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The Kidman Way - Backtrack to the Outback

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The Kidman Way - Backtrack to the Outback

The Kidman Way - Backtrack to the Outback The Kidman Way is a sealed north-south touring route through the centre of NSW.
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Discover sights and stories from Jerilderie to Darlington Point, onto Griffith, Hillston, Cobar and Bourke. Welcome to your next epic road trip 🚙👋

The Kidman Way cuts through the heart of outback NSW, guiding you from Jerilderie all the way to the Queensland border. Take a journey through wide open spaces and produce-rich farmland, alongside and across majestic rivers, stopping in at character-fi

lled towns along the way. It’s all inspired by pastoralist Sir Sidney Kidman’s desire to open up inland Australia.

17/08/2024

A day out at the races is an essential part of the experience in our region — and the Jerilderie Gold Cup Races are just around the corner!

Head to the Jerilderie Race Club on Saturday 28 September and enjoy a day of country racing at its finest with a six race program and, of course, Fashions on the Field.

There’ll also be free kids entertainment, both metropolitan and local bookmakers, full bar and catering facilities. You can even reserve a marquee or umbrella package for the full experience.

Find out more at www.jerilderieraceclub.com.au

14/08/2024

These life sized emus are ready to greet you when you visit Hillston along the Kidman Way 👋

You’ll find the town around 100 kilometres north of Griffith , and 250 kilometres south of Cobar.

Aptly called ‘Emu Antics’ and beautifully captured by Instagrammer , you’ll find three of these brightly coloured birds at the entrance of the Lachlan River Walking Trail in Hughie Cameron Park.

Cross the bridge and take a stroll on the riverside walking trail in Desatholon Park Reserve. Here you can also throw a line in for a spot of fishing 🎣 Lake Woorabinda is also close by and home to an abundance of birdlife including pelicans, swans and cockatoos too.

Best stop and set up camp for a few nights to take it all in. Save this post to help plan your travels!

12/08/2024

It could be you exploring abroad the train at Griffith Pioneer Park Museum — just make sure you time your visit for the first Sunday of the month 🚂

The tour showcases Griffith’s history and evolution, including how the region became Australia’s food bowl. Led by knowledgeable guides, explore the city’s rich heritage and learn about its pioneering spirit, agricultural innovation, and cultural diversity. From humble beginnings to present-day prosperity, discover the captivating stories behind Griffith’s growth.

Follow Visit Griffith for more, or see upcoming events at www.visitgriffith.com.au and start planning your visit.

11/08/2024

A fascinating piece of Australia's frontier history awaits in the Visit Bourke historic cemetery.

Browse historic inscriptions that’ll take you back to a world of bushrangers and drovers, cameleers and riverboat men, lost children and local heroes. Bourke's cemetery predates the town, and is well worth a visit on your journey along the Kidman Way.

Two of Australia’s most famous funerals were held here. The first was depicted by a young Henry Lawson who joined the procession, following the coffin of an unknown young stockman who drowned in a billabong nearby. It was later discovered his name was John Hallahan, and became Lawson’s best story – The Union Buries It’s Dead.

The other was in 1993 when Professor Fred Hollows, the eye surgeon known worldwide for his passion to restore sight, was buried in Bourke. His motto 'that all the world may see', echoes the mateship ethos Lawson celebrated a century earlier.

Many of the epitaphs in the cemetery tell of the tragedy that often befell this region, a true insight to Bourke’s significant past.

Image credits: Destination NSW

08/08/2024

The Visit Cobar nsw region is steeped in rich Aboriginal, mining and pastoral history. Mount Grenfell Historic Site, around 70 kilometres west of Cobar, is home to protected Ngiyampaa rock art.

You can find it by following the short, easy Mount Grenfell art site walk. The walk houses 1,300 motifs in the surrounding rocky ridge where you can see richly coloured paintings of human and animal figures, representations of the natural environment, and hand stencils which are of ceremonial significance to traditional owners.

There’s also another more challenging hiking trail, the Ngiyambaa walking track, which takes you further into this gorgeous landscape of red dirt, mallee bushland, open grasslands and the rocky rise of Mount Grenfell itself.

Trust us, you’ll want to add this to your itinerary as you head along the Kidman Way – it’s a pretty special place to visit!

Image credits: Destination NSW

05/08/2024

Unofficially coined as the ‘beginning of the outback’ is Carrathool Shire 👋

Around the townships of Goolgowi, Merriwagga and Hillston you’ll experience heritage walks, murals, art, sculptures and memorials that celebrate the history of this region.

(And if you have some extra time up your sleeve, we highly recommend a short detours from the main route to visit Rankins Springs and Carrathool too).

Here are some of our top picks to help you plan 👇

🎣 Drop a line in Lachlan River where you might snag a Murray Cod or Yellowbelly.

🚣‍♂️ In the warmer months enjoy a standing up paddle or kayak around Hillston’s Lake Woorabinda, where you’re likely to spot all kinds of birdlife including pelicans, swans and cockatoos.

🖼 Check out fabulous artworks on display at the Red Dust and Paddymelons Gallery which includes paintings, sculptures and crafts.

🌿 Enjoy a picnic at Willandra National Park and the homestead, the lovingly restored pastoral station of Big Willandra. (Currently closed, be sure to check with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for updates.)

🍻 Pop in for a drink at the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest bar — find it at the Black Stump Hotel in Merriwagga.

🎨 Visit Wallys Junk Art Gallery in Rankin Springs which displays junk art from local Raymond Lamont.

01/08/2024

Welcome to the start of your Kidman Way adventure – Jerilderie 👋

If you're a stickler for the rules, you'll find Jerilderie is *technically* on the Newell, just before the Kidman Way branches off, but it's close enough for us.

When it’s time to stop for lunch, a sun-soaked picnic by the creek might be just the ticket. In fact, the Billabong Creek (pictured) is actually believed to be the longest creek in the world, winding 320 kilometres across regional NSW.

If you feel like a walk after lunch, you’ll find an easy trail along the banks of the creek starting at Luke Park (just near Lake Jerilderie at the Steel Wings windmill). The walk passes by a number of sites so you can read about the history of the area along the way.

If you’re staying a little longer, make time to discover more about the 1879 raid by notorious bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang, explore the town’s connection to Sir John Monash, and take in the local murals.

Jerilderie is a 40-minute drive north of Tocumwal on the NSW-Victoria border. From here, head north and branch off onto the Kidman Way for more adventures.

30/07/2024

We’re seeing red… and green, and white. Why? Because A Taste of Italy Griffith is just a few short weeks away 🇮🇹

Set for 19-25 August, it’s a whole week packed with delicious Italian food, music, family friendly fun and authentic Italian culture that celebrates Griffith's heritage and the city itself.

Head to www.atasteofitalygriffith.com.au for the full line-up of events planned.

28/07/2024

Can we let you in on a little secret?

The Kidman Way is an incredible journey to make in the winter and one of the best ways to enjoy this season is spend a night by the campfire, spinning yarns, toasting marshmallows and resting before setting off again in the morning.

Keen to explore? Visit our website at www.kidmanway.org.au to plan your adventure.

25/07/2024

There’s nothing quite like a good counter meal, either at the bar or in the bistro.

But it’s not just the meal that makes it good. For many small towns and villages, the pub is the best spot to mingle with the locals and get to know the place — and it’s likely you’ll hear some incredible stories and local legends (we’ll leave it with you to decide whether they’re truthful).

Along The Kidman Way you’ll find plenty of pubs to stop in for a meal, a drink and a chat, but here are a few of our faves to get you started (from south to north):

🍺 Colony Inn Hotel, Jerilderie
🍺 Brolga Hotel Motel Coleambally
🍺 The Punt Hotel, Darlington Point
🍺 Hotel Victoria, Griffith (pictured)
🍺 Black Stump Hotel, Merriwagga
🍺 Hillston Club House Hotel
🍺 Royal Hotel Mount Hope
🍺 The Great Western Hotel Motel Cobar
🍺 The Port Of Bourke Hotel, Bourke

Whether you’re looking for a break from cooking, to warm up after a big day of exploration or good old fashioned country pub vibes, be sure to stop in as you journey through our region.

22/07/2024

Like to throw a line in and see if anything bites?

You’ll love the Hillston Hook Line & Sinker Fishing Festival — it’s on again from 22-25 August.

Spend a few days fishing the Lachlan and see if you can reel in a prize 🎣

20/07/2024

Did you know Jerilderie has a famous connection that’s not Ned Kelly? 😂

Jerilderie was the childhood home of John Monash who lived here with his family and attended Jerilderie Public School. He later became well known as a military commander in World War I.

His family home is now Monash House, a boutique coffee and gift shop worth a stop on your travels.

P.S. Save the date for 17 November, the official unveiling of a new sculpture and story boards honouring Monash in Jerilderie.

17/07/2024

It doesn’t get much better than soaking in a glorious sunset 🌅

You’ll find this epic location only 5 minutes from Visit Cobar. ‘Old Res’, as it’s known to the locals, is a free, pet-friendly camping spot where you certainly won’t be fighting for those water view sites 🏕️

Just ask Instagrammer who captured these shots — there’s plenty of space to go ‘round.

Whilst here, be sure to take the 1-kilometre walk to Devil’s Rock, an ancient rock formation which features in local Aboriginal legend, and make time to just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Ready to share your adventures with us? Tag us or share with for a chance to be featured!

13/07/2024

Dreaming of a road trip? We can help with that 👋

Whether you’re immersed in tales of bushrangers around Jerilderie or underground exploring Cobar’s mining heritage, the Kidman Way is full of rich experiences and locals who love to share them with you.

Here are a few of our top picks along the way 👇

👀 Discover Visit Cobar’s history and culture at the Great Cobar Heritage Centre and soak in the endless views at Fort Bourke Hill Lookout (pictured)

🦓 Book an Altina Wildlife Park tour, a must-see located just outside of Darlington Point

🎣 Drop a line in the river — you’ll find the Murrumbidgee, Lachlan and Darling along the way — and try your skill at catching a Murray Cod

🍷 Taste top drops at the Visit Griffith region’s many cellar doors, including the latest award winner, Berton Vineyards — their 2019 Reserve Botrytis Semillon won the Best Sweet White Trophy at the National Wine Show last month

🥾 Explore our many national parks – Toorale, Murrumbidgee Valley, Cocoparra, Gundabooka and Willandra – for great walks, bird watching and native animal spotting (check with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for any closures or updates before you visit)

✨ Unearth intriguing stories at the Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre, a tribute to the pioneers and their enduring spirit

⛺ Enjoy vivid sunsets and brilliant outback night skies when you stay at free camping options along the route

If you’re keen to head into the outback without the isolation or prep required of other routes, you’ll love the combination of adventure and wide open space along the Kidman Way. Oh, and it’s fully sealed too!

Start planning now: www.kidmanway.org.au

Image credit: Destination NSW

09/07/2024

Known as the oldest surviving lift-span bridge in Australia, North Bourke Bridge is a pretty awe-inspiring feat of engineering — and to look at too, just ask Instagrammer 🙌

It was built in 1883 and originally lifted to allow paddle steamers through during the river trading years. The bridge is currently closed to road and foot traffic with restorations planned to make it safe to enjoy once again.

Find it 3 kilometres north of Visit Bourke along the Kidman Way where you can grab Insta-worthy snaps from the banks of the Darling River.

Travelling the Kidman Way? Share your adventures using over on Instagram for a chance to be featured!

06/07/2024

It’s National NAIDOC, a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Whether you’re travelling the Kidman Way this week or any other throughout the year, make it an opportunity to learn about the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth 💛

Don’t miss Mount Grenfell Historic Site in Cubba (around 70 kilometres west of Visit Cobar). Here you can view the richly coloured Aborginal rock art paintings significant to the Ngiyampaa people.

If you’re travelling around the Back O Bourke region, the Yapa (Mulgowan) art site lookout can be found in Gundabooka National Park. Discover art motifs dating back thousands of years painted beneath an enormous rock overhang, featuring paintings of animals, dancers, hand stencils and hunting tools.

While you’re in Bourke, the stories and perspectives of local Aboriginal people are represented in the Standing Stories sculptures, located outside the Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre. Each represents a story or perspective covering everything from spiritualism and symbolism to world views 🌎

Search the official calendar for NAIDOC events and activities in your local area here: www.naidoc.org.au

Image credits:
1. Mt Grenfell Historic Site. Credit: Destination NSW.
2. Aboriginal rock art located in Gundabooka National Park. Credit: Destination NSW.
3. Stitch by Stitch, Kristy Kennedy - Barkindji, Ngarrindjeri | Corten steel | Designed by Andrew Hull | Fabricated by Wangstone Studio. Image via Living Arts and Culture, a project delivered by Outback Arts.

04/07/2024

Just a few of the friendly and fierce creatures you’ll meet at Altina Wildlife Park 👀

Have you booked your visit yet?

It’s just outside Darlington Point, about 100 kilometres north of Jeriderie and 45 kilometres south of Visit Griffith.

Image credits: Destination NSW

02/07/2024

Ready to travel the Kidman Way this year? Plan your visit around these events to make the most of your time here (and see the locals put on quite a show as well!) 👇

5-7 Jul | The Gap 440, hosted by Griffith Off Road Club in Hillston
6, 13, 20 + 27 Jul | Saturday lunch at McWilliam's Wines, Griffith
20 Jul | Banna Lane Festival Lighting up the Lane, Visit Griffith (pictured)

3-4 Aug | Hillstorm Challenge: Round 4 of Australian Hard Enduro Championship, Hillston (dirtbikes)
9-12 Aug | Glenhope Bush Camp Cobar Shindig
10 Aug | Louth Races
11 Aug | Sunday Sunday Markets, Cobar
19-25 Aug | A Taste Of Italy, Visit Griffith
22-25 Aug | Hillston Hook Line & Sinker Fishing Festival

20-22 Sep | Grey Mardi Gras, Cobar
21 Sep | Darlington Point Spring Festival
21 Sep | Enngonia Races
28 Sep | Darlington Point Pig Day Out
28 Sep | Jerilderie Race Club Gold Cup

5 Oct | Cobar Rodeo.
6 Oct | Griffith Show Society Inc. Annual Show
12 Oct | Back O Bourke Stampede Peter Simmonds Memorial Pro Rodeo
13-27 Oct | Griffith Spring Fest
25-27 Oct | Festival of the Miners Ghost, Cobar
17-20 Oct | Warangesda Festival, Darlington Point

17 Nov | Monash & The Bushranger Sculpture Unveiling, Jerilderie

28/06/2024

We know you’re gonna love this one 👀💛

Meet ‘Golden Hour over the Lachlan’ — your new favourite water tower mural.

You’ll find it along your Kidman Way adventure in the town Hillston, part of the Carrathool Shire Council area, around 100 kilometres north of Visit Griffith and 250 south of Visit Cobar.

It’s just a 300-metre walk or drive from the town’s main street, with long-bay parking onsite too (ie. perfect for the caravan).

The work was inspired by the nearby Lachlan River and created by the very talented Krimsone with assistance from Alex Grils.

So, are you ready for a road trip?

26/06/2024

Cosy up by the fireplace for Saturday lunch at McWilliam's Wines near Visit Griffith this July 🍷🔥

A brand new offering in their recently renovated cellar door — the iconic wine barrel, no less — take a seat by the fireplace and enjoy a warming 3-course lunch with a glass of McWilliam’s table wine, plus you’ll get a glass of fortified wine with your dessert.

Booking essential, head to www.mcwilliams.com.au.

Oh, and if Saturdays don’t suit, their cellar door has a range of other tasting experiences on Thursdays and Fridays too!

19/06/2024

Take some time out along your Kidman Way travels and stop in at Lake Wyangan like Instagrammer did, just a short 10-minute drive from Griffith 🚗

Whether you decide to stop overnight (it’s a free camp for up to 72 hours) or simply keen for a picnic or BBQ, this destination is well worth a visit. You’ll find sheltered picnic areas, barbecue and toilet facilities as well as a large areas of grassed reserve, perfect for a game of cricket or to ride a bike! At the shore’s edge, there’s a jetty and boat ramp access too 🚤

Griffith is a city you’ll want a few days to explore, known for world class wines and good food.

Will you be stopping here along your Kidman Way journey?

15/06/2024

Did you know that the famous horse trainer Tommy “TJ” Smith was raised in Goolgowi where his parents owned the local butcher shop?

A 30-minute drive north of Visit Griffith will bring you to this lovely village, the largest in Carrathool Shire Council , and well worth a stop as you journey along the Kidman Way 🗺

It’s located on the north-western edge of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, and primarily has been a wheat farming and sheep grazing area. In recent years though, there’s been some diversification and now you’ll also find crops like olives, walnuts, almonds, grapes and a cattle feedlot nearby.

With a pub, a petrol station, post office, caravan park plus a swimming pool and skate park if you are travelling with the kids, make this a stop on your itinerary along The Kidman Way!

11/06/2024

Mamma Mia! Is it that time of year again?

Save the date because A Taste of Italy Griffith is on from the 19-25 August.

The festival is a week-long celebration of authentic Italian heritage and tradition in Visit Griffith and includes favourites such as salami, gnocchi, Italian music and so much more.

Head to www.atasteofitalygriffith.com.au to find out more and see the delicious line-up of events.

08/06/2024

We’ll never stop admiring this magnificent old bascule bridge ✨

Its former home was across the Murrumbidgee River nearby, replacing an earlier punt before being replaced itself.
These days, you can find it re-assembled at the Darlington Point Riverside Caravan Park's entrance, welcoming visitors and providing a great connection with the town’s history.

It’s a great photo stop (and place to stay, of course) along . Will we see you here sometime soon?

05/06/2024

No June long weekend plans?

The Kidman Way is a great introduction to exploring the outback, particularly for those who prefer to stay on the bitumen. Journey the entirety and take your time stopping at the various villages, historic sites, walking tracks and so much more.

Perfect for campers, RVs and everything in between, you’ll find free camping, bush camping and dog friendly camping along the way.

Tag us on your travels and share your favourite stop with .

Image via Destination NSW

04/06/2024

Set beside the Lachlan River is the perfect place to stop for a night 🏕️ This is the Lachlan River Campground (known to some as the Wallanthery Free Camp) and it’s just south of the rest area at Wallanthery on the Kidman Way.

You’ll find it 35 kilometres north of Hillston, the site is for self-contained travellers looking for a level area close to the river. Enjoy a walk amongst the scraggly gums or a spot of fishing from the shore before setting in for a good night’s sleep.

Thanks to Instagrammer for sharing your free camping adventure with 🙌

19/05/2024

Did you know that the Great Cobar Museum once sat derelict and was deemed haunted? This beautifully restored building exudes history, and it’s quite fitting that it’s now home to some of the region’s rich stories of the past.

The building was originally the administration offices of the Great Cobar Copper Mine, completed in 1912, but has also spent some time as a boarding house.

Visit Cobar is on the crossway of two major thoroughfares – the Barrier Highway and Kidman Way. No matter which direction you’re travelling, don’t miss the chance to stop a while and soak up some of the history and atmosphere of this very special place.

15/05/2024

We love a good event. After all, it’s the perfect excuse for a visit to the region.

Here are a few along the Kidman Way over the coming months we think you’ll like 👇

1 Jun | Cobar Miners Race Club Races
20 Jul | Lighting up the Lane, part of Banna Lane Festival in Griffith
27 Jul | Jerilderie Apex Bns Ball (image 2)
9-12 Aug | Glenhope Bush Camp Cobar Shindig
10 Aug | Louth Races
11 Aug | Sunday Sunday Markets, Cobar
19-25 Aug | A Taste Of Italy, Visit Griffith
22-25 Aug | Hillston Hook Line & Sinker Fishing Festival
20-22 Sep | Grey Mardi Gras, Cobar
28 Sep | Jerilderie Race Club Gold Cup
5 Oct | Cobar Rodeo. (image 3)
13-27 Oct | Griffith Spring Fest (image 1)
25-27 Oct | Festival of the Miners Ghost, Cobar
Oct | Taste Coly - Food N Farm Festival

11/05/2024

Cooler days call for time spent by the campfire and this winter there’s no better place than free camping in a national park 🙌

Near Bourke, the Darling River campground (Yapara Paaka Thuru) at Toorale National Park is a beautiful bush camp with incredible river frontage and a landscape that comes alive with wildflowers and birds in the cooler months.

Further south near Griffith, Cocoparra National Park, waterfalls and creeks reawaken for the winter and the emerging wattle blossom is a sight to behold when exploring the Falcon Falls walking track.

Willbriggie Regional Park in Darlington Point is a firm favourite for those who love to fish. The riverside campsites at this location offer prime river views and easy access to launch your boat into the Murrumbidgee (pictured).

With so many national parks and free camping locations along the Kidman Way, winter is the perfect time to set out on your free camping adventure.

Head to our website at www.kidmanway.org.au to plan your visit, and check with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for the latest campground updates, bookings and fire ban information.

08/05/2024

Mother’s Day is almost here, so if you’re in our region take mum (or grandma, or someone you consider mum) along to one of these events on Sunday 🌷

The Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre has a special one-hour cruise on the Jandra Paddle Vessel (pictured) from 10am with complimentary tea, coffee and locally made scones. Make sure you book ahead — adults are $30 and children $20.

Further south, there’s bottomless brunches at Whitton Malt House and the Griffith Leagues Club. The club also has live entertainment and kids activities. Also inVisit Griffith, head to a special Mother’s Day luncheon at the Griffith Exies Club with acoustic music and bistro specials.

In Darlington Point, create a work of art with the Pinot n Picasso High Tea at The Punt Hotel, or in Jerilderie there’s a Mother’s Day edition of Sunday Beats at the Jerilderie Sports Club.

Where are you heading? Let us know in the comments 👇

Address

Kidman Way
Griffith, NSW
2680

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 3pm
Sunday	9am - 3pm

Website

http://www.kidmanway.org.au/

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Videos

Explore one of the top ten Aussie destinations along the Kidman Way: Griffith ☀️

Did you know Griffith was named one of the top ten Aussie destinations by Wotif.com? The city which is on the Kidman Way took out number 7 in their 2024 Aussie Town of the Year Awards. How good is that? Visit Griffith is rich in history, food and culture all year round — take a look and see for yourself 👇

Careful on the roads out there this Christmas, folks 👀 You’re sharing them with lots of people, and possibly a few emus too, like Instagrammer @petahopkins. The glorious red dirt and surrounding landscape you can see is Gundabooka National Park, just off the Kidman Way between Cobar and Bourke. Make sure it’s on the list for 2024!

Follow along over on our Instagram profile Discover even more incredible places to explore along the Kidman Way, and perhaps gain some more inspo from other like-minded travellers, sharing their findings! From free camp spots to great eateries to incredible trails and views, you’ll find it all here (and over there on our Insta, of course). Come and say hello, you can find us here 👇 https://www.instagram.com/thekidmanway/

The Great Cobar Heritage Centre

When a building looks this impressive from outside, you just have to wonder what secrets she holds 🤔 The Great Cobar Heritage Centre is a must when you Visit Cobar 🏡 Originally built as the administration offices of the Great Cobar Copper Mine, the building has undergone several transitions over the years including time as a boarding house and sitting derelict — it was even deemed haunted once upon a time 👻 Nowadays, it’s home to the region’s rich mining history, with the exhibitions recently completely redesigned and the building beautifully restored, it makes the perfect starting point when you get to town. Cobar is where the Barrier Highway and Kidman Way meet. Whichever direction you’re travelling, be sure to stop and explore this incredible place and its intriguing mining history.

Welcome to the Kidman Way 👋

Welcome to the wide open expanse of New South Wales 👀 The Kidman Way is a great introduction to exploring the outback, particularly for those who prefer to stay on the bitumen. Journey the entirety and take your time stopping at the various villages, historic sites, walking tracks and so much more. Perfect for campers, RVs and everything in between, you’ll find free camping, bush camping and dog friendly camping along the way. Tag us on your travels and share your favourite stop with #TheKidmanWay!

Visit Griffith

As the propeller gently rotates in the breeze, you can nearly imagine this firefly in all its glory ✈️ Unveiled in 1969, it commemorates the airmen who served in World War II. Originally designed and built in Britain as a fighter-reconnaissance aeroplane, it was the most successful of British wartime shipboard planes. Tucked underneath is the Dethridge Wheel Memorial which serves to remember the irrigation pioneers of the MIA. You’ll find them in Visit Griffith’s Banna Avenue like Instagrammer @riverinapickers who captured this video — a wonderful way to begin your explorations of the town’s history. You’ll want to stop for a few days to really explore the region so plan accordingly, and don’t forget to tag us or use #TheKidmanWay for a chance to be featured!

Discover the Ned Kelly Raid Trail 👋

If you’re a fan of Australian history, you’ll love Jerilderie’s bushranger past! The town was the location where Ned Kelly wrote his manifesto – the Jerilderie Letter — and where the Kelly Gang held local citizens captive, outwitted the constabulary and plundered a bank vault. Take the Ned Kelly Raid Trail, a self-guided walk, to learn more about the Kelly Gang’s exploits. Pick up a trail brochure from the Sticky Fingers Candy Shop and Information Centre or local council office to guide you. It’s available in digital format on the Murrumbidgee Council website, where you can *also* take the new 360-degree virtual tours of four historic sites (yep, you can follow along from anywhere in the world!). Have you explored the Ned Kelly Raid Trail? Share your photos using #TheKidmanWay for the chance to be featured.

Follow our Instagram too!

Hey there from our Instagram 👋 You’ll find us here and there, so you get *twice* the inspo to start planning your adventure along the iconic Kidman Way route up through outback NSW 🚗 We love to share our travellers experiences, some well-known and other secret spots, so be sure to keep an eye on our feed! Come say hello, you can find us here 👉 https://www.instagram.com/thekidmanway/

Welcome to Visit Cobar, also known as the ‘Copper City’ 👋 It’s an incredible place to explore with a rich mining history, and you’ll find it between Hillston and Visit Bourke along the Kidman Way. In its boom years, Cobar had a population topping 15,000 built around the success of the Great Cobar Copper Mine. At its height, it led Australia in the production of copper, processing ore at the rate of 1,000 tons per day 🙌 A busy and prosperous place with a mix of beautiful old and modern buildings, the hospitality of locals is legendary so your Kidman Way journey isn’t complete without a few days here. There’s plenty of accommodation (including free, pet friendly camping) too. Video footage via Destination NSW

A beautiful, historic town set on the banks of the Darling River, there’s much to see and do around Visit Bourke. Here’s a few of our favourites 👇 📍 Discover the incredible history of the region at the Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre. 📍 Cruise the Darling River on the Jandra Paddle Vessel. 📍 View the old wharf and experience the Crossley Engine display at the Wal Mitchell Wharf Precinct. 📍 Experience sunset from the old North Bourke Bridge. 📍 Discover Aboriginal rock art at Gundabooka National Park. 📍 Visit Fred Hollows Vision Way, Poets Corner, the Historic Cemetery and the Nancy Bird Air Terminal. 📍 Explore the diverse landscapes of Toorale National Park. 📍 Visit the Back O Bourke Gallery, gallery/studio of the renowned outback artist, Jenny Greentree. Oh, and if you time your visit with Easter, head along to the annual Back O' Bourke Easter Festival from the 7th to 10th April 2023 🐰

Join us over on Instagram for even more incredible places to explore along the Kidman Way 🙌 From epic free camping spots, historic buildings and inspo from other like-minded travellers (we *love* to share what they have been up to along their Kidman Way journeys!) to starry skies and dazzling sunsets, head over and learn more about this amazing route through the heart of NSW. Come say hello, you can find us here 👉 https://www.instagram.com/thekidmanway/ - - - - - - In some areas of our region, floods are impacting local waterways and some road closures are in place. We'll continue to share inspiring travel content so you can plan a future visit. Motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution as road surfaces may be damaged. Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater. You can find information and updates at www.livetraffic.com, and local council websites.

Follow along over on our Instagram profile 🙌 See even more incredible places to explore along the Kidman Way, and perhaps gain some more inspo from other like-minded travellers (because we *love* to share what our visitors have been up to along their journeys!). From free camp spots to great pubs and picnic spots to incredible trails and views, you’ll find it all here (and over there on our Insta, of course). Come and say hello, you can find us here 👇 https://www.instagram.com/thekidmanway/ - - - - - - In some areas of our region, floods are impacting local waterways and some road closures are in place. We'll continue to share inspiring travel content so you can plan a future visit. Motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution as road surfaces may be damaged. Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater. You can find information and updates at www.livetraffic.com, and local council websites.

Take a quick 30-second tour of Hillston during autumn, courtesy of Instagrammer @pachara7ai 🍂 As well as epic (and free) camping spots along the Lachlan River, the historic town of Hillston along the Kidman Way has so much to explore. Begin with a wander along the Lachlan River and across the Swing Bridge at Hughie Cameron Park, then stop in the main strip for a look at stunning paintings, sculptures and craft by the locals, or head to the Hillston Museum (open by appointment only) and browse the fascinating collection of machinery, household goods and historic displays. We reckon @pachara7ai nailed what to see and do along the way. What do you think?

Doing the Bolt Exhibition

Doing the Bolt shares stories of convicts and bushrangers – are you intrigued?🙋‍♀️ You’ll find the exhibition in Jerilderie at the southern end of the Kidman Way, housed in the Old Printery building, a historic office of the Jerilderie and Urana Gazette which was run by Mr Samuel Gill. It was Gill the Kelly Gang tried to find when they came to town in 1879, wanting him to print Ned’s 56 page manifesto now known as "The Jerilderie Letter”. See an extensive collection of exact replicas and originals including boards detailing the lives of bushrangers and convicts, pistols and guns, flag flown at Eureka Rebellion, whipping posts and shackles. Discover more of the Kelly gang's exploits along the self-guided Ned Kelly Raid Trail. They robbed more than 2,000 pounds from the Bank of New South Wales, held quite a few residents hostage, and locked the police in their own cell so it’s no wonder Jerilderie is home to more Kelly sites than anywhere else - they were very busy here! When you visit the town yourself, be sure to tag us on Facebook or use #TheKidmanWay over on our Instagram page for a chance to be featured. We love to share your experiences!

Hands up who loves gelato 🙋‍♀️🙋🙋‍♂️ You don’t need to head to Europe like everyone else on your Facebook feed, you can experience Italian culture first hand at ‘A Taste of Italy’ in Visit Griffith from the 22-28 August. From a foodie’s delight to Italian Opera, cooking classes and an Italian Long Lunch there are plenty of events lined up. Lock this one in for your travels along the Kidman Way and check out the full program here: https://www.griffith.nsw.gov.au/a-taste-of-italy/ Ci Vediamo a Griffith! Video Credit: Visit Griffith

We’re now on Instagram 👋 Come say hello, see even more incredible places to explore along the Kidman Way and get inspired to plan yourself a road trip 🚙 You’ll find us here 👉 https://www.instagram.com/thekidmanway/

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The Kidman Way - Backtrack to the Outback...

If you enjoy quirky things and interesting places, then add The Kidman Way touring route to your traveling bucket list – it’s the backtrack to the outback and it’s well worth exploring.

A north south touring route through the centre of New South Wales, it covers 775km of sealed road from Jerilderie to Barringun and is one of the most direct and popular routes to the great Australian outback.

You’ll discover the longest creek in the southern hemisphere, catch a Murray Cod for dinner in the Murrumbidgee, Lachlan or Darling Rivers, enjoy a cold beer from the tallest bar in NSW, learn the fable of the Black Stump and marvel at one of Australia’s most significant inland shipping ports for the wool industry. The whole touring route is rich with history, and characters to meet, only too willing to share their story.