Treat yourself and the family to a road trip these holidays, camp at the local favourites or just take a day trip to explore the history in your own back yard with these small outback villages, they may seem isolated to visitors, however they serve as vital social hubs for the surrounding farming communities. Life on these vast stations can be lonely, so any excuse for a gathering, from church services to tennis matches, is eagerly embraced. Many children attend School of the Air, learning from home with satellite technology.

Some lucky communities, like Clare, have their own small, local schools. Generations of families have farmed these lands, raising sheep, cattle, and goats.

Homebush

The historic Homebush Hotel has been a beloved outback institution for over 140 years. This iconic pub, with its cosy fireplace and character-filled decour, has welcomed a diverse range of visitors, from drovers and shearers to backpackers and palaeontologists (en-route to Mungo). Today, it continues to offer warm hospitality, delicious food, and comfortable accommodation.

Oxley

The scenic Oxley Road offers an alternative route from Balranald to Hay. Oxley, a historic town located near the junction of the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Rivers, is part of the traditional lands of the Muthi Muthi tribe. The town was named after explorer John Oxley, who, along with Major Mitchell, relied on Indigenous guides like Tourandury and Ballandella to navigate the region.

Hatfield

Along the Ivanhoe Road, you'll find the ruins of an old pub, a reminder of the area's past. The vast outback landscape, with its salt plains, red sand dunes, and starry nights, offers breathtaking beauty.  The local recreation hall hosts various events, such as the annual "Hatfield Happening," a fundraising high tea. As you travel the Ivanhoe Road, you'll encounter the ruins of an old pub, a reminder of the area's history. A unique spot to take a break and stretch your legs on your trip around the area.

Clare

Clare, a small community between Balranald and Ivanhoe, is centred around its local public school, which was established in 1985. The school serves the surrounding farming communities.