FROM outback cattle country to the rolling hills of vineyard country, the Great Inland Way is a journey through Australia’s many landscapes.
Weaving its way from Sydney through outback NSW and Queensland, the route’s finale is the rainforest-covered tablelands behind Cairns.
The entire 2600km journey is designed for travellers to take it easy by making frequent stops and enjoying the scenery.
One of the first stops out of Sydney is the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains and its national parks.
The historic village of Hartley has striking colonial architecture, while Lithgow is known for its coal and industrial heritage. It’s there you can visit Blast Furnace Park, the Small Arms Factory Museum and the remarkable Zig Zag Railway.
Next stop is Bathurst, where the sounds of motor racing have filled the air since the early 1900s. The National Motor Racing Museum is full of detail on the history of speedway, drag racing, rallying, open-wheelers, sports cars, touring cars and motorcycles.
From there it’s on through the wine and farming district surrounding Orange, where you can time your visit with one of the many food and wine festivals.
Then visit Wellington to explore the Wellington Caves and phosphate mine. The latter operated, reportedly in secret, for just four years (1914-18).
For an African safari smack in the heart of NSW, drop in at Western Plains Zoo, a must-see at Dubbo.
Turn off the Newell Highway at Gilgandra, home to the Coo-ee Heritage Centre, and follow the Castlereagh River through the towns of Gulargambone, gateway to Warrumbungle Mountains National Park and Siding Spring Observatory, and Coonamble for a genuine Australian cattle drive.
There are many more towns along The Great Inland Way well worth a visit, such as Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Hebel, Dirranbandi, St George, Roma, Emerald, Capella, Charters Towers, Ravenshoe, Kuranda and Cooktown.
And, of course, you can drive the route starting from Queensland if you choose!
