Any visit to Outback NSW is not complete with a visit to Lightning Ridge, home to the Black Opal and a place to experience a bit of MADNESS.

Heading west from Brisbane though the Lockyer Valley and up the Great Dividing Range to Toowoomba, the route continues west to Dalby before heading south-west to St George and crossing the NSW/Queensland border at Hebel. From there it is a short drive to The Ridge.

While in the area, and heading south to Walgett and the Namoi and Barwon rivers (which flow south west to form the Darling River) a great 'not-to-miss' side trip to the Grawin Opal fields.

Heading from Brisbane across the Great Dividing Range at Warwick, continuing along the southern section of the Darling Downs and across to Goondiwindi, south to Moree then following the Gwydir and then Barwon Rivers to Walgett and Brewarrina. Soon after 'Bre' the Barwon River is joined by the Bokhara and Culgoa rivers from the north and the Bogan from the east to form the Darling River which runs into Bourke.

Down the Darling from Bourke, the route follows the Darling River to the south west along what is known as the Darling River Run through the iconic outback towns of Louth, past Trilby Station (great stopover), Tilpa, and Wilcannia. From Wilcannia, the route can either be straight across to Broken Hill along the Barrier Highway or continuing along the Darling River Run to Menindee (the Menindee Lakes and Kinchega National Park) and then leaving the 'Run' and taking the sealed road to Broken Hill.

For those who like the 'road less travelled, this grand tour (<1,700km) of Southern Queensland and the Corner Country of Outback NSW has it all!

Heading west from Brisbane through the Lockyer Valley and up the Great Dividing Range to Toowoomba, this route crosses the Darling Downs and onto iconic Dalby, St George and Cunnamulla via the Balonne Highway. Crossing the Mitchell Highway at Cunnamulla, continuing west along the Development Road to Eulo (and the Mud Springs) then Thargomindah and onto the remote town (well pub) of Noccundra.

From Noccundra, it is a 180km (approx) drive south to the NSW-Queensland border (Warri Warri Gate) and into the amazing Sturt National Park. Continuing south through Tibooburra (can divert here for Cameron Corner to the west) and onto Milparinka (a 'must-see' experience for Depot Glen, Poole's Cairn and Poole's Grave). From Milparinka, it is a nice run (sealed/gravel -50/50) down the Silver City Highway to Broken Hill.

(NOTE: OUTBACK DRIVING... preparation and awareness required)