrabri (where you can visit the Paul Wild Observatory, which is used for radio astronomy) along the way. When you arrive in Gunnedah, stop by the visitor’s centre for tips on where to spot the region’s thriving wild koala population before checking into your accommodation. Refurbished in 2019, the Gunnedah Hotel also has an excellent bistro.
Day 7: Gunnedah – Sydney
It’s a 440km drive from Gunnedah to Sydney on the main highways, but it’s worth taking the scenic route through the Hunter Valley (turn off the New England Highway onto Hermitage Road at Belford), which only adds a few kilometres to the journey. Treat yourself to a smart winery lunch showcasing Hunter Valley produce at the likes of Muse Kitchen at Keith Tulloch Wine, sister venue to two-hatted (Australia’s version of Michelin stars) Muse Restaurant, before heading back to Sydney – perhaps grabbing a few bottles from the onsite cellar door to take with you.
Welcome Signage, Lightning Ridge Credit: Destination NSW
Sign welcoming visitors to Lightning Ridge.
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Welcome Signage, Lightning Ridge Credit: Destination NSW
Sign welcoming visitors to Lightning Ridge.
Chambers of the Black Hand, Lightning Ridge Credit: Destination NSW
Carved and painted artwork on sandstone in the Chambers of Black Hand art gallery in Lightning Ridge.
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Chambers of the Black Hand, Lightning Ridge Credit: Destination NSW
Carved and painted artwork on sandstone in the Chambers of Black Hand art gallery in Lightning Ridge.
More Inspirational Stories
Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy MountainsCredit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Set course for adventure in Jindabyne, a quaint lakeside town in the foothills of New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains, and a great base camp for an energising, nature-based holiday. Delight in a range of exciting seasonal experiences, from action-packed days on the snow to summertime hikes that will leave you feeling fresh.
Pick your own adventure
There's an array of activities on your doorstep in Jindabyne – a five-hour drive southwest of Sydney. In warm weather, get your blood pumping on a mountain bike ride, or try your hand at rock climbing with K7 Adventures. Travelling when the mercury drops? Relish in the wintry scenery on one of K7’s snow-shoe expeditions. Alternatively, get a natural high on a guided horse trek at Snowy Wilderness Resort, set on more than 6,500 acres of awe-inspiring alpine high country just south of Jindabyne.
There’s also a whole lot of adventure to uncover in Kosciuszko National Park during summer. Revel in the sense of achievement hiking the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest point at 2,228m elevation – it’s an 18.6km return trail from Charlotte Pass, so plan on spending a full day (six to eight hours) out in nature. If you’d prefer a shorter walk, the serene Rainbow Lake walk is a 2.4km-return trail that boasts stunning wildflowers during springtime.
Post-activity, take a deep breath and calm your mind during a hatha yoga session at Jai Yoga. Then further reward your day’s efforts with a celebratory schnapps made at Wildbrumby, which has a distillery door and restaurant overlooking a sculpture garden. Prefer a beer? Jindabyne Brewing bar and tasting room has views across Lake Jindabyne – find a scenic perch and enjoy the ultimate taste of the region as you sip. Another option for a refreshing swig of beer is Kosciuszko Brewery. Located at Jindabyne’s Banjo Patterson Inn, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after an exhilarating day of adventure activities.
Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Hiking in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Hiking in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery, Crackenback Credit: Destination NSW
The Wildbrumby Distillery & Cafe is a unique, boutique schnapps distillery located on the Alpine Way in the picturesque Thredbo Valley,
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Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery, Crackenback Credit: Destination NSW
The Wildbrumby Distillery & Cafe is a unique, boutique schnapps distillery located on the Alpine Way in the picturesque Thredbo Valley,
Try out the local dining scene
Follow your nose to the delectable range of oven-fresh breakfast pastries on offer at Nimmitabel Bakery. The aroma of freshly brewed Axis Roasters coffee is just as difficult to resist at Birchwood, where you can also fill up before a big day in the great outdoors on cheese toasties, muesli bowls, moreish breakfast salads and more.
Self-catering? Head to The Market. At this part café, part market, you can choose between sinking your teeth into wholesome dishes or grabbing organic fruit and veggies and specialty grocery items to take away.
Cosy up at the end of the day at Bacco Italian Restaurant, which has been preparing pizzas and pastas for more than 25 years; kids are well catered for with a dedicated menu of tasty bites. Or take your palate on its own adventure at much-loved Cafe Darya, which dishes up welcoming Persian favourites including dips, pastries and stews. Pair zingy tacos with lip-smacking margaritas at Cucina Grill & Cantina, and treat your travelling companion to an intimate Japanese dinner at Takayama; kick off a memorable meal with a serving of succulent pork gyoza with ponzu dipping sauce.
Stay in quintessential Snowies lodging
Lean into farm life at Avonside Alpine Estate, a dreamy off-grid farm stay with a vegetable garden, chickens, sheep and highland cattle. The two- and three-bedroom cottages unite Scandi style with sustainable design, and boast calming country vistas, too.
Be soothed by the snow gums surrounding Ecocrackenback, just outside of Jindabyne, as you warm up by the fire in one of its 18 self-contained cabins. Or soak up the similarly scenic setting at Moonbah Hut, which offers two charming timber cottages near Jindabyne that sleep four or five guests. With one hut set on a lake and the other by a river, you can begin or end a summer's day with an invigorating dip, while the stone fireplaces, underfloor heating and exposed beams make the cottages feel particularly snug during the winter months.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service manages a number of lodges throughout Kosciuszko National Park, including Creel Lodge. Here you can bask in serene Lake Jindabyne views from the breakfast table. As the moon rises over the lake, indulge in the nostalgic pastime of roasting marshmallows over the outdoor fireplace for dessert.
Lake Crackenback, Thredbo Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos at Lake Crackenback, Thredbo.
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Lake Crackenback, Thredbo Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos at Lake Crackenback, Thredbo.
Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains.
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Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains.