Sydney to Gulgong - an epic NSW road trip with My NRMA Rewards
Armed with the My NRMA app, a trusty pair of binoculars, and a long-in-the-tooth Henry Lawson anthology, we pointed the bonnet north and began our journey from Sydney to Tamworth, onwards to the Warrumbungles and Gulgong - with a few quintessential country stops in between.
Sydney to Tamworth: history, heritage and community spirit
Our first pit stop was the discounted (thanks to the My NRMA app) Ampol Foodary at Muswellbrook. Then, guided by the NRMA trip planner’s suggestion, we decided to explore the fascinating Burning Mountain trail.
Just north of Scone, this hidden gem offers a moderate bushwalk tracing a coal seam that’s been smouldering underground for over five millennia. Rest benches are dotted along the track, and informative panels that share both the geological story and First Nations heritage give a brilliant introduction to the depth of this region.
Leave your thongs in the car for this one. Sturdy shoes make the eucalypt-lined walk much more enjoyable.
Arriving in Tamworth, we found the town buzzing. It wasn’t the famous Country Music Festival, but the annual Koori Knockout rugby tournament, an event that brings together over 170 teams from across the state.
Parks, cafés, and the Peel River were alive with laughter, song, and colourful team jerseys. The NRMA was there too, proudly supporting grassroots sport and community.
For dinner, we took the locals’ advice and enjoyed a sunset picnic at Oxley Lookout overlooking the Peel Valley. Afterwards, we couldn’t resist a discounted Cold Rock ice cream during an evening stroll around Bicentennial Park. If you’re travelling with kids, the Regional Playground is a must-visit.
Tamworth to the Warrumbungles: art, astronomy and the outback sky
Fuelled by coffee and curiosity, we made a quick detour to Gunnedah. The striking silo mural featuring poet Dorothea Mackellar is a fitting tribute to the author of ‘My Country’, whose local ties inspired her words.
Next stop: Coonabarabran (Gamilaraay Country), the gateway to the Warrumbungles. Cardian’s Coffee Lounge provided bacon and egg rolls made with country generosity, perfect for a riverside walk along the art-filled Sky River Path. Along the trail, you’ll discover sculptures and stories honouring local Gamilaraay traditions and connection to Country.
A highlight for families (and amateur geologists) is Crystal Kingdom museum, where a donation lets you follow a timeline of dazzling minerals. Don’t miss the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre which is home to a Diprotodon skeleton, a mesmerising space photography exhibit (with useful camera tips), and a convenient NRMA EV charger if you’re travelling electric.
We set up camp at Camp Blackman in the heart of the Warrumbungle National Park. It caters for every camper type, from tent to motorhome, and every site has its own fire pit. With world-famous walking tracks and Australia’s first dark sky park, there’s more than enough reason to return.
Warrumbungles to Gulgong: silo art, goldfields, and Henry Lawson’s legacy
With a discounted fill-up, we rolled into Dunedoo for a look at the silo art celebrating racing royalty Winx and local legend jockey Hugh Bowman.
It was just a short hop to historic Gulgong, famously featured on the old $10 note and steeped in Henry Lawson lore. The Henry Lawson Centre is a literary pilgrimage for fans, and even sceptics leave moved by its rich collection. If you’re a lover of Australiana, it’s a ‘must-see’ destination that lives up to its big claims.
Nearby, the Pioneers Museum stretches across 5,000 square metres—don’t let its modest entrance fool you! From vintage machinery to historic school rooms and even a wall of salt and pepper shakers, every corner tells a story of early NSW life.
After a generous serve at Thai to You, we bunked down at the Ten Dollar Town Motel - a quirky nod to Gulgong’s heritage - capping off the evening with a re-reading of classic Lawson tales.
Tips to get the most your of your road trip
- Plan ahead: The My NRMA app is a road tripper’s best mate, helping you find the best fuel prices, local eats, member discounts, and nearby EV chargers.
- Support local: From small-town cafés to community museums, every stop is an opportunity to connect and give back to the regions.
- Embrace detours: Some of the best experiences, like silo art or spontaneous bushwalks, happen just off the main road.
Australia is meant to be explored at your own pace, and with My NRMA Rewards helping you along the way, there’s no better time to us the NRMA Trip Planner to hit the open road.
