The opening of the Queensland-NSW border is great news if you’re planning a campervan road trip. If you’re up for an adventure, why not visit White Cliffs in outback NSW, Australia’s oldest commercial opal field and one of the only places in the world where white opal is found. White Cliffs is famous for its rare ‘pineapple’ opals with distinctive spiky shapes. Travellers have been coming to White Cliffs since the 1880s in search of opals and you can still find plenty in the local mines and stores. Take an underground tour and see a working mine on a Red Earth Opal Mine Tour. You might even strike it lucky.
Where is White Cliffs and how do I get there?
White Cliffs is a small town in outback NSW. Located in Central Darling Shire, White Cliffs is an easy 98km drive from Wilcannia on a sealed road and is a great side trip of the Darling River Run and joining up to the Run (at Broken Hill or Wilcannia) allows the traveller to experience the Wilcannia-Tilpa and Wilcannia-Menindee sections.
For the adventurous, a loop back to Broken Hill via Mutawintji National Park (gravel road) is recommended. When travelling with a camper, you don’t want to be held back by the terrain. JAWA hybrid caravans are made specifically for off-road use. This gives you the opportunity to explore more areas compared to camper trailers or standard on-road caravans.
Travelling from Brisbane to White Cliffs
From Brisbane, the distance to White Cliffs is approximately 1,343km. Take the Warrego Highway, followed by the Newell Highway, Gwydir Highway, Darling River Road, then White Cliffs Road.
What are some of the services at White Cliffs?
For a small town with a population of less than 200, White Cliffs provides much of what a traveller needs.
Services include:
- White Cliffs Outback Store – for food, meals and fuel. Also the local Tourist Information Centre
- White Cliffs Clinic – open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. The Royal Flying Doctors fly in for a weekly clinic. (08) 8083 6200.
- White Cliffs Hotel
- White Cliffs Sporting Club
- Red Earth Café
- Opal Mine Tours
- National Parks Office
Are there any caravan parks in White Cliffs?
Located in Johnston Street, the White Cliffs Opal Pioneer Reserve Tourist Park offers powered sites for $20 per night and unpowered sites for $15 per nights. Amenities include coin operated hot showers and BBQs. Phone 0419 871 083.
What are the tourist highlights along the way?
A one hour drive south of White Cliffs is Wilcannia, a former paddle-steamer river port for the transport of wool and wheat along the Darling River. Today the town boasts magnificent heritage sandstone buildings such as the 19th century post office and Wilcannia Athenaeum.
Northeast of Wilcannia, on the banks of the Darling River, is the tiny town of Tilpa. It’s a stop on the Darling River Run and best known for its iconic pub. Established in 1894, the Tilpa Hotel is a true Outback timber pub, with walls covered in messages that capture the spirit of the bush.
Wetlands, birdlife and water sport
Enjoy kayaking, canoeing and fishing in Paroo-Darling National Park, a beautiful wetland and home to the Paroo Overflow, the only unregulated river in the Murray-Darling Basin. Walk around Peery Lake, see amazing birdlife and camp at Coach and Horses campground.
White Cliffs Music Festival
Held in May, theWhite Cliffs Music Festival features a variety of musical genres and internationally acclaimed performers. This great family event includes a poetry breakfast, lantern parade, street party, workshops and plenty of dancing.
Start exploring with JAWA
Are you planning a road trip? Why not start your adventure with a JAWA off road camper, home to the best hybrid caravans and campers in Australia. Get in touch with our team at JAWA Off Road Campers by calling 07 5479 6844. You can also check out our range in our Caboolture showroom and have a chat with us in person. You can also stop by our Facebook page. We’d love to hear about your White Cliffs adventures.
References
White Cliffs Area, Outback NSW – Plan a Holiday | Visit NSW
White Cliffs, Outback NSW – Visitor Information (australianphototours.com)
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