Middle Road drive
Sturt National Park
Overview
In an 80km stretch, Middle Road drive takes you through the Australian outback’s diverse landscapes. Along the way, you’ll also see the famous Dog Fence.
- Where
- Sturt National Park in Outback NSW
- Distance
- 80km one-way
- Time suggested
- 3hrs
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.
- The weather in the area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit. Check the weather before you set out as Middle Road drive can become boggy when it rains and may be closed.
- This attraction is in a remote location, so please ensure you’re well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment, and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.
- The walking opportunities in this park are suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking.
- There is limited mobile reception in this park.
For anyone on a road trip through NSW, Middle Road drive has a firm place on the itinerary. Traversing Sturt National Park, this 80km touring route takes you through a remarkable landscape, some of it virtually unchanged since the likes of Charles Sturt trekked through the area.
Most people start the drive at Olive Downs Homestead, which dates back to the 1880s and was once the social hub of the area. There is also Olive Downs campground, where you might decide to stay overnight before setting off.
Along the way, you’ll pass gibber (pebble) and saltbush plains, dunes, the famous Dog Fence that runs from Queensland to South Australia, the striking Jump-Ups, the ruins of Binerah Downs Homestead, Lake Pinaroo, and the ghost tree forest caused by the water-logging of the Coolabah trees. If you wish to stretch your legs more or drive further be sure to head along Jump-Up walking track or Jump-Up Loop Road drive.
Stop at one of the watering points along the way, such as Millers Tank, where you might come across a flock of zebra finches or see a wedge-tailed eagle soaring high above.
The drive finishes near Fort Grey on the main road from Tibooburra. Here, you could choose to do Wells and Sturt's tree walking track. Or you could stay overnight at Fort Grey campground before heading home the next day.
Google Street View Trekker
Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Tibooburra Visitor Centre
- Tibooburra Visitor Centre is always open but it's unstaffed (self service)
- 08 8091 3308
- npws.westdarling@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 51 Briscoe Street, Tibooburra NSW 2880
Park info
- in Sturt National Park in the Outback NSW region
Sturt National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has coin-operated pay and display machines - please bring correct coins.
Buy annual pass