by Dawn Teh
posted on June 20, 2024
New South Wales has many iconic road trip options, but Kidman Way is one of the great inland routes that offer unforgettable experiences as you make your way through charming towns, vast bushland, foodie destinations, and historic pastoral stations.
In this guide, you’ll find out all you need to know about the best stops along the way. So pack your bags, fill up the gas tank, and get ready to backtrack to the outback on this exciting road trip.
An overview of Kidman Way
The great Kidman Way touring route officially starts in the town of Jerilderie. It then continues north through towns such as Griffith and Cobar, before reaching the end point at Bourke. However, many start the journey a little earlier from the town of Albury and finish off at the town of Barringun, which is right on the border between New South Wales and Queensland.
The Kidman Way is named after a prominent Australian pastoralist and entrepreneur, Sir Sidney Kidman. He’s recognised for owning large areas of land and many cattle stations throughout Australia during his time.
Explore the New South Wales outback: A flexible 5-day Kidman Way itinerary
If embarking on a journey through Australia’s outback has been on your to-do list, you won’t want to miss The Kidman Way which takes you through the north-south corridor of central New South Wales. This quintessentially Australian road trip will take you on an adventure filled with quirky towns, historical sites, and breathtaking landscapes.
- How long is The Kidman Way? 821 km (8 hours 55 minutes) without detours.
- How many days do I need to complete The Kidman Way? It’s best to take between 3 to 5 days for this road trip.
- Where does The Kidman Way start and end? Our suggested itinerary takes you from the town of Albury to Bourke.
Day 1: Albury
Situated on the border of Victoria and New South Wales, Albury is a major regional city in the Murray region and serves as the perfect kickoff point for your Kidman Way road trip. Although Kidman Way doesn’t officially start from this town, there’s so much rich cultural heritage and natural beauty (plus a vibrant foodie scene) here, that it’d be a shame to miss it.
Highlights of the location:
- Albury Botanic Gardens: Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon admiring the garden’s horticultural displays. There’s everything for all kinds of travellers, whether you’re looking for a place for the kids to run or a romantic spot to explore with your partner.
- Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA): Explore the vibrant local arts scene at this art museum which has a variety of seasonal exhibitions.
- Murray River: Enjoy a serene walk along the river. Or if you’re up for some activities, there’s swimming, kayaking, bike rides, and more.
Where to eat:
Albury is a foodie destination with a diverse range of options. From fine dining to casual eats, here are some recommendations:
- The River Deck Cafe: Offers stunning views of the Murray River while serving up modern Australian cuisine.
- Greenstreat Albury: Ditch the fast food and head to this place for convenient salad bowls and burritos made from fresh, local ingredients.
- Guru’s Cafeteria and Pizzeria: A casual unpretentious spot for great pizzas and a nice hot coffee.
Day 1: Jerilderie
The small historic town of Jerilderie may seem like just another quiet rural community in Australia, but it holds a significant place in history for its role in the infamous Kelly Gang story. Step back in time and walk through the actual sites where notorious bushranger, Ned Kelly, and his gang pulled off one of their most daring robberies. Just outside of Jerilderie is where you’ll officially start your journey along Kidman Way.
- Driving distance from Albury to Jerilderie: 155 km
- Driving time: About 2 hours
Highlights of the location:
- Ned Kelly Raid Trail: Explore the locations where Ned Kelly and his gang carried out their infamous bank robbery in 1879.
Where to eat:
- Jerilderie Bakery: A quaint little bakery selling wholesome pies.
Day 1: Coleambally
This small but vibrant town has gained recognition for its sustainable agricultural practices and contribution to Australia’s food production. Take a quick stop at this place to explore the calming surroundings.
- Driving distance Jerilderie to Coleambally: 69 km
- Driving time: about 45 minutes
Highlights of the location:
- Coleambally Water Tower: Stop by this interesting water tower that’s shaped like a wine glass.
- Lions Park Coleambully: Kids will love to have a run around this park and exploring some of the interesting heavy machinery on display.
Where to eat:
- The Coffee Nest: Great if you’re looking for some fresh food and a quick bite.
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Day 1: Darlington Point
A popular site amongst campers and caravaners, the sleepy rural town of Darlington Point is the perfect spot for strolls along the Murrumbidgee River, exploring the iconic Darlington Point Bridge, and safari-style animal encounters.
- Driving distance Coleambally to Darlington Point: 30 km
- Driving time: 20 minutes
Highlights of the location:
- Altina Wildlife Park: Get up close and personal with a variety of exotic animals, from zebras and giraffes to camels and capybara at this unique zoo where you can go on a safari-style tour.
- Darlington Point Bridge: Marvel at the engineering of this bridge that played a key role in the development of the town.
- Darlington Point Museum: Wander through the exhibition spaces that are filled with old photographs and distinctive artefacts that tell the story of Darlington Point’s history.
Where to eat:
- Rivadestra Pizza & Pasta: Enjoy delicious pizza and pasta dishes with a homemade feel in this cosy little joint.
- Gumview Cafe and Corner Store: Stop by here if you’re looking for quick bites like burgers and fried chicken or a smooth coffee.
Where to stay:
You’ll find a range of motels and caravan parks in Darlington Point including:
- Darlington Point Motel
- Darlington Point Riverside Caravan Park
Day 2: Griffith
Today, you’ll be spending the day at Griffith — the main town in the Riverina region with a rich Italian heritage. In contrast to the barren landscape that characterizes the Australian outback, here you’ll find lush orchards, exquisite wine, innovative cuisine, and vibrant cultural festivals.
- Driving distance from Darlington Point to Griffith: 36 km
- Driving time: 30 minutes
Highlight of the location:
- Nature: Visit the Hermit’s Cave to see what life was like for Valerio Ricetti who lived there as a hermit, then head to Cocoparra National Park for some bushwalking and breathtaking scenery.
- Culture and Museums: Visit the Pioneer Park Museum where you’ll find 40 historic buildings that showcase the region’s pioneering history and the Griffith Regional Art Gallery, you’ll find a collection of artwork from local artists.
Where to eat:
The Riverina Region is a well-known foodie destination, so you’ll find no shortage of places to dine and experience some of NSW best local produce. From fine dining to relaxed family-friendly spots, you’ll find it all at Griffith:
- Wineries: De Bortoli Wines, Calabria Family Wines, and Yarran Wines.
- Cafes and bakeries: Bertoldo’s Bakery, La Piccola Grosseria & Italian Deli, and Cocoa & Bean.
- Restaurants: Zecca Handmade Italian, Giuseppe’s Restaurant & Bar, and Little Italy Griffith.
Where to stay:
You’ll find a range of hotels, motels, and caravan parks in Griffith. Here are some options:
- Quest Griffith (4-star hotel)
- The Gem Hotel
- The Willows (camping)
- Griffith Tourist Caravan Park
Day 3: Hillston
Heading north along Kidman Way, this charming country town nestled on the banks of the Lachlan River is the ideal destination for immersing yourself in rural Australian culture. You’ll find a vibrant agricultural community, plenty of outdoor activities, and tranquil spaces for enjoying nature (it’s also a popular base for exploring Willandra National Park).
- Driving distance from Griffith to Hillston: 109 km
- Driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Highlight of the location:
- Lachlan River Swing Bridge: This iconic swinging bridge offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding parklands.
- Natural attractions: Lake Woorabinda, John Fensom Park, and Lachlan River (great for fishing, kayaking, and riverside picnics).
- Red Dust and Paddy Melons Gallery: Showcases local art, crafts, and historical items, giving insight into the cultural heritage of Hillston.
- Explore the heritage buildings along High Street.
Where to eat:
- The Shed on Lachlan: Great spot for a quick bite.
- Club House Bistro: Cosy spot for some country pub grub.
Day 3 & 4: Cobar
As you continue along your journey, you’ll notice a change in scenery as you leave the lush riverlands and enter the rugged outback. As you enter the small town of Cobar, you’ll find many spots for learning more about its rich mining heritage while also admiring the stunning outback scenery and Aboriginal rock art.
- Driving distance from Hillston to Cobar: 255 km
- Driving time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Highlight of the location:
- Peak Gold Mine: See this currently operating gold mine in action as you watch from their viewing platform.
- Fort Bourke Hill Lookout and Open Cut Mine: Take in the impressive views of the town and Cobar’s open mine from the Fort Bourke lookout point.
- The Great Cobar Museum: Set in what was previously the administration offices of the Great Cobar Copper Mine, this building (previously called the Great Cobar Heritage Centre) now holds many of the town’s special artefacts that showcase its rich history.
- Mount Grenfell Historic Site: Just 50 minutes outside the town of Cobar, you’ll find the ancient Aboriginal Rock Art site created by the local Ngiyampaa people.
Where to eat:
- Cobar Thai Restaurant
- Ay-Jays Cafe
- Greatwestern Bar & Grill
Where to stay:
You’ll find a mix of motels and caravan parks in Cobar. Here are some suggestions:
- Cobar Oasis Motel
- Cobar Central Motor Inn
- Meralda Station – Outback Camping | Glamping
Day 5: Bourke
Conclude your road trip in the outback town of Bourke which also happens to be the perfect location for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. Wander through historic landmarks like the Bourke Courthouse (where notorious bushranger Captain Starlight was charged in 1868) and explore the breathtaking Darling River.
- Driving distance Cobar to Bourke: 160 km
- Driving time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Highlights of the location:
- Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre: Discover interactive displays showcasing the town’s fascinating stories ranging from bushranger shootouts to what life was like for the traditional owners of the land.
- Gundabooka National Park: Explore ancient Aboriginal rock art and bushwalking trails.
- Darling River Cruise: Journey on the Jandra Paddleboat to discover the river’s impact on Bourke and enjoy the natural scenery.
- Bourke Historic Cemetery: This fascinating stop will immerse you in the town’s history as you discover the pioneers and interesting characters of Bourke’s past.
Where to eat:
- North Bourke Store
Where to stay:
- Bourke Riverside Motel
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Your Kidman Way national parks guide
The scenic Kidman Way also happens to wander through many national parks — each offering its own unique beauty, history, and adventures. Here’s a quick look at the best stops along your journey.
Murrumbidgee Valley National Park
You’ll need to take a little detour from Darlington Point towards Yanco to get to Murrumbidgee Valley National Park, but the journey is worth it if you’re a nature lover, bird watcher, or looking for a true bush camping experience. Formed in 2010, this park also has one of the largest areas of river red gum forests.
What to do:
- Explore Turkey Flat picnic area and bird hide
- Swim at Middle Beach
- Canoe in the Murrumbidgee River
- Camp at Sandy Beach
- Enjoy birdwatching and exploring the many trails that wind through the national park
Willandra National Park
Just 50 minutes from Hillston, this unique national park offers an interesting look at the rich pastoral history and stunning natural landscapes of the Western Rivers.
What to do:
- Take the Nilla Yannagalang Billana track along the Willandra Creek
- Discover what life was like on a rural homestead at the carefully restored Willandra Homestead.
- Stay at the rustic Willandra Cottage
Mount Grenfell Historic Site
Just 50 minutes west of Cobar, discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Mount Grenfell Historic Site, where strikingly well-preserved artworks tell the stories of the Ngiyampaa people.
What to do:
- Take a short walk from the picnic area to see the magnificent rock art. After that, if you’re up for a challenge, hike the Ngiyampaa walking track to reach the top of Mount Grenfell for scenic views of the area.
Gundabooka National Park
With its rich Aboriginal heritage, vast outback landscapes, and inspiring pastoral history Gundabooka National Park is the perfect stop between Cobar and Bourke.
What to do:
- View ancient Aboriginal rock paintings at the Yapa (Mulgowan) art site lookout
- Soak up stunning views of the Gunderbooka Range at Little Mountain lookout
- Challenge yourself at the Valley of the Eagles walk
Toorale National Park
The outback isn’t all about red sand and rocky landscapes. Just an hour away from Bourke, Toorale National Park boasts lush wetlands, tranquil rivers, and diverse flora and fauna.
What to do:
- Take the Darling River drive.
- Explore historic buildings like the Toorale Homestead within the Toorale Homestead precinct (Yarramarra) to learn more about what life was like on this sheep station
- Enjoy a picnic at the Warrego Floodplain picnic area (Wariku Pulka)
Cocoparra National Park
Just 40 minutes north of Griffith, Cocoparra National Park is a hiker’s haven with multiple walking tracks and abundant breathtaking views along the way.
What to do:
- Take the Falcon Falls walking track for waterfall views and birdwatching
- Jacks Creek walking track is great for scenic views of the gorge
- Take the Store Creek walking track for birdwatching and to see colourful wildflowers on display in spring
Dawn Teh
Dawn, an ex-psychologist and avid travel writer, blends her expertise in human behaviour with her passion for adventure. Her writing reflects a unique perspective on personal growth, wanderlust and what it is that helps humans thrive. Her current mission is to live the van life and tour the Australian outback with her family.
