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Road Trip: Blue Mountains to Silverton

Mundi Mundi Lookout sign_Silverton-hero
Mundi Mundi Lookout sign_Silverton-mobile

Starting from the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, journey to Silverton in Outback NSW and discover fine food, friendly towns and fascinating history along the way.

Highlights
  • Mudgee wineries
  • Whitecliffs Underground Motel
  • The Lost City
  • Mundi Mundi Lookout

Day 1: Blue Mountains to Mudgee

1h 51m | 137km

Before you embark on your journey, check the My NRMA app for your nearest and cheapest fuel. There are plenty of fuel stations to choose from.

Stop 1: Explore the historic town of Lithgow
Situated on the western slopes of the Blue Mountains and steeped in history and heritage, the city of Lithgow is surrounded by World Heritage-listed national parks and family-friendly attractions. Embark on the Furnace Fire and Forge Heritage Trail, in which a series of placards have been placed around town identifying nine of the most important places in town, including the Zig Zag Railway which is expected to reopen in late 2021.
Stop for a pie at Bill’s
You can always count on Country NSW to deliver the goods where pie is concerned. Grab a few pies, finger buns or scones to go at Bill’s Old Fashioned Cakes and Pies ( 70 Main St. Lithgow). Devour the pies but save the cakes for the next stop.
Stop 3: Discover the Lost City on the Newnes Plateau
The Lost City, as its name suggests, isn’t the easiest of finds but worth the search. Geological formations made up of by layers of ironstone and sandstones have weathered in a way to resemble pagodas and a forgotten civilization that once was. The Lost City can only be reached by 4WD, but if this isn't an option, head to Hassan's Wall Lookout -- the highest lookout in the Blue Mountains, for views of Mt Wilson and Mt York, Mt Tarana and Mt Blaxland and the Hartley Valley unfold infront of you.
Stop 4: Go birdwatching at Capertree Valley
For panoramic views of Capertee Valley, head to Pearsons Lookout, and don’t forget to pack your binoculars for some spectacular birdwatching -- the world’s second largest canyon is one of 50 top locations in the world for birdwatching.
Capertee Valley_Capertee
Scenic views across Capertee Valley, Capertee ( Photo credit: Destination NSW) .
Stop 5: Feed your inner foodie in Mudgee
A mecca for the gastronome, Mudgee is home to New South Wales’ longest running food and wine festival, The Mudgee Food and Wine Festival, held annually every September. But you don’t need to attend the event to sample the region’s finest. For organic and biodynamic drops visit Lowe Wines, or savour a Shiraz and cheeseboard while watching the sun set over the vineyard at Logan Wines. For dinner, Pipeclay Pumphouse, situated at Robert Stein Vineyard and Winery’s (awarded Australia’s Best Cellar Door in 2018), offers an unforgettable fine-dining experience albeit in a relaxed setting. For somewhere a little more budget-friendly, Roth’s Wine Bar delivers a high-quality tapas-style menu with wood-fired pizzas and live music every Friday and Saturday.
Lowe Wines_Mudgee
Enjoy a nice visit to Lowe Wines, Mudgee ( Photo credit: Destination NSW). 
Stop 6: Rest in Mudgee
Just 1km from the centre of Mudgee and set on 30ac of land, Parklands Resort Mudgee offers a variety of room types, all of which have access to private balconies with views of the manicured gardens and surrounding Mudgee Hills. Resort facilities include restaurant, indoor pool, spa and sauna, tennis court, gym, BBQ area, bike hire and free WIFI. And don't forget, members can save up to 20 percent on the best available room rate with late check out, as well as 10 percent off food and beverage at Parklands Resort Mudgee. Simply use the promo code: 'NRMA' when booking. *T&C's apply.
interior of parklands resort hotel room
Parklands Resort, Mudgee

Day 2: Mudgee to Nyngan 

3 hrs 43 mins | 304kms

Stop 1: Visit rare species in Dubbo 
As a flourishing regional centre, Dubbo lays claim to an enviable mix of activities for all interests. History buffs (as well as the kids) will love glimpsing 19th and 20th century prison life at the Old Dubbo Gaol. The Taronga Western Plains Zoo is also a popular draw with tourists for good reason. Beyond a trip to Africa, this is possibly the best chance you’ll get to see the greatest species on the planet in a safari like setting.
Lion encounter at Taronga Western Plain Zoo
Get up close to lions at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo ( Photo credit: Destination NSW ). 
Stop 2: Take a selfie with the Big Bogan 
Along the Bogan River on the eastern edge of the Great Outback you’ll find the rural town of Nyngan, home the Big Bogan statue. Snap a selfie with the 5m tall structure before paying a visit to Nyngan Museum, once the old Railway Station, to learn about the township’s captivating railway history.
Stop 3: Rest in Nyngan
Make yourself at home in one of the 15 air-conditioned rooms at Alamo Motor Inn, featuring all mod-cons and recreational amenities, including laundry, WI-FI, barbecues and an outdoor pool.

Day 3: Nyngan to White Cliffs

1h 51m | 137km

Stop 1: Explore and grab a bite in Cobar
Continue west along the Barrier Highway for Cobar, a town rich in mining heritage and natural attractions. See restored mining equipment at the Cobar Miner’s Heritage Park, visit the now defunct Great Cobar Copper Mine from the 1830s, and for Instagram-worthy views of an open-cut mine, head to the viewing platform at Fort Bourke Hill Lookout. Follow the self-guided Cobar Heritage Walk to browse the town’s historic buildings, including those from the Victorian and Edwardian era, before heading to the Great Western Hotel and ordering a chicken parmy.
Great Cobar Heritage Centre_Cobar
The Great Cobar Heritage Centre, Cobar ( Photo credit: Destination NSW ). 
Stop 2: Grab a coffee in Wilcannia
Once a thriving Darling River port, Wilcannia is rich in architectural history. Some of the town’s treasures include the old-centre lift bridge, the 1880 Post Office, the Athenaeum Library and Courthouse. Be sure to stop at Emmdale Roadhouse for a coffee and a bite to eat.
Stop 3: Sleep underground at White Cliffs
Australia’s oldest – and still active – opal mining town, White Cliffs’ mining history began as a way for miners to escape the outback heat by building underground dwellings. Today, you can visit opal showrooms and purchase locally mined opals to get cut and set by jewellers. While you’re visiting, take the opportunity to sleep in the all-white dugouts at the White Cliffs Underground Motel. If you plan to visit in May, don’t miss the White Cliffs Music Festival, a family-friendly event that brings together live music, parades, workshops and camp fire singalongs. Be sure to check on the program dates as they may have altered for the 2021 festival.

Day 4: White Cliffs to Silverton

3hrs 46min | 318km

Stop 1: Refuel in Wilcannia
Don’t forget to check the My NRMA app for your nearest and cheapest fuel in the area.
Stop 2: Discover the charm of Broken Hill
Take the Broken Hill Heritage Walk Tour to discover the charm, character and history of Australia’s first-heritage listed. The two-hour volunteer guided tour of the CBD will take you past heritage buildings, historic mining landmarks and a plethora of shops, restaurants and cafes. Don’t forget to visit one of the many galleries and museums, including Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery , the oldest regional gallery in NSW, and the Albert Kersten Mining and Mineral Museum where you can see artifacts and thousands of specimens from the city’s mining history, including a 42kg silver nugget.
Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery_Broken Hill
Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, Broken Hill ( Photo credit: Destination NSW ). 
Stop 3: Order a soda spider at Bells 
A 1950s Australian Milk Bar that doubles as a museum, Bells Milk Bar pays homage to Australia’s Milk Bar and café culture. Don’t leave Broken Hill without ordering one of their famous sodas, spiders or milkshakes.
Bells Milk Bar_Broken Hill
Bells Milk Bar, Broken Hill  ( Photo credit: Destination NSW ). 
Stop 4: Visit the Miner’s Memorial 
Poised arrestingly on top of waste rock surrounded by exquisite views, the Line of Lode Miner’s Memorial celebrates the life and work of more than 800 miners who lost their lives in the mines of Broken Hill.
Line of Lode Miners Memorial_Broken Hill
The Line of Lode Memorial, Broken Hill ( Photo credit: Destination NSW ). 
Stop 5: Stand at the edge of the world in Silverton
North of Broken Hill lies the town of Silverton. Head to Mundi Mundi Lookout for expansive views of the Mundi Mundi Plains. The wide and flat space looks endless and gives the feeling that you might be at the edge of the world. While you’re in town, pay a visit to Mad Max Museum , a tribute to Mad Max 2 which was filmed in the area, or get an insight into the harsh realities of mining a century ago by taking an underground tour through a former silver mine at Historic Daydream Mine.
Inside Mad Max Museum_Silverton
Mad Max Museum, Silverton ( Photo credit: Destination NSW ). 
Stop 6: Sleep in the Priscilla Suite
Standing prominently on a corner in the heart of Silver City, you might think the Palace Hotel looks somewhat familiar. You’ll likely recognize the venue as one of the stopovers from iconic movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The interior is as exuberant as the movie with walls adorned in water-themed renaissance-inspired and fantasy Australian landscape murals, the aim of which is to make the hotel feel like ‘an oasis in the outback’. There’s a room to suit every type of budget, from deluxe ensuites to dormitories. You can even book to stay in the Priscilla Suite, the room where the characters of the movie stayed.
The Priscilla Suite, The Palace Hotel_Broken Hill
Artwork and decor inside the Priscilla Suite, The Palace Hotel ( Photo credit: Destination NSW ). 

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