Outback NSW is as much a part of Australian identity as the expansive beaches and hopping wildlife. Aboriginal people have lived here continually for over 60,000 years.It’s a vibrant region of red soil and deep blue skies, of sizzling days and chilly nights, of rugged characters and warm hospitality.

No, you won’t find lush palm-treed hotels and expansive theme parks where the kids are whisked away and amused for hours by trained staff. Instead, this wide brown land offers the chance to connect with ancient culture and pioneering spirit. It’s a place where history comes to life and family time is precious time; where the technology of our modern era seems out of place and chats around a campfire more familiar.

It seems incongruent, then, when you round a bend and see a world class radio telescope in the midst of a sheep paddock, but surprises are what this region is made of. From here, the first images of Neil Armstrong landing on the moon were broadcast to the world. And the telescope’s network of space exploration equipment is still responsible for the discovery of black holes and new galaxies.

It doesn’t matter if you are cycling up to African animals and helping prisoners ‘escape’ in Dubbo; watching shearers in action in Hay; following rusty car doors in Lightning Ridge or listening (enthralled) to the stories of Henry Lawson in Bourke. This region is one of exploration and outdoor education. Long after your visit your kids will study the history of this region in school. Imagine their delight when they can excitedly raise their hand and say, “I remember that, I went there!”