Places worth discovering

Things to Do

Find attractions, experiences and places to visit. Events remain the best way to see what is happening on a particular date.

Looking for a dated event? Explore Events

23 places

Explore local places

Lachlan River Swing Bridge — Image credit: Destination NSW

Landmarks and Buildings

Lachlan River Swing Bridge

Hillston is known for its very long, straight main street. With the Lachlan River on its doorstep and two parks providing picnic areas right down to the river's edge plus exceptional facilities, the town becomes a great place to stop and linger. One of the parks is the former site of the original Hillston Hall, and this now has well landscaped gardens which lead to the swinging bridge across the River. On the other side of the bridge is a small shady area which features "animals" made from fallen trees. You'll recognise a crocodile, large redback spider and an ominous prehistoric monster.

Hillston NSW

0.8 km away

Willandra shearing precinct

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Willandra shearing precinct

An exploration of Big Willandra’s past isn’t complete without a visit to the shearing precinct. After you’ve enjoyed the elegant rooms at the Homestead, wander through these beautiful rustic buildings that tell a different story – about the life of the wandering shearers. You’ll see the woolshed, overseer’s cottage, shearer’s quarters and ablution blocks. There are plenty more rooms to explore; check out the dining room and kitchen, the cook’s cottage and meat house. Set well apart from the homestead, these fine old buildings show the social distance between the homestead’s permanent staff and the seasonal workers. Looking out over the vast plains from the woolshed, you get a sense of how tightly knit this team needed to be to combat the isolation of the shearing life.

Hillston NSW

49 km away

Merton Motor Trail — Image credit: Photo: Ingo Oeland

Natural Attractions

Merton Motor Trail

Merton motor trail is a 20 kilometre loop that passes through the various spectacular landscapes and wildlife habitats of the park. Whether you’re driving or cycling, stop along the way to explore remnants of the area’s historic past, both Aboriginal and pastoral. Why not take a picnic lunch and make a day of it? It’s believed that Aboriginal people first came to this area over 45,000 years ago. On the scalds near Halls Lake, years of erosion have uncovered evidence of their daily lives. Keep your eyes open for the remains of oven hearths, stone flakes and broken pieces of grinding dishes. The trail also passes Merton Outstation. Wander these untouched ruins and consider what life might have been like on this and other isolated outstations of Big Willandra. At Willandra Creek, park and walk 200 metres upstream to the old sheep bridge across which livestock was once herded between paddocks.

Roto NSW

49 km away

Nilla Yannagalang Billana — Image credit: Photo: David Egan

Natural Attractions

Nilla Yannagalang Billana

In Wiradjuri, Nilla Yannagalang Billana means “walking along together”. The track follows the course of the Willandra Creek and can be accessed from the homestead precinct or, if you’re camping, the Willandra Billabong weir. It’s an easy walk through black box woodland interspersed with openings of black bluebush shrubland. Keep your eyes peeled for woodland wildlife. If there’s water in the creek, expect to see waterbirds such as egrets, herons, spoonbills, cormorants and ducks. The track takes you past historic pastoral infrastructure once relied upon by the homestead, such as the weir and Buttabong Bridge. This bridge was the creek crossing to the railway siding at Wee Elwah from where people travelled on to Sydney. At the old tip site are the rusting remains of a steam-powered engine.

Hillston NSW

49 km away

Willandra Homestead

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Willandra Homestead

Willandra Homestead is a fine old rural homestead and a fantastic place to visit if you’re thinking of a historic site for a picnic or barbecue. Step into the past of a remote pastoral station which has been lovingly restored; wander through the sitting rooms and office, viewing the wonderful photographs and reading the accounts of life on the station. On the beautifully-maintained grounds, with expansive gardens and a rose courtyard, you’ll also find the schoolhouse, meat house and laundry, giving you an idea of just how self-sufficient the inhabitants of this homestead had to be. Why not enjoy a family barbecue on the lawns before continuing your exploration of Willandra National Park? The contrast between the ordered serenity of the homestead and the wild beauty of the region is amazing.

Hillston NSW

49 km away

Willandra National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Willandra National Park

Europeans were first attracted to the Willandra area by the river system and native grasses and ran cattle and sheep, but by the second half of the 19th century, grazing sheep for wool predominated. Willandra eventually became the largest pastoral station in the area. The old bush song, Flash Jack from Gundagai, boasts about having shore at Big Willandra. Over 100 years of grazing and pasture have modified the natural environment, yet the plants and animals are gradually being restored. The wetlands, woodlands and grassy plains of the park house 23 species of reptile and over 195 different types of bird including emu and the endangered plains-wanderer. See kangaroos graze and play on the plains at dusk and dawn, look out for bearded dragons as you cycle the Merton trail, and spot a harmless carpet snake near the historic buildings. At the end of the day when you're ready to relax, sleep in historic men's quarters and keep an eye out for the ghost of Flash Jack during shearing season.

Roto NSW

59 km away

Athena Urabbanakis Park, UP3 — Image credit: Urabba Parks Trust

Parks and Gardens

Urabba Street Reserve - Urabbaparcensia New Eurabba

If you are travelling the Mid-Western Highway through Carrathool Shire, take a stop at Urabba Street Reserve, part of the Enactorate of Urabbaparcensia, Australia's first charity micronation. Urabba Street Reserve is a quarter-acre concept of a volunteer-governed space, perfect for a small picnic or just to stretch your legs. Enjoy walking the micronational highway, a gravel track hand-made by Urabbaparcensians, through an ecological sanctuary surrounded by cypress pine with stunning views of the nearby Cocoparra Ranges. Check out a fort made from reused shed cladding, and sit on the Urabbaparcensian Speaker's Chair, a converted oil drum, and relax as you watch native woodland birds flock to the nesting box installed by the Lachlan Fold Wildlife Action Group. There is also a flagpole that you can use to declare your own kingdom for a day. Urabba Street Reserve is located five minutes away from accessible council-provided amenities in the township of Rankins Springs, an iconic rural community with historical buildings, artistic displays and a historic Australian pub.

Rankins Springs NSW

78 km away

Frogs Hollow

Natural Attractions

Frog's Hollow

Frogs Hollow Campground is located alongside Lake Cargelligo and near the town. This free camping spot enjoys absolute lake frontage, which might just explain its popularity, especially during the summer months and holidays. A must-visit spot for fishing, bird watching and boating/skiing enthusiasts. The sunrise over the water is magical.

Lake Cargelligo NSW

80 km away

The Reconciliation Mural

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

The Reconciliation Mural

Add a splash of colour and culture to your visit with the Reconciliation Mural in Lake Cargelligo. A powerful and vibrant artwork that celebrates unity, community spirit, and cultural connection. Located on the side of Fisho's Hotbake and Takeaway, this striking mural was brought to life by talented local artists alongside students from St. Francis Xavier and Lake Cargelligo Central School, with support from local businesses and the Growing Lachlan initiative. More than just a mural, it's a meaningful reflection of reconciliation – capturing shared stories, creative energy, and the importance of working together. The students not only helped shape the design, but also learned the art of painting hands-on, making this a truly collaborative piece. Be sure to stop by, snap a photo, and take in this beautiful symbol of respect, identity, and pride in the heart of Lake Cargelligo.

Lake Cargelligo NSW

80 km away

Lake Cargelligo Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Lake Cargelligo Museum

The area’s past comes to life at the Lake Cargelligo Museum, set within the historic Curlew Hall which was relocated into town and established as a museum in 1971. Reflecting the different facets of a lively community, the museum preserves the town and district’s rich history and memorabilia featuring exhibits on local history, household items, farming equipment, tractors, and much more.

Lake Cargelligo NSW

81 km away

Lake Cargelligo

Natural Attractions

Lake Cargelligo

For water sports and birdwatching, Lake Cargelligo is a wonderful oasis in the beautiful Parkes region of NSW. The aquatic playground is perfect for sailing, kayaking, waterskiing and swimming. Fishing is popular on the lake, too, and in the nearby Lachlan River, Australia’s fourth-longest river. This scenic waterway and charming town of the same name are two hours’ drive southwest of Parkes and 90 minutes north of Griffith, which is home to wineries. Tourists can hire binoculars and a field guide for birdwatching from the Lake Cargelligo Tourist Information Centre in the town. There is a shared walking and cycling track along the pretty foreshore. The lake and the river are great for fishing year-round, with Murray cod, silver perch and redfin for the taking. Tourists can enjoy the relaxed country hospitality, and wander through the Lake Cargelligo Museum. The annual Blue Waters Arts and Craft Exhibition is held in the Lake Cargelligo Memorial Hall on the June long weekend. There are several places to stay in Lake Cargelligo, including the Lachlan Way Motel, the Lake Cargelligo Motel and two classic country pubs that serve hearty meals.

Lake Cargelligo NSW

81 km away

Alf Tyack's Rock Collection

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Alf Tyack's Rock Collection

The Alf Tyack Rock Collection in Lake Cargelligo is a unique display of geological and mineralogical wonders, showcasing a variety of inlaid polished stones and ornaments. Among its highlights are three round table tops, each about one meter in diameter, featuring inland slices of colourful ornamental minerals. The collection also includes faceted semi-precious gems, such as eight small topazes from O'Brien's Creek, Queensland, some with an unusual tear-drop cut, and one larger round brilliant cut stone. Fossils, including shells, corals, and ammonites, form a minor part of the collection, though they lack specific identification or locality information. A small fragment of the 'Forest Vale' meteorite, a stony chondrite, is also displayed. Additionally, the collection includes an ultraviolet viewing box showcasing fluorescent mineral specimens from Broken Hill, China, and the U.S.A.

Lake Cargelligo NSW

81 km away

Deadman's Point

Natural Attractions

Dead Man's Point

Dead Man’s Point Campground is located on the Lake Cargelligo waterfront, offering a scenic camping site. It's an alternative option for free camping if Frog’s Hollow is overflowing with campers. This spot is quieter – a few clicks from the town but still easily accessible along the foreshore pathway. It’s a lovely lakeside spot to relax and unwind, with an eco toilet onsite.

Lake Cargelligo NSW

83 km away

The Pines picnic area

Natural Attractions

The Pines picnic area

The Pines picnic area is popular with visitors, especially families, looking for a pretty, peaceful spot for a rest. Equipped with a gas barbecue for serious picnickers, it’s easy to while away a few hours here. Set in open woodland among white cypress pines, it’s perfect in the milder months from April to October, when you’ll see a variety of flowers including greenhood and pink and blue finger orchids. Nearby Woolshed Falls cascades after heavy rain, so be sure to take the short walk to see this waterfall if it’s been wet. If you’re into birdwatching, many interesting birds can be spotted in the park. Look out for rufous whistlers, white-browed babblers, striated pardalotes, red-rumped parrots, painted honeyeaters and lots more.

Myall Park NSW

92 km away

The Pines Picnic Area at Cocoparra National Park — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

The Pines Picnic Area at Cocoparra National Park

Relax at The Pines picnic area in Cocoparra National Park where you can have a barbecue, surrounded by white cypress pine and woodland birds, before taking one of Cocoparra’s beautiful bushwalks. The Pines picnic area is popular with visitors, especially families, looking for a pretty, peaceful spot for a rest. Equipped with a gas barbecue for serious picnickers, it’s easy to while away a few hours here. Set in open woodland among white cypress pines, it’s perfect in the milder months from April to October, when you’ll see a variety of flowers including greenhood and pink and blue finger orchids. Nearby Woolshed Falls cascades after heavy rain, so be sure to take the short walk to see this waterfall if it’s been wet. If you’re into birdwatching, many interesting birds can be spotted in the park. Look out for rufous whistlers, white-browed babblers, striated pardalotes, red-rumped parrots, painted honeyeaters and lots more.

Binya NSW

92 km away

Woolshed Falls Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Woolshed Falls Walking Track

Beginning at the carpark at The Pines picnic area, this easy walk is a great option for an after-lunch stroll through Cocoparra National Park. Follow the gently undulating track along the creek line, passing sun-dappled white cypress pines, bimble box trees and pretty white daisies as you go. Conveniently located near Woolshed Flat campground, not far from Griffith, this short walk is ideal for walking with kids. They’ll relish the adventure of roaming through the cool, sheltered grassy woodland, listening to the sounds of the bush and vying to be the first to spot some wildlife. They shouldn’t have to wait long, though – there are plenty of woodland birds around, and they might even see a swamp wallaby enjoying the shade. You’ll find the track ends at a point where the rocks form a rugged impasse. This is where the spectacular Woolshed Falls flow, but remember the falls only run after heavy rain. At other times, when the falls are dry or just a dribble, it’s still a delightful sight with tiny orchids growing in the rock crevices.

Binya NSW

92 km away

Lake Wyangan Picnic Area

Natural Attractions

Lake Wyangan Picnic Area

Looking for a tranquil setting for a picnic? Take a short ten-minute drive northwest of Griffith to Lake Wyangan Picnic Area. Sitting on the shores of Lake Wyangan - a 309-hectare former gypsum mine and natural swamp area - here you will find sheltered picnic areas, barbecue facilities, toilet facilities and large areas of grassed reserve. There is ample space for a game of cricket, ride a bike or enjoy a stroll! At the shore's edge is a jetty and free boat ramp access. Please note Lake Wyangan Picnic Area does not allow pets.

Lake Wyangan NSW

94 km away

Campbell's Wetlands - Aerial View of Boardwalk

Natural Attractions

Campbell's Wetland

A haven for twitchers, Campbell's Wetlands is approximately 6 kilometres north of Griffith CBD and attracts an abundance of birdlife, including freckled, pink-eared, blue-billed and musk ducks. Take a walk around the edge of the wetlands during the summer months to see bush birds and migratory wading birds. Featuring native tree planting and interpretive signs including Wiradjuri traditional uses, a visit to Campbell's Wetland is sure to be a special environmental and cultural learning experience.

Lake Wyangan NSW

95 km away

Jacks Creek walking track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Jacks Creek walking track

Jacks Creek walking track gives your bushwalking a twist with the intriguing, varied habitats of Cocoparra National Park. Setting out from Jacks Creek picnic area, you’ll explore a vast gorge, walking through sheltered gullies and along exposed ridges. Three lookouts give scenic views of the gorge and surrounding landscape. After rain, the gorge is alive with running water, accompanied by frog song. Look out for a variety of woodland birds overhead, peregrine falcons roosting in the cliffs and flying through the gorge, and white-winged choughs nesting above the tables in the picnic area. Look carefully at those shadows in the rock caves – they may be hiding swamp wallabies keen to avoid the heat of the day.

Yenda NSW

95 km away

Jacks Creek picnic area

Natural Attractions

Jacks Creek picnic area

Just a short drive from Griffith, Jacks Creek picnic area is a peaceful woodland picnic spot with striking scenery, and is a great place to head to on a day trip. Jacks Creek cuts a gorge through the mountain range, exposing amazing rock faces and formations. Be sure to bring your camera, as the photography opportunities are endless. Enjoy a picnic under the trees, cook up a storm on the barbecue, or simply unwind to the soothing sounds of nature. In spring, the surrounding woodlands will be dotted with wildflowers. You'll see tiny pink and purple orchids, as well as blue lilies and paper daisies. You won't have to wander far from the picnic area to take in the beautiful scenery Cocoparra National Park has to offer, but if you'd like to venture out and explore, you can always go on a leisurely walk on Jacks Creek walking track, with fantastic lookouts and views along the way.

Yenda NSW

95 km away

Store Creek Picnic Area — Image credit: Photo: NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Store Creek Picnic Area

A popular spot for families and day visitors alike, Store Creek picnic area in Cocoparra National Park offers a barbecue and plenty of places to relax in open woodland. When the heavy rains fall over Cocoparra, Store Creek fills up in a scenic rush of fresh water. But Store Creek picnic area is beautiful even when the bed is dry, attracting families and day visitors throughout the year. Although a popular stop in Cocoparra National Park, it’s still easy to find privacy to enjoy a relaxing lunch in open woodland. Between April and October, when the weather is milder, beautiful sprays of wildflowers can be seen all around, including wattles, daisies, ground orchids, and tea-trees. If you want to spend the afternoon stretching your legs and seeing some of the local wilderness, Store Creek walking track begins at the picnic area and threads through cypress pines and bimble box, all the way to a stunning natural amphitheatre formed by the junction of two creeks. It’s quite a sight, and definitely worth the trip.

Yenda NSW

97 km away

Cocoparra National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Cocoparra National Park

Once inside Cocoparra National Park, the huge sky of the outback is painted with the distinctive Cocoparra Range. This dramatic and rugged place is a haven for bushwalkers, birdwatchers and nature-lovers, with a landscape that's vividly alive and always changing. Visit after rain to see the waterfalls and creeks in full flow and come in spring to see the wonderful variety of wildflowers; orchids, wattles and tea tree bring extra vibrancy to the land. Other seasonal delights include the nesting season of the majestic peregrine falcons and the sight of rainbow bee-eaters building their homes in the ground you'll know them by their amazing spectrum of colour. Make sure you take the walking tracks up to the ridge to capture the views of the vast plains and other geological formations. Stay for a bush camp to really appreciate all the park has to offer. It's an incredibly peaceful place to spend the night.

Yenda NSW

97 km away

Griffith Mountain Bike Track

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Griffith Mountain Bike Track

Griffith's Mountain Bike Track, located on Abattoir Road, offers approximately 4.5 kilometres of trails designed for riders of all skill levels. The facility includes a skills area, shelter, fences, and a car park, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for families, enthusiasts, and beginners alike. Opened in May 2024, the track was developed following extensive community consultations and aims to promote active lifestyles and enhance public spaces.

Griffith NSW

99 km away

What is happening now?

Search dated events, markets, live music, sport and community activities.

Planning by place?

Use Things to Do for attractions and experiences that are not tied to one event date.