Past and present: 17 inspiring inland NSW attractions
The classic beauty and heritage of regional Australia shines within Inland NSW.
This sprawling area hoards myriad enthralling attractions, including sensational scenic wonders and fascinating historical features.
Whether you’re a nature lover or a culture vulture, you’re bound to love this line-up of must-visit Inland NSW attractions. It’s complete with several underrated gems.
Note: With so much to explore in this vast area, we’ve limited the attractions to those near BIG4 parks.
Ebor Falls, Guy Fawkes River National Park
Armidale is a great base for exploring natural wonders. Among the standouts is Ebor Falls, a spectacular two-tiered drop within Guy Fawkes River National Park. Be wowed from dedicated lookout areas that provide contrasting perspectives.
Or venture to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, for more dazzling sights.
Shear Outback: the Australian Shearers Hall of Fame, Hay
Hay explodes with heritage attractions, and Shear Outback: the Australian Shearers Hall of Fame is a headliner. This engrossing attraction has various spaces that detail the colour and characters of the nation’s shearing and pastoral industries. Captivating live shearing demonstrations are not to be missed.
Nearby park: BIG4 Hay Plains Holiday Park.
Oxley Scenic Lookout, Tamworth
From a dedicated platform, soak up sweeping vistas of the city and the wider Peel River Valley. With seating available at the top, this is a great spot to picnic while taking in possibly the best views of Tamworth. Visiting at sunset or to admire the city’s night lights are highly rated experiences, too. In late spring, the sight of flowering jacaranda trees adds more colour and interest.
Nearby park: BIG4 Paradise Tamworth or City Lights Holiday Park.
Parkes Observatory
Colloquially known as ‘The Dish’, the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope is an icon of Inland NSW. Get up close to this structure and marvel at its size, then learn all about its compelling past and present at the nearby discovery centre. A must for any visit to the region. For more past tales while in town, visit the action-packed Henry Parkes Centre.
Noreuil Park Foreshore, Albury
Looking for free things to do in Albury? Well, cash in with a visit to this buzzing riverside park. Frequented by visitors and locals alike, these scenic surrounds have obvious charm and extensive appeal. Cycling, walking, and swimming are among top picks for leisure, and it’s a great spot for picnicking and photography, too.
Nearby park: BIG4 Albury Tourist Park.
Henry Lawson Centre, Gulgong
Retrace the extraordinary life of one of Australia’s most famous writers and poets at this enchanting attraction. An understanding of Lawson’s upbringing enables visitors to connect these experiences and influences with his iconic works. While in Gulgong, admire its booming collection of National Trust-listed buildings as well as Australia’s oldest-operating opera house. Gulgong is 30km north of Mudgee.
Nearby park: BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park.
Victoria Park, Forbes
This inviting open space combines the two key themes of this article: scenery and history. Its various trees and gardens make for a pretty setting to relax while being surrounded by a series of striking heritage structures.
The Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre, Tamworth
This 12m-high icon recognises Tamworth’s billing as Australia’s country music capital. And it’s much more than just a photo op. Within the complex is a wax museum highlighting country music royalty, the National Guitar Museum featuring dozens of famous axes, and a visitor info centre.
Nearby park: BIG4 Paradise Tamworth or City Lights Holiday Park.
Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens
A visit to these gorgeous gardens is one of the best things to do in Wagga Wagga, with added interest for families. Alongside the themed gardens displaying anything from cacti to camellias are a mini zoo, free-flight aviary, and playgrounds. And a miniature railway operates on the first and third Sundays of each month.
Nearby park: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Wagga Wagga.
Peppin Heritage Centre, Deniliquin
This excellent complex provides a comprehensive insight into the Riverina town’s link with Peppin-merino breeding and wool exploration. It’s a story that escapes the attention it deserves, as this particular breed of sheep has an enduring legacy. There’s plenty more local history to soak up here, too.
Nearby park: BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park.
Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)
Eye-catching, vibrant, modern – this art museum is an absolute gem. Following a major redevelopment in 2015, it features various open spaces that balance quality touring exhibitions with a local flavour. Works by some of Australia’s most revered artists are among the highlights of a gallery that delivers something for all tastes.
Nearby park: BIG4 Albury Tourist Park.
Seasons of Armidale
Armidale is a beautiful city at any time but in spring and autumn it really comes alive. Then, the extensive plant life is at its most colourful, much of it evident in the many parks and gardens dotted around. In spring, new blooms are bright and bold; in autumn, vibrant orange and red hues of deciduous trees make for spectacular photo ops.
McFeeters Motor Museum, Forbes
Take a fascinating look in the rear-view mirror with a visit to this prized attraction. The two-level museum displays a huge assortment of vintage, classic, and custom cars – including many iconic models – as well as various street machines. A great find for motor enthusiasts.
Saumarez Homestead, Armidale
Catapult to days gone by with a stroll around this ornate two-storey Edwardian mansion and its glorious gardens. Featuring a massive 30 rooms with original furnishings, it truly does provide a feeling of belonging to another time. A guided tour is sure to entertain and educate.
Edward River, Deniliquin
An anabranch of the Murray River, this snaking waterway delivers an endless stream of majestic scenery. Huge river red gums line its shores and create the perfect addition when framing a spectacular sunset. The river can be accessed with ease from Deniliquin and is a haven for water-skiers complete with a dedicated ski zone. Fishing is another popular pursuit in these waters.
Nearby park: BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park.
Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre
All board for an exciting journey into the city’s extensive rail past. With particular appeal for train buffs, this attraction showcases various old locomotives and other rail-related memorabilia. And it’s clear that the informative tour guides have a clear passion for the subject at hand.
Nearby park: BIG4 Governor's Hill Carapark.
National Art Glass Gallery, Wagga Wagga
World-class glass is the focal point of this absorbing gallery. It houses a massive collection of eye-catching glass art displayed in a modern, intimate setting. Another highlight of the multi-faceted gallery is the Margaret Carnegie Print Collection, which features attention-grabbing works by talented Australian artists.
Nearby park: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Wagga Wagga.
Time for Inland NSW break? Choose a BIG4 park below and start planning your exciting escape.