To the rock, that is...

And when in the "corner", don't forget the old Tibbooburra pub, with paintings and murals from Australian artists such as Clifton Pugh and Pro Hart.

UGH! The Corner Country tour company is booked for the dates that I need. Now I'll either have to go with the second company, or we're on our own. I'm so disappointed...

OK, it looks like Tri-State safaris is probably available. (Will find out for sure on Dec. 4th) They have been in Sydney where they just won two more tourism awards.

Now my dilemma will be which tour to choose. They go both directions from Broken Hill. My personal preferences are for Aboriginal culture, wildlife, and desert scenery. It sounds like I can get all of those things in either direction... I'll probably just have to browse though some photos online to decide which appeals to me more.

Anyway, thanks to all for your help- we're looking forward to visiting your beautiful country!

KK...
I think you would be well advised to go north ex BH. South of BH is dominated by the floodplain of the Darling river...you do need to get the feel of the red Barrier ranges and places like Mutawintji. BTW make sure any tour you do has acess to the aborigiinall sites at Mutawintji.

White Cliffs is a must.

Thanks! That was my original plan, and the one that I'm leaning toward. I do want to make sure that we'll have access to the Mutawintji historic site, since I understand that the aboriginal guides don't work during the summer months. Here is a copy of the itinerary for the tour:

Day 1: Depart Broken Hill 8.30am and travel north towards the historic township of Milparinka, virtually a ghost town that was once the centre of a thriving gold mining settlement. There is much to see including Depot Glen and Pooles Grave. We then head through remote back country to Cameron Corner. Dinner and overnight accommodation at the Corner store. (L,D)

Day 2: After visiting the corner post where the 3 States meet, we pass through the ‘Dingo Fence’ back into NSW. Then travel through Sturt National Park, the home of the ‘Big Red’ kangaroo, to Olive Downs via the ‘Jump-Ups’. After a short visit to Tibooburra we head to Mt Wood where our accommodation is in the historic homestead, now part of Sturt National Park. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Explore the area around Mt Wood, including the outdoor pastoral museum and the scenic ‘Gorge’ loop roads. This afternoon continue on to Tibooburra, the most remote town in NSW, where you will free time to wander and explore. Accommodation at the Family Hotel cabins. (B,L,D)

Day 4: An early morning look around the area then we travel through ever changing landscapes to Mutawintji National Park. This is one of the most culturally significant Aboriginal art sites in Australia, and we enjoy a bush walk to both the Engravings and Stencils sites. Then travel on to Broken Hill to conclude the tour. (B,L)

This one doesn't include White Cliffs, but the other 4 day tour doesn't include Mutawintji. I may end up arranging a custom tour... It's so hard to choose what to see in 4 days.

Thanks again for all of the input- if you ever come to Florida, let me know so that I can return the favor!

For comparison's sake, this is a copy of the other 4 day tour.

Day 1: Depart Broken Hill 8.30am and travel north towards the historic township of Milparinka, virtually a ghost town that was once the centre of a thriving gold mining settlement. There is much to see including Depot Glen and Pooles Grave. We then head through remote back country to Cameron Corner. Dinner and overnight accommodation at the Corner store. (L,D)

Day 2: After visiting the corner post where the 3 states meet, we pass through the ‘Dingo Fence’ back into NSW. Then travel through Sturt National Park, the home of the ‘Big Red’ kangaroo, to Olive Downs via the ‘Jump-Ups’. After a short visit to Tibooburra we head to Mt Wood where our accommodation is in the historic homestead. (B,L,D)

Day 3: An early morning look around the area, including the outdoor Pastoral Museum. From here it’s travel through ever changing landscapes to the opal-mining town of White Cliffs. Try your luck ‘noodling’ for opal. Accommodation is at the luxurious PJ’s Underground B&B. (B,L,D)

Day 4: With a tour of this unique town comes the chance to meet some great outback characters. Places of interest include the Solar Power Station, Jocks Place (an underground museum and mine), Outback Treasures opals & jewellery and the working opal fields. Lunch in town then return to Broken Hill late afternoon. (B,L)

Oh, and here is the one that I forgot about- it's listed as a 2 day, but is also available as a 3 day. (Not sure what the itinerary would be for that)

Day 1: Depart 8.30am from your accommodation in Broken Hill and travel through ever changing countryside. Morning tea in a classic dry creek bed and then on to Mutawintji National Park, and here we explore the Aboriginal and European history of the area. On arriving at the Historic Site we have two walks to do, one of the ‘Engravings’ site and the other to the ‘Hand Stencils’ site, with lunch in between. This area is rich in culture and is not to be missed. About mid afternoon we travel to White Cliffs, an opal-mining town steeped in history and hardship. Accommodation is PJ’s Underground B&B, an experience you will never forget. (L,D)

Day 2: Today we continue our tour of White Cliffs, taking in unique sights and meeting real outback characters. We visit the Solar Power Station, Jock’s Place (an underground museum & mine), Outback Treasures opals & jewellery, drive through the working opal fields, and much more. This afternoon we take a leisurely drive back to Broken Hill through more amazing outback scenery. (B,L,)

I have heard from the owner of Tri-State Safaris, and here is a copy of the 3 day "Opal Dreaming" tour- now I only need to decide which tour to take! (As always, opinions are welcome!)

3 Day Opal Dreaming Tour 3Days/2Nights

As Seen On “The Great Outdoors” & “Sydney Weekender”

Highlights include: Personalised small group tours - Mutawintji NP – Aboriginal art – White Cliffs – great scenery – great characters – underground accommodation – home made meals.

Day 1:
Depart 8.00am from the Railway or your accommodation in Broken Hill. Travel past the Barrier Ranges to the true red outback with morning tea in a classic dry creek bed along the way. Then on to Mutawintji National Park, where we explore the Aboriginal and European history of the area. On arriving at the Historic Site we have two easy walks, one to the ‘Engravings’ site and the other to the ‘Hand Stencils’ site, with home-made lunch in between. Mid afternoon we travel to White Cliffs, an opal-mining town steeped in history and hardship. Accommodation is at the Underground Motel, an experience you will never forget. (L,D)

Day 2:
We continue our tour of White Cliffs, taking in unique sights and meeting real outback characters. Try your luck ‘noodling’ for opal then visit the Solar Power Station, Jock’s Place (an underground museum & mine), Outback Treasures opals & jewellery, drive through the working opal fields, and much more. This afternoon we take a leisurely drive back to Broken Hill through more amazing outback scenery. Transfer to your motel/B&B accommodation. (B,L)

Day 3:
Pick up 9am for a tour of Silverton, almost a ghost town, now home to a growing number of well-known artists & location of many movies and TV commercials. Go 4wheel driving to perhaps the most spectacular lookout in the Barrier Ranges then journey along the original Silverton tramway before transferring back to the railway/airport for your journey home. (LB,L)

I would go for the very last option.

It seems a comprehensive short coverage of the essentials.

Take the the "day" train out or back and fly the other leg on REX.REX use SAAB props whcih fly at 16,000 feet..which on clear days is an excellent viewing height.If you are into geography take a map with you on the flight.

I saw a favourable piece on tri state in the sydney press recently.

Read a book on the Bourke and Wills expedition before you come...alan mooreheads "coopers creek" is old but good.

I hope your innovative approach is rewarded...and you are not surrounded by too many aussie pensioners.

Thanks John, it does sound good. The owner did state that you all are having a horrible drought right now. I hope that it's over soon, for your sake!

One more thing... should we try to work in a trip to Sturt NP/Tibooburra? I want to be sure that we see the "best of the best"!

I would leave out sturt np and tibooburra.

you will have some time at the white cliffs pub i am sure.

you have probably been there already but there is a summary of tours at
http://www.visitbrokenhill.com.au/tour_result.asp

I have not done it but if you have a spare day and the $ the flying mail run sounds great.

I'd go for Dubbo, it's great. Close to Coonabarabran, and Mudgee too.

http://dubbo.org

Wayne

Wayne, I admire your loyalty to your home town, but if you're going to advise international travellers to visit Dubbo, may I suggest you expand a little on why they should make the effort to go there rather than other places that may be suggested.

You need to read what sort of experiences this and other posters are looking for. In this case, while I'm sure the drought has had its effects in your area, I doubt that they're so severe that Dubbo qualifies as "outback" exactly.

Talking of drought....big rains and flooding through central australia and at Broken hill today...

this could set things up nicely for your feb visit...the desert in bloom.

That would be nice... what strange weather we are having this year!