Backtrack to the outback
The Kidman Way
Welcome to Carrathool Shire
The stretch of the Kidman Way between Griffith and Cobar feels like watching the vastness of the continent slowly unfold, and the city is a fading mirage in the rear-view mirror.
Here, in the heart of western New South Wales, lies the Carrathool Shire – 19,000 square kilometres of wide horizons, rich agricultural history, and warm, country hospitality. Home to five unique towns and villages – Goolgowi, Merriwagga, Hillston, Rankins Springs, and Carrathool – this is where the journey into the outback truly begins.
Carrathool Shire invites travellers to slow down and explore.
Along the Kidman Way, the towns of Goolgowi, Merriwagga, and Hillston offer a glimpse into the Shire’s character. Discover heritage trails, striking murals, public art, sculptures, and memorials – all telling the story of a resilient and vibrant rural community.
Attractions
Lachlan River Swinging Bridge
Hillston’s High Street runs alongside the tranquil Lachlan River, offering a welcoming mix of shops, parks, and picnic spots — an ideal place to stop, relax, and unwind. Stretch your legs on the 1.2km Lachlan River Walking Track, which lies accross the iconic Hillston Swinging Bridge. In the warmer months, keep an eye out for black swans, pelicans, and other river life that call this peaceful stretch home.
Hillston Water Tower Mural
Don’t miss the stunning Hillston Water Tower Mural, titled Sunset Over the Lachlan. Standing tall at the end of Hillston High Street, the mural captures the vibrant colours of an outback sunset and celebrates the natural beauty and spirit of the region. It’s a perfect photo stop, especially in the golden light of late afternoon.
The mural was completed in 2024 by artist Krimsone.
Willandra National Park
Step into the timeless landscape of Willandra National Park (formerly Big Willandra Station), where open plains meet wide skies and historic homesteads tell stories of early pastoral life. Just over an hour from Hillston, the park offers peaceful bushwalks, native wildlife spotting, and the chance to explore the beautifully restored Willandra Homestead — a snapshot of outback heritage in the heart of the western plains.
The Black Stump Memorial
In the heat of a dusty outback afternoon, a bullocky and his wife set up camp. After returning from his work he discovered the campfire had taken a terrible turn. When tragedy struck, his simple words echoed through history:
“She looked just like a black stump.”
This moment gave rise to the phrase “beyond the black stump”, now part of Aussie lingo — and a piece of true local heritage.
Experience the legend for yourself in Merrwagga and stop in for a drink at the Black Stump hotel, a classic Aussie pub with country charm.
Red Dust and Paddy Melons Gallery
In the centre of Hillston, the Red Dust & Paddy Melons Gallery is a warm and welcoming space that brings the region’s creative soul to life.
Run entirely by passionate volunteers from the Hillston Creative Arts Council, the gallery features ever-changing displays of local art, photography, crafts, and handmade treasures. It also doubles as the town’s Visitor Information Centre, making it a great first stop to pick up maps, souvenirs, or travel advice. Drop in, meet the friendly locals, and enjoy a yarn about your journey through the outback.
Lake Woorabinda
The Lake Woorabinda Precinct is a vibrant community hub offering a blend of relaxation, recreation, and natural beauty. This man-made lake, when filled, becomes a hotspot for water activities during the summer months. Enjoy the scenic walking track, perfect for a leisurely stroll while observing local birdlife such as pelicans, swans, and cockatoos .
Adjacent to the lake, the precinct boasts a range of facilities to cater to all ages. The Hillston Swimming Pool offers a refreshing escape during summer months, while the John Fensom Lions Explorer Park features a playground, skate park, fitness equipment, BBQ areas, seating, and toilets, making it an ideal spot to stop.
Our Town, Villages & Surrounds
Along the Kidman Way
Goolgowi | Merriwagga | Hillston
The village of Goolgowi began life as a railway siding when the Griffith – Hillston line was built in the 1920’s. Now home to around 400 locals Goolgowi is surrounded by an agricultural landscape that changes with the seasons. Large-scale farms produce potatoes, nuts garlic, cotton, dry area wheat and grains as well as wool, beef, cattle and chickens.
The Goolgowi Caravan Park is a lovely quiet spot to pull up and rest on your Kidman Way adventure.
Just 20 minutes further along the Kidman Way you will discover the village of Merriwagga, home of the Black Stump Hotel and a Memorial to Pioneer Women sculpture by artist, Ron Clark.
The site also commemmorates the tragic story behind the Black Stump when Barbara Blaine burned to death in 1886 in a campfire accident at a place used by drovers arounf 10km from the village. In dry conditions you can drive the Black Stump Trail and visit the memorial site for yourself.
The Merriwagga Pub – The Black Stump Hotel is a classic, boasting the tallest bar in the Southern Hemisphere supposedly built to accommodate stockmen who could ride their horses inside to enjoy a beer without pausing to dismount!
Hillston is the only town in Carrathool Shire with a population of around 1,500. Hillston is a pretty place built along the Lachlan River with the seasonal Lake Woorabinda in the heart of town surrounded by shady grassed areas with picnic tables and BBQ’s. A 1.2km walking track located on the High Street accross the swinging bridge is a perfect spot to stretch your legs after a days drive, with long bay parking available and the Redbank Cafe perfectly situated for afternoon tea.
The Red Dust & Paddy Melons Gallery on Hillston’s High Street showcases work by local artists and makers as well as products like the famous Hillston Black Garlic. The gallery also doubles as the Visitor Information Center and the volunteer staff are always happy to have a yarn about your travels.
For history buffs, follow the Hillston Heritage Walk. Pick up a brochure from the gallery and learn the stories of the buildings and people who have called Hillston home since the 1860’s.
Visiting in the warmer months? Don’t forget to swing by the Lake Woorabinda precinct and enjoy this beautiful place we get to call home. The Lake is filled with water allocations each year from November – March and in the warmer months becomes a popular playground for water skiing, paddle boarding and kayaking as well as being home to plenty of thriving birdlife.
Looking for a days detour from the Kidman Way?
Take the scenic route and uncover the charm of Rankins Springs and Carrathool — two small villages rich in character and country hospitality. Nestled at the foot of the Conapaira Range, Rankins Springs is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, with walking trails, art installations, and striking granite outcrops. Further south, the village of Carrathool sits on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, offering a quiet riverside escape and a glimpse into the region’s pastoral history. Both are perfect for a peaceful stop, a picnic, or a chat with locals who know the land well.
