After an early breakfast, continue along the Mid-Western Highway towards Hay, where you’ll enter Hay Gaol for a guided tour. Over a century of varied history, the building has served as many things, from jail to maternity hospital, ward to detention centre, and institute for girls. The Hay Gaol is now a museum exploring the different eras and daily lives that it has hosted.
Continue exploring the region’s history with a trip to Shear Outback, detailing the heritage of Australian shepherdry and the significance of the wool industry in shaping the Australian economy. Discover the individuals who exemplify this work in the Australian Shearers Hall of Fame, then hit the road once more.
Stop in the small town of Balranald for an energising lunch, then continue to the astounding Lake Mungo National Park. Archaeological evidence demonstrates the presence of human habitation for over 50,000 years in the region, placing it among the oldest in the world.
Check in at the well-known Mungo Lodge for the evening and tuck into a hearty dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Rise to the promise of outback exploration as you traverse the otherworldly topography of Mungo National Park. Visit the Zanci Homestead Site for a look at its iron structures and pine log-walled stables. Before nightfall, convene with your party and set out for the ‘Walls of China’ – an impressive collection of eroded dunes, or lunettes, that cast a striking skyline against the warm glow of the setting sun.
Your day begins with a spectacular 30-minute scenic flight over Mungo National Park, taking in the wild expanse from a different vantage. Your early morning flight departs from the front of your lodge stay, soaring over the Walls of China and the wide outback as the sun brings the scene to life. Once you’ve returned, travel onward to the town of Mildura, where you’ll meet your guide and board the charming Mildura Paddle Steamer.
Take in nature’s beauty on a two-hour cruise along the Murray-Darling River, learning about the history of this culturally significant river system. Delve into the story of the paddle boat, then disembark for lunch at Brass Monkey, located in a 100-year-old heritage-listed building. Board your transport and travel to the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens for a tranquil walk through native flora and a carefully colour-coordinated rose garden. Return to Mildura to check in at your hotel for the evening. Get a taste of the outback with dinner at Langtree Cafe.
Fill up with an early breakfast before departing for Griffith. One of the most productive agricultural regions in the country, Griffith is understandably renowned for its fine food and wine. Waste no time in testing this reputation on a visit to local Calabria Wines for a tasting with accompanying charcuterie board. This Italian-Australian winery has been passed down through three generations of Calabria’s, honing their craft with passion and diligence.
Later, visit the Griffith Pioneer Park Museum to unearth the history of the city and the construction of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. This evening, check in at The Gem Hotel and dine on Southern Italian-inspired fare at Giuseppe’s Restaurant & Bar.
Savour one last breakfast in the bush before returning to bustling Sydney. Admire the outback towns along the way, each offering a unique rural charm. Stop in Temora for morning tea, and later soak up the atmosphere of the beautiful Southern Highlands during lunch in Bowral, taking some time to stroll the streets of the town.
Arrive back in Sydney by early evening, where you’ll bid farewell to your fellow travellers before making your own way to Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney. A true five-star urban oasis, this contemporary gem offers a taste of the finer life in the heart of Sydney’s Wynyard neighbourhood. Indulge in culinary delights from the seasonal menu at Croft Restaurant – be sure to book a table in advance – or unwind in the sun-drenched ambience of Silo Bar with a handcrafted cocktail.
Checkout by 11am and make your own way to Sydney International Airport (SYD) for your onward journey. Alternatively, if you’ve got the time, Sydney’s famed harbour is home to twin icons, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and offers countless things to see and do.