White Cliffs
Town
Population 120
White Cliffs is first and foremost an opal town. The first mining lease was granted in 1890, and a boom followed with an influx of 4500 people. The area is still known for its opals, particularly the unique opal 'pineapples' and the opalised remains of a plesiosaur, a 2-metre-long 100-million-year-old fossil found in 1976. The intense heat has forced many people to build underground, often in the remains of old opal mines. The buildings left on the surface are surrounded by a pale and eerie moonscape with an estimated 50 000 abandoned opal digs.
Visitor Information
White Cliffs General Store, Keraro Rd; (08) 8091 6611
Nearby national parks
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Mutawintji National Park
There is camping at Homestead Creek with all facilities including gas and/or electric barbecues. No bookings are taken, there is no fuel or...more -
Sturt National Park
In the far north-west of the state, in the so-called Corner Country, lies one of Australia’s driest, most remote national parks. Sturt...more -
Currawinya National Park
Currawinya National Park, set in rugged mulga country, protects a significant wetland system. There are two large lakes, Numalla and Wyara,...more
Nearby towns
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Menindee
Menindee is like an oasis in the middle of a desert. Although located in the state's arid inland plains, its immediate surrounds comprise...more -
Tibooburra
Tibooburra is one of the hottest and most isolated towns in New South Wales. Its name means 'heaps of rocks' in the local Aboriginal...more -
Broken Hill
In the vast, arid lands of far-western New South Wales, Broken Hill was first an intermittent home for the Willyama people; its lack of...more
In Town
Solar Power Station The country's first solar power station was established by the Australian National University in 1981 at White Cliffs because it receives the most solar radiation in NSW. The row of 14 giant mirrored dishes is a striking sight between the blue sky and red earth. Next to council depot.Outback Treasures: opal jewellery and Aboriginal art; Smith's Hill. Jock's Place: dugout home and museum with an opal seam along one wall; Turley's Hill. Wellington's Underground Art Gallery: paintings and polished opals by local artist; The Blocks. Otto Photography: gallery of outback landscape photos; Smith's Hill. Self-guide and guided historical walks and fossicking: include the old police station (1897) and school (1900) and several fossicking sites; brochures and maps from visitor centre. Underground accommodation: various standards available in dugout premises. Underground temperatures come as a relief at 22°C; details from visitor centre. Opal shops: several in town sell local gems; details from visitor centre.
Nearby
Paroo–Darling National Park: section 20 km E of town contains magnificent Peery Lake, part of the Paroo River overflow, where there is birdlife, Aboriginal cultural sites and walking trails. Southern section of park has camping along the Darling River. Wilcannia: small town with many fine sandstone buildings, an opening bridge across the Darling River and an old paddlesteamer wharf. Also a self-guide historical walk available; brochure from council offices in Reid St; 93 km S. Mutawintji National Park: 150 km SW; see Broken Hill.
Eco-friendly activities around town
Remote four-wheel-drive tours - around Broken Hill 198 km
Some of Tri-State Safaris’ tours have advanced eco-certification and provide a way to get out to some of the remotest parts of the state. They range from a two-hour sunset tour from Broken Hill, to multi-day tours... Find out moreCampsites around town
White Cliffs Opal Pioneer Caravan Park
You’ll find this caravan park in the opal-mining town of White Cliffs, 95 km north of Wilcannia. The town is popular among tourists for its underground accommodation and businesses, as well as its opals. The... Find out moreHomestead Creek camping area 89 km
Homestead Creek offers all the facilities you need, including gas/electric barbecues and hot showers. The nearby walk up Homestead Creek passes by some good rock art sites, and on to the ridge top for views over a... Find out morePacksaddle Rest Area 110 km
This is a small rest area 177 km north of Broken Hill on the Silver City Hwy, about 500 m north of Packsaddle Roadhouse. You’d really only want to stay here for 1 night as there isn’t much to do –... Find out moreTilpa Weir camping area 131 km
This is a nice little campsite overlooking the Darling River, 140 km north-east of Wilcannia and 6 km east of Tilpa on the Tilpa–Louth Rd. Don’t miss the chance to stop in for a cold drink or a meal at the... Find out moreFowlers Gap Rest Area 135 km
This isn’t much to write home about, and it’s not suitable for tents, but it’s a good place to stop overnight if the long drive is making you sleepy. It’s 108 km north of Broken Hill on the Silver... Find out moreEvelyn Creek camping areas 170 km
This is a good place to get away from it all, if you’re so inclined. Evelyn Creek is about 1 km east of Milparinka, which is in turn 42 km south of Tibooburra in Corner Country. Turn off Silver City Hwy onto... Find out moreBurke and Wills Campsite 171 km
The famed 1860 Burke and Wills expedition saw the first successful north–south crossing of the continent between Melbourne and the Gulf of Carpentaria. The expedition’s leader, Robert O’Hara Burke, and... Find out moreMain Weir camping area 171 km
To get to this camping spot in the Menindee Lakes area, take the Menindee–Broken Hill Rd north of Menindee, and after 8 km you’ll see the turn-off to Lake Pamamaroo and Main Weir on the right. Bring your own... Find out moreLake Pamamaroo camping area 171 km
Lake Pamamaroo camping area is 16 km north of Menindee, and comprises part of the Menindee Lakes system. Take the Menindee–Broken Hill Rd north of Menindee, and after 8 km you’ll see the turn-off to Lake... Find out moreMount Wood Campground 173 km
Mt Wood camping area is on gibber downs, in view of the historic Mt Wood homestead. You can get here by following the Gorge Loop Rd, just off the Tibooburra–Wanaaring Rd, but be aware that this road is unsuitable... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Broken Hill Caravan Park 199 km
With its heated pool, covered barbecues and well-stocked kiosk, this large place is our pick of the Broken Hill parks and we regularly stay here. It is easily accessible from the Barrier Highway. Bookings are required... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
White Cliffs Underground Motel
Experience something extraordinary and stay at the White Cliffs Underground Motel, named one of the ‘four most original places to stay in New South Wales’ by the NRMA. Underground living is something quite... Find out moreRest areas around town
Spring Hills Rest Area 104 km
74 km W of Wilcannia (R) or 122 km E of Broken Hill (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 43.378 E142 41.127 ... Find out moreMacCullochs Range Rest Area 116 km
204 km W of Cobar (L) or 56 km E of Wilcannia (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 41.714 E143 48.883... Find out moreLittle Topar Rest Area 132 km
Adjacent the roadhouse Small area just off the highway. GPS: S31 46.814 E142 13.620... Find out moreBaden Park Rest Area 139 km
173 km W of Cobar (L) or 87 km E of Wilcannia (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 42.824 E144 08.624... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Ironman Cliffhanger: 4WD challenge; July.
