The Kidman Way
Embark on an unforgettable expedition through the heart of Australia’s legendary outback along The Kidman Way touring route. Named after the iconic pastoralist Sir Sidney Kidman, this road trip offers a mesmerizing journey through diverse landscapes, connecting you with the rich heritage and natural wonders of the land Down Under. Traverse endless stretches of red desert, verdant pastures, and enchanting wetlands as you follow this historic path.
As you wind your way along The Kidman Way, you’ll encounter charming outback towns that beckon you to explore their unique character and warm hospitality. Immerse yourself in the stories of pioneers, indigenous cultures, and resilient communities that have thrived in this rugged terrain for generations. From the vast horizons of the Hay Plains to the shimmering waters of the Menindee Lakes, each stop along the route presents a new chapter in the tale of Australia’s interior.
Indulge in authentic outback experiences, from cattle station stays to stargazing under the brilliantly clear Southern Hemisphere skies. Engage with the vibrant local arts scene, savor regional cuisine, and relish the chance to disconnect from the hustle of modern life. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a seeker of serenity, The Kidman Way offers an expedition that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Plan your epic road trip along The Kidman Way and embark on a journey that unveils the soul-stirring beauty and untamed spirit of Australia’s outback. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime as you traverse this iconic touring route.
Tocumawl
Surrounded by a stunning red gum forest, Tocumwal is an idyllic town perfect for fishing, camping, aerial adventures and relaxing by the river. On the banks of the magnificent Murray River, this historic town is also home to fascinating local stories and heritage, such as the aerodrome museum.
Finley
Finley is located on the Newell Highway and is a prime irrigation area 20 kilometres from the Murray River. A beautiful place to visit, Lake Finley offers many water sports and great picnic areas.
Visit the Wheels of Prosperity display in town, a symbol of water’s importance to the town and district. Enjoy sports at its golf course, bowling greens, netball and cricket clubs. Or explore the surrounding parklands.
Jerilderie
Be sure to stop into the Tourist Infornation Centre located in the
Sticky Fingers Lolly Shop
Jerilderie’s country charm and hospitality on the banks of Billabong Creek. Walk the same streets Ned Kelly’s gang once did as you soak up the history of this township established in 1859. As you explore, uncover why Jerilderie’s name was derived from the Jeithi tribe’s word meaning ‘reedy place’.
Coleambally
This is a small town in the Riverina of New South Wales, Australia, in Murrumbidgee Council.
Coleambally is one of the newest towns in the state of New South Wales, officially opened in June 1968, with the Post Office opening on 1 April 1970.
Designed to act as the centre for the surrounding Coleambally Irrigation Area, at the 2016 census, Coleambally had a population of 1331.
Its name is Aboriginal, probably meaning a swift in flight. The spine-tailed swift is one of the most powerful fliers known, wheeling and sweeping at high speed in search of flying insects.
Coleambally can be accessed by road from Sydney and Canberra via the Hume Highway and Burley Griffin Way and from Melbourne via the Hume Highway, Newell Highway and the Kidman Way.
Coleambally is a home to some of the most endangered species in Australia, the Bittern, Southern Bell Frog, Plains Wanderer, Superb Parrot and it has many other species of native flora and fauna. Coleambally has many kangaroos and birds, galahs and noisy minors.
Darlington Point
Positioned on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River In the heart of the Riverina. The small town of Darlington Point is a tranquil spot, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities. A worthwhile stop on the Kidman Way, you can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating and bushwalking in this peaceful Riverina township.
We have a strong connection with our first Australians who are Wiradjuri people. The town was home to the Warangesda Aboriginal Mission from 1880-1884. During that time it was the site of early political activism, including an Aboriginal community strike in 1883.
The town itself was established as a river crossing town with pastoral leases. From 1850, paddle steamers transported produce, with a redgum wharf being built in 1881. Old wharf pylons can still be seen 200 metres upstream from the caravan park. Travellers once crossed the river by punt. A single bascule bridge was later built to accommodate both road and river traffic and remained in use until 1979. This magnificent old bridge was re-assembled at the entrance to the Darlington Point Caravan Park by engineering students from the University of NSW and the community.
Irrigation has enabled the development of intensive fruit, vegetable, grain and rice production. The district is an important part of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area food bowl, which provides outstanding produce for Australia and the world.
1829-30 Captain Charles Sturt travelled the area and Darlington Point was established as a river crossing town with pastoral and timber industries.
1850 – Paddle steamers transported produce along the Murrumbidgee River
1864 – The Darlington Inn, earliest recorded building of Darlington Point settlement, established on (modern-day) Whitton Road, then the main road from Narrandera to Hay. The Inn’s site was at the junction of that road and the track that led to the river crossing.
1869 – Riverine Hotel (later renamed the Punt Hotel) was established on the south side of the Murrumbidgee River
1881 – A public wharf was built (old wharf pylons can be seen 200 metres upstream from the caravan park)
1905 – The punt was replaced with a single bascule bridge
1924 – Closure of the Warangesda Aboriginal Mission
1978 – The new bridge over the Murrumbidgee River was opened, replacing the bascule bridge. The old bascule bridge was dismantled.
1989 – Locals, assisted by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of NSW, reassembled the old bascule bridge at the entrance to the caravan park.
Hillston
Heading north through rich, red-soil farmlands towards Cobar, make a rest stop at the sleepy rural town of Hillston, where you’ll find a beautiful picnic area on the edge of the Lachlan River.
Take a stroll through the parklands across the swinging bridge, checking out a series of painted emus as well as “animals” made from fallen trees – a crocodile, a redback spider and a scary prehistoric monster. Make sure you fill up the tank before leaving Hillston, as there are no fuel stops between here and Cobar.
Cobar
You are now entering the real Outback of NSW – so be on the lookout for wildlife as you tackle the 2.5hr drive through vast, open plains to Cobar. A mining town for more than a century, Cobar’s prosperity is still dependent on its thriving mines producing gold, copper, lead, silver and zinc. You’ll have two days to uncover this rich history.
Just before you enter Cobar, you’ll reach the Peak Gold Mines, where a viewing platform gives a birds-eye view of the massive mining operations.Closer to town, you can also observe the operations at the Fort Bourke Open Cut Mine, with the Lookout providing incredible views of the open pit and views across town.
Continuing on into Cobar itself, you’ll drive past the Great Cobar Heritage Centre. This impressive red brick building dates back to the 1910s and was once the administration building for the former Great Cobar Copper Mine. It is currently undergoing extensive renovations. After, check out the smelter foundations from the top of the hill east of the Heritage Centre before resting up in your accommodation overnight.
After taking a morning stroll around Cobar to check out its historic buildings, head north for about an hour and a half to Gundabooka National Park and State Conservation Area.With its red soil, azure skies, varied landscapes from sandhills to floodplains and a wealth of birdlife, the park offers incredible photography opportunities and represents NSW’s Outback at its most unspoilt.
