Practically at our back door are these exquisite murals painted in Griffith.

Located in Banna Lane, and with over 30 large-scale murals, the Griffith art trail is constantly evolving, making it the perfect weekend adventure for locals and visitors alike.

You can pick up a Griffith Mural Art Trail map from the Griffith Tourism Hub and discover the city’s open-air gallery.

Explore Hermit's Cave and Scenic Hill lookout, visit the Griffith Pioneer Park Museum to learn about local history, and experience the agricultural heritage by visiting wineries or exploring the local produce. 

Other activities include hiking in Cocoparra National Park, seeing art at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery, or enjoying the views from the Scenic Hill lookout.  

There is so much to do and see in the secret nooks and crannies of Australian Back Country, too many to list. But nevertheless let's have a go!

Practically around the corner in Darlington Point, is Altina Wildlife Park. This outstanding Wildlife Park has unique personalised zoo-fari tours like no other. You will meet many rare and exotic as well as some of Australia's native animals up close and personal whilst travelling in style on horse-drawn or motorised carts.

Now, in White Cliffs, they mine for gems, but the town is indeed a gem in itself.

Here you can explore opal mines, the White Cliffs Solar Power Station, and Paroo-Darling National Park. Activities include underground opal mine tours, fossicking for opals, visiting local shops and hotels, and exploring the Darling River. For events, check the schedule for local happenings like the White Cliffs Gymkhana and Rodeo.

In nearby Wilcannia, there is amazing sights to be seen. So much of this little town is amazing history.

Wilcannia was once a much larger and thriving town, becoming the third-largest inland port in Australia during the late 19th century due to its role as a hub for paddle-steamers transporting wool and wheat along the Darling River. It was known as the “Queen City of the West” and had a population of around 3,000 people by the late 1890s. The town's decline began after 1900 with the introduction of rail, which reduced the need for river transport. 

Balranald is a veritable gold mine of activities.

You can explore the Walls of China, by taking a guided tour or drive the Mungo Loop Track to see the spectacular sand and clay formations.

• Visit the Visitor Centre: Begin your visit here to pay the entrance fee and learn about the park's history through its excellent exhibition.
• Go on a guided tour: NPWS Aboriginal guides offer 2-hour tours of the Mungo lunette, providing insights into the park's Aboriginal history and culture.
• Drive the Mungo Loop Track: A self-guided drive is a great way to see the stunning landscape at your own pace.
• Go camping or picnicking: Enjoy a meal or stay overnight at designated campsites, such as Bella Campground.
• Look for wildlife: Mungo National Park is home to a variety of wildlife that can be seen during walks or drives. 
• Visit the Balranald Discovery Centre: Learn about the town's history as a river port and gold rush hub.
• Explore local heritage: Take a walk along the Ben Scott Swing Bridge or visit museums like the Balranald Southern Cross.
• Drive the Darling River Run: Balranald is on the route and can be used as a base for exploring the Darling River.
• Visit Yanga National Park: Enjoy the wetlands and floodplains of this nearby national park.
• Take a tour: Outback Geo Adventures offers various tours of Mungo National Park and the surrounding areas

Some of the best trips and experiences you will ever have are off the beaten track, and out of the city. The people are friendly, the amenities fantastic and the price points of rural areas may just hit the pocket a bit better.