Nyngan to Broken Hill: The Road Revisited
Returning to Nyngan Weir felt a bit like coming home. We pulled in under a big sky, parked by the water, and instantly remembered why we love this spot. A few lazy pelicans drifted by, the weir murmured quietly in the background, and the sun felt just right for doing absolutely nothing.
Well, eventually it did. Our first day was a complete washout with proper sideways rain that turned the campsite into a small inland sea. We hunkered down inside the moho, listening to the downpour and watching the puddles join forces around us. By morning, the sky had cleared, the water had vanished, and it was as if nothing had happened. Except for the squelch underfoot and a few soggy camp chairs drying in the sun.
We stayed a few days, catching up on life admin, tinkering with the moho, and wandering into town for brunch. There’s something about Nyngan that is calm, unhurried, and slightly rough around the edges in all the right ways.
When the road called again, we didn’t rush. We rolled west toward Cobar, stopping in at Glenhope Bush Camp, another of our favourites (except for the drop toilet!). We love that the only sounds are the wind through the trees and the low hum of a distant truck somewhere on the highway. We built a fire, watched the sunset, and wondered why we ever leave spots like this.
The next day took us further west, across long straight roads and that familiar shimmer of the outback horizon. Between Cobar and Broken Hill, the landscape was alive, not with kangaroos or cattle this time, but goats. Thousands of them. On the road, beside the road, under every tree and across every rise. They scattered as we approached, only to regroup in the rear-view mirror like a well-rehearsed chorus line. Anyone who’s driven this stretch knows the drill: one hand on the wheel, the other hovering near the horn, muttering quiet prayers that none of them decide to change their mind mid-lane.
Sometimes these middle stretches, the ones between destinations, are where you really feel the road. It’s not about the big sights or ticking boxes; it’s about breathing, watching the light change, and remembering that this life doesn’t need constant noise to be full.
By the time we rolled into Broken Hill, Zoe had endured one too many prickles in her paws, and the goats had finally stopped giving us side-eye. We were ready for a few days of civilisation and maybe a pub meal that didn’t involve dust. But Broken Hill had more in store for us than we expected…
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Nyngan Weir
A favourite riverside camp in western New South Wales, perfect for recharging before the long run west. Quiet, scenic, and just a short walk into town for a bite and a chat.
How to Get There
Nyngan sits on the Mitchell Highway, about 160 km west of Dubbo. From there, head west to Cobar (130 km), then continue another 460 km to Broken Hill along the Barrier Highway. All roads are sealed and suitable for motorhomes and caravans.
Final Thoughts
Some stretches of road feel like pause buttons — a chance to catch your breath before the next adventure. For us, Nyngan to Broken Hill is one of those. A familiar route, steady and quiet, with just enough room to reset.
What’s Nearby
Next up: Broken Hill — where art, mining history, and outback grit meet under one huge sky.
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Fast Facts - Nyngan
Location: Nyngan Weir, New South Wales
Distance: 590 km from Nyngan to Broken Hill
Traditional Owners: Wangaaypuwan Ngiyampaa People (Nyngan),
Access: Sealed highways (Mitchell & Barrier)
Facilities: Campground, toilets, dump point, shops and cafés nearby
Walking Track: Short walks along the Bogan River
Dog Friendly: Yes, on lead
Best Time to Visit: April – October for mild weather and clear skies
Fast Facts – Cobar
Location: Outback New South Wales, between Nyngan and Broken Hill
Distance: 130 km west of Nyngan, 460 km east of Broken Hill
Traditional Owners: Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan People
Access: Sealed via the Barrier Highway
Facilities: Fuel, cafés, pubs, caravan parks, dump points, Visitor Information Centre
Walking Track: Great Cobar Heritage Walk, Fort Bourke Hill Lookout
Dog Friendly: Yes, on lead in town and campsites
Best Time to Visit: April – October for cooler days and clearer skies
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From Nyngan’s riverside calm to Cobar’s quiet bush camp and the long road to Broken Hill, this stretch of outback NSW is a reminder that sometimes, the in-between days are the best ones.