Corner Country

There are some Australian landscapes so epic and endless, it’s hard to believe they are real. Welcome to Corner Country at the far edge of western NSW, where three states meet and the magnificent Outback stretches left and right as far as the eye can see. In addition to dramatic scenery, fascinating history, exhilarating drives and the tiny goldfield towns of Tibooburra and Milparinka, you can look forward to locals who deliver plenty of swagger. Be prepared for an adventure.

Highlights

Stunning landscapes

Sturt National Park is one of the largest of its kind in NSW, covering a staggering 340,000 hectares of red sand dunes and flat-topped mountains, teeming with wildlife including emus, wallabies and smaller marsupials (conservation efforts are actively trying to reintroduce more native species). Visit and you’ll likely encounter soaring wedge-tailed eagles, noisy flocks of corellas and striking red kangaroos.

Emus at Sturt National Park - Tibooburra

Emus in Sturt National Park, Corner Country

If you have a well-equipped 4WD, you can explore the area on a self-guided drive including the Gorge Loop Road and Jump-Up Loop Road drives. There’s also the Sturt’s Steps Touring Route, which takes you on your own journey of discovery through the landscapes across which Captain Charles Sturt struggled, connecting 1,100km of sealed and unsealed roads in an easy and safe-to-navigate circular route from Broken Hill to Packsaddle, Milparinka, Tibooburra and Cameron Corner. Information shelters are located along the route and downloadable apps. Or join a guided tour with a local operator.

Sturt National Park, Tibooburra

Aboriginal history

In Mutawintji National Park, discover incredible Aboriginal history, including well-preserved rock art dating back thousands of years. Spot wildlife on the scenic Byngnano Range Walk and then camp under the stars. In the Paroo-Darling National Park, tens of thousands of birds can be spotted on the lakes.

Mutawintji National Park, Mutawintji

Outback heritage

The historic sandstone towns Tibooburra and Milparinka were founded in the 1880s, when gold was discovered in the region. A number of historic buildings are still standing in both towns, including pubs, courthouses and police stations. The Milparinka Courthouse Interpretive Centre gives a fascinating insight into the area’s history. Near Milparinka, a headstone marks the grave of James Poole, Captain Charles Sturt’s second-in-command on his ill-fated 1845 expedition in search of an inland sea. 

Milparinka Courthouse and Barracks, Milparinka - Credit: Jeff Catford

Close to Tibooburra, Mount Wood Homestead offers a unique opportunity to experience the remote beauty of Sturt National Park from a comfortable base. The homestead is located on the oldest sheep station in northwest NSW and surrounded by a lovely bush garden that attracts red kangaroos.

At Cameron Corner, 145km northwest of Tibooburra, you can stand at the intersection of three states: NSW, South Australia and Queensland. Here you can see the famous Dingo Fence, the world’s longest fence at over 5,000km long. It was built in the 1880s to keep dingos out of the fertile sheep country in the south.

Cameron Corner marker - intersection of three states - Corner Country Area

Cameron Corner marker at intersection of three states, Corner Country Area

Getting there

Corner Country is a 16-hour drive from Sydney and Brisbane, 12 hours from Melbourne and 10 hours from Adelaide. You can also fly into Broken Hill and hire a car for the 3.5-hour drive. You may need a 4WD for unsealed roads and national parks. 