Iandra Castle – A Castle You Can Visit In The NSW Central West

Iandra Castle – A Castle You Can Visit In The NSW Central West

Iandra Castle – A Castle You Can Visit In The NSW Central West

A real castle in the NSW Central West district that you can visit? Yes! Iandra Castle is a real castle (or it seems so to us) that’s located at Greenethorpe between Young and Cowra/Grenfell. We went for drive to have a look.

Amanda had been wanting to visit Iandra Castle for a couple of years ever since we saw a sign to it while out on the backroads around Young looking at some prospective free camping sites. We saw the sign pointing to Iandra Castle and figured hell yeah we’ve got to have a look at that! So we followed a few more signs and then we saw it in the distance – a massive castle. There’s really nothing else you could call it. We had a look at it from the road and wondered if you go inside for a look.

When we got home we looked it up and found out that they have open days throughout the year. It’s taken us a while to line up a free day on a weekend with an Iandra Castle open day but eventually things lined up so we bought our tickets. They were only $20 each.

On Sunday the 17th of March 2024 we headed out. It’s only an hours drive from our home in Cootamundra via some country back roads. Really a very nice drive. When we got there we were surprised to see just how many people were there. I counted 120+ cars in the parking area (there’s loads of parking available).

Out The Front Of Iandra Castle

Out The Front Of Iandra Castle

The castle itself was enormous. We lost count of how many rooms there were. It’s fully furnished with items back in the day. The level of craftsmanship that has gone into the castle’s creation is fantastic. There’s wood panelling everywhere, the trim and mouldings around the doors are incredible. The bay windows are absolute works of art. A lot of the stonework is carved from locally quarried granite. I’m no expert on architecture but I know when I’m looking at something extraordinary and that’s what I was looking at.

We spent a couple of hours looking through the main house as well as the stables. we could have spent more time but we had to get back to Young to do a few things on our way home. I highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area when an open day is on.

Looking At Iandra Castle Through The Entry Archway To The Stables

Looking At Iandra Castle Through The Entry Archway To The Stables

About Iandra Castle

Located just south of Greenethorpe within the Weddin Shire Iandra Castle is a large heritage listed castle. As arguably Australia’s largest and most innovative wheat farming enterprise from 1878-1911, the Iandra Homestead Pastoral Estate of 32,000 acres was originally established by George Henry Greene on 32,000 acres. In 1893, its owner, George Henry Greene, pioneered share-farming at Iandra, revolutionizing wheat growing in Australia.

You can tour the castle by appointment or by tour, however you can see glimpses of it from the road.

A complete feudal estate closely modelled on the English Manor system was established at Iandra in Australia, making it one of the rare examples of the type to be established in the country. The entire estate was constructed for the Iandra homestead owner, centred on the homestead and wheat production, including the adjacent Greenethorpe village that Greene built for his tenants during the Federation period. It consists of the magnificent Federation homestead, park-like gardens, original workers cottages, manager residence, blacksmith, chapel, cemetery, wool and hay sheds, silos, other outbuildings, associated buildings, and farmland surrounding the estate, which has reduced in size to approximately 3,000 acres (1215 ha).

Incredible Craftsmanship In This Bay Window

Incredible Craftsmanship In This Bay Window

Iandra Castle Restoration

Listed on the NSW Heritage Database, Iandra is currently privately owned. Since its listing in 2004, only proceeds from the Open Days and other events have been used to fund the restoration. It has not received a grant from Heritage grants since its listing.

The late David and Margaret Morris bought Mt Oriel homestead in 1975. The majority of the restoration work that has been carried out can be attributed directly to them.

Dining Room Fit For A King

Dining Room Fit For A King

Getting To Iandra Castle

You can find Iandra Castle 11km south of Greenethorpe on Iandra Road. It’s roughly in the centre of a triangle formed by the towns of Grenfell, Cowra and Young in Central West NSW.

Travel From to Iandra CastleDistanceTime
Adelaide1,029km11:03
Albury307km03:15
Brisbane1,094km12:09
Canberra175km02:11
Gundagai130km01:31
Melbourne632km06:25
Sydney390km04:07
Wagga Wagga168km02:08
Bushwalking In Jindalee National Park

Bushwalking In Jindalee National Park

Bushwalking In Jindalee National Park

We went Bushwalking In Jindalee National Park along the Scotts Loop And Echinda Track. The walk is a 5.6km loop trail near Cootamundra New South Wales. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This track is great for mountain biking and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring.

We used the AllTrails App to find the walk as well as map our progress. We find the AllTrails App to be an excellent guide while walking. It lets you know exactly where you are on the track so there’s little to no chance of getting lost. Amanda and I are fairly experienced walkers however the app gives us an added level of safety and security. It’s also a great way of finding walks that you otherwise never know existed.

Kite Trail And Ironbark Trail Intersection

Kite Trail And Ironbark Trail Intersection

Jindalee National Park lies on the South West Slopes of New South Wales, ten kilometres north of Cootamundra. Burley Griffin Way runs along the northern boundary of the park. Jindalee National Park is less than 15 minutes drive from our house in Cootamundra NSW. It’s a great place for a visit especially if you are into bush walking or mountain biking.

Scotts Loop The Valley And Echidna Track

Scotts Loop The Valley And Echidna Track

Jindalee National Park History

A forest reserve was established in 1877, and in August 1918, it was reclassified as a state forest. To protect remaining cypress pine woodlands across New South Wales from clearing, the park was reserved under the National Park Estate (South-Western Cypress Reservations) Act (2010) in January 2011.

Jindalee National Park Map Scotts Loop The Valley And Echidna Track

Jindalee National Park Map Scotts Loop The Valley And Echidna Track

Park Features

A strip of private farmland along Berthong Rd separates the park into two parts. Numerous minor drainage lines dissect the undulating terrain. Historically the state forest has been a popular place for motorbike riding and, in later years, mountain biking. As a result of the reservation, all of the existing roads within the park remain accessible to public vehicles, however all vehicles must be registered and their use is limited to the established trails.

David And Amanda Walking In Jindalee National Park

David And Amanda Walking In Jindalee National Park

Jindalee National Park Flora

The park consists of several vegetation communities. The park is 74 percent Mugga Ironbark-mixed box woodland, 20 percent Mugga Ironbark-Western Grey Box-Cypress Pine woodland, and 5.8 percent cleared land. A critically endangered ecological community in NSW, the White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland, occupies 0.2 percent of the park.

Amanda On Scotts Loop The Valley And Echidna Track

Amanda On Scotts Loop The Valley And Echidna Track

Tumut Riverwalk Is A Great Day Out

Tumut Riverwalk Is A Great Day Out

Tumut Riverwalk Is A Great Day Out

The Tumut Riverwalk is a great day out in Tumut NSW. This fun and easy little walk is in the town of Tumut on the edge of Kosciuszko National Park close to the NSW and ACT borders.

Tumut Riverwalk Map

Tumut Riverwalk Map

In Tumut New South Wales you will find this 3.4-km loop trail that makes for an easy and enjoyable walk. An average of 47 minutes is needed to complete this route. It is considered an easy route. In quieter hours of the day, you may still enjoy some solitude along this popular trail for birdwatching, mountain biking, and running. January through February are the best months to visit this trail.

Underneath View of The Old Tumut River Bridge

Underneath View of The Old Tumut River Bridge

The loop features a walk along the Tumut River as well as a walk through the Tumut Community Labyrinth for Peace. A picnic can be enjoyed at the Bull Paddock Reserve or at the picnic facilities. This walk is a favourite among families because it offers plenty of things to see and do for kids.

Horses Seen From The Tumut Riverwalk

Horses Seen From The Tumut Riverwalk

Amanda and I did this walk on a quiet Sunday morning in early February. It got a bit warm towards the end of the walk and we were glad that we had set off nice and early. A few beers and some lunch at the Royal Hotel in town finished off what was a very enjoyable day.

Royal Hotel Tumut

Royal Hotel Tumut

Visit The Tumut Community Labyrinth For Peace On The Tumut Riverwalk

Part of the Tumut Riverwalk goes through the Tumut Community Labyrinth. Through the Tumut Labyrinth community service is celebrated in peace and conflict. All people young and old, together or alone, can use this place of reflection and contemplation in Pioneer Park.

Tumut Rotary Park Tumut Community Labyrinth For Peace

Tumut Rotary Park Tumut Community Labyrinth For Peace

The path is wide enough to accommodate two people walking together including caregivers for children and the less able. It is plenty wide enough to facilitate access by wheelchair or motorised scooters. Way stations provide places on the journey for rest and reflection. Stories of local Indigenous and European settlement are outlined on panels in the way stations.

Horses Seen From The Tumut River Walk

Horses Seen From The Tumut River Walk

Dig Tree To Haddon Corner Via Planet Arrabury Road

Dig Tree To Haddon Corner Via Planet Arrabury Road

Dig Tree To Haddon Corner Via Planet Arrabury Road

The Dig Tree to Haddon Corner via the Planet Arrabury Road. Another day on the MARS Enthusiasts 2019 National Muster. We called in at Nulla Outstation along the way. We left the dig Tree and headed north on the Planet Arrabury Road. Our final destination for the day was Birdsville however we planned to call in at Haddon Corner for a look.

The Planet Arrabury Road

The Planet Arrabury road varies from quite rough with large stones (some big enough to end your day) though to sandy and it eventually becomes a wide gravel highway towards the northern end. The first part of the southern section was awesome. The Cooper Creek basin and northwards is an ancient valley. You are surrounded by eroded flat-topped mesas that let you see the original level of the land as it had been millions of years ago. The planet Arrabury Road follows the valley floor. You are surrounded by fantastic ochre coloured hills – it looks a lot like the painted desert out from Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta. It’d be an awesomely magical sight from the right vantage point at sunset.

Traffic Jam On The Planet Arrabury Road

Traffic Jam On The Planet Arrabury Road

We called in at Nulla Outstation for a look and to break up the trip. What a nice little detour it was. The old outstation looks just like it must have a hundred years ago. It shows signs of recent use. There are some more modern (albeit dodgy looking dongas) alongside the old building that are probably see more use these days more than the original. On the way back out of Nulla Outstation one of our fellow MARS Enthusiasts Scott White mentioned he’d seen a nice old antique shovel on his way in and he was going to pull over and pick it up. Guess what? Turns out it was his own bloody shovel that must have fallen off his car on the way in. It gave us all one hell of a good laugh!

Nulla Outstation Bunkhouse 2019

Nulla Outstation Bunkhouse 2019

After a few hours the Planet Arrabury Rd rises up onto the tableland. From here to the end the changes are more subtle. As usual out this way there’s a lot of of gibber country and stretches of flood plains and sand country. Eventually you get to Sturt’s Stony Desert. He wasn’t mucking about when he named it either! It’s a never ending view of gibbers covering the landscape. Good old Charles Sturt walked through this country in one direction then walked back through it in the other because he was enthralled by the landscape. The bloke must have been absolutely bloody bonkers.

Entry To Nulla Station Bunkhouse

Entry To Nulla Station Bunkhouse

200km north of the Innamincka/Thargomindah Road you come to the turnoff to Haddon Corner. After we’d all come this far there was no way we weren’t calling in for a look!

Haddon Corner

From the Arrabury road, take the Haddon Corner turn off. A green finger sign points to Haddon Corner. The road is gravel, but it’s generally in quite good shape. There will be a difference depending on whether rain has fallen recently. All roads in the region would become impassable if that were the case. A 15-km drive will take you to Haddon Corner. The final two kilometres are across two sand dunes. While these sand dunes aren’t large, dragging a caravan through them wouldn’t be a bright idea. Campers with off-road tyres could get in with reduced tyre pressures. We all unhooked our vans and camper trailers at the base of the first dune, and drove in with just our vehicles. The track across the first dune from the end of the main track is well enough – it’s both easy to find and easy to follow.

Drone Shot The Crew At Haddon Corner

Drone Shot The Crew At Haddon Corner

We all had our photos taken and signed the visitors book. El Supremo Peter Woolsey put up his drone and took some fantastic videos and photos – thanks Pete you’re a legend! Other than the corner marker there isn’t mush to see – in fact there’s nothing but that isn’t the point. The point is being there. There’s a lot of dust and wide expanses of pretty much nothing except for sand and rocks with the odd shrub having a crack at survival. There are no facilities and this really would be remote camping. There is a picnic shelter if you’re keen on spreading out the rug and munching on some cucumber sangas.

MARS Enthusiasts 2019 National Muster At Haddon Corner

MARS Enthusiasts 2019 National Muster At Haddon Corner

Camping At Haddon Corner

There’s a free camp at Haddon Corner. This free camping area is 4WD only and for tents and camper trailers only. Pets are allowed.

Haddon Corner Location

  • 165.25kms East of Birdsville
  • 178.05kms West of Windorah
  • 195.77kms North of Innamincka
  • 359.13kms South of Boulia

Haddon Corner is the north-eastern corner of the state of South Australia where it meets with Queensland. It was first surveyed by John Carruthers, Lawrence Allen Wells, and Augustus Poeppel around 1883.

Silverton Caravan Park – Silverton Camping At Penrose Park

Silverton Caravan Park – Silverton Camping At Penrose Park

Silverton Caravan Park – Silverton Camping At Penrose Park

Silverton Caravan Park (Penrose Park) is only 5 minutes from the Mundi Mundi bash location and a 20 minute drive from Broken Hill. You’ll find everything you need at Penrose Park.

We’ve been there loads of times – it’s one of our favourite places to camp. You get the facilities of a caravan park without the crowding and small sites and all with the feel of remote area camping. The Silverton Caravan Park campground offers spacious powered camping sites as well as a wide range of camping options. The park is situated right on the border of the breathtaking Mundi Mundi Plain and nestled beside the serene Umberumberka Creek, providing a tranquil escape. You won’t be disappointed by Penrose Park.

Silverton Caravan Park Penrose Park

Silverton Caravan Park Penrose Park

Top 5 Things To Do While Staying At The Silverton Caravan Park Besides The Mundi Mundi Bash!

Here’s a list of the top five things to do in Silverton NSW.

  1. Silverton Ghost Town – Walk through Silverton’s historic ghost town. You’ll find old buildings and relics from its past as a mining town. It’s like stepping back in time!
  2. Mad Max Museum – Discover the iconic film history of Silverton at the Mad Max Museum. See props, vehicles, and memorabilia from the famous Mad Max movies filmed in the area.
  3. Enjoy a Meal at the Silverton Hotel – Grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink at the Silverton Hotel a famous outback pub with a rich history and friendly atmosphere.
  4. Silverton Gaol Museum – Strike a pose and snap some photos at the Silverton Gaol Museum, a former jailhouse turned museum filled with interesting exhibits and artifacts.
  5. Outback Scenery – Marvel at the breathtaking outback scenery surrounding Silverton. Have a look at vast desert plains. There’s loads of rugged natural beauty to explore.

Iconic Silverton Hotel

Iconic Silverton Hotel

Silverton Hotel

A hallmark of Silverton – the iconic Silverton Hotel. Although it has become one of the most filmed and photographed hotels in the country, the iconic pub has maintained its laid-back country lifestyle. Cold beers and wines are available at the pub along with the famous Silverton Hotel Hot Dogs – available all day. There are beer gardens and verandas that can cater to large and small groups with full hotel services available. In addition to sharing local knowledge with visitors, Peter & Patsy Price and their staff are always happy to show visitors the hotel’s memorabilia. A good range of souvenirs are available.

Ice Cold Beers At The Silverton Hotel

Ice Cold Beers At The Silverton Hotel

Third time’s a charm at the Silverton Pub. The original hotel, a single story building, was built in 1884 to serve the growing number of miners in the town. A two storey model replaced this a year later as the growing Silverton population got thirstier and thirstier. Mining is thirsty work after all1 The building burnt down in 1918 and this is when the Silverton Post Office became the current Silverton Hotel. The ruins of this hotel have been retained adjacent to the accommodation, as it was the birth place of a company as we know today BHP Billiton. A copy of the companies incorporation hangs in the Hotel. While the mining Industry has developed in Broken hill the Silverton Pub has continued to thrive. These days it’s a mainstay of the film industry and a tourist mecca.

Mundi Mundi Lookout Near Silverton Caravan Park Penrose Park

Mundi Mundi Lookout Near Silverton Caravan Park Penrose Park

Silverton Caravan Park (Penrose Park)

Bookings are essential around the time of the Mundi Mundi Bash and are recommended at all other times.

Welcome Sign To Front Office Silverton Caravan Park Camping

Welcome Sign To Front Office Silverton Caravan Park Camping

Type: Caravan Park
Cost: $20 per night two adults unpowered (Sep 2023)
Location: Penrose Park Rd, Silverton, New South Wales
GPS: -31.882346°, 141.229573°
Phone: 0458 600 891
Web: https://penroseparksilverton.com
Email: [email protected]
Pet Friendly: Yes

Hot Showers While Camping At Silverton

Hot Showers While Camping At Silverton

Getting To Silverton

Getting to Silverton from Sydney by car is an adventure. Here’s a simple guide.

  1. Take the Western Motorway (M4) – Drive west on the M4 motorway, which will lead you out of Sydney and in the right general direction.
  2. Continue on the Great Western Highway (A32) – Stay on the Great Western Highway as it takes you through the Blue Mountains and towards the town of Bathurst.
  3. Turn onto the Mitchell Highway (B81) –  In Bathurst, turn onto the Mitchell Highway (B81), heading north towards Dubbo.
  4. Follow the Signs to Silverton –  After passing through Dubbo continue on the Mitchell Highway until you reach Broken Hill.
  5. Drive to Silverton – From Broken Hill, follow the signs to Silverton. It’s a short drive from Broken Hill to Silverton. To keep things interesting see if you count the number of “DIP” signs between Broken Hill and Silverton – is it 37 or 38 (some say 39)?
Travel From to SilvertonDistanceTime
Adelaide538km05:56
Brisbane1,542km16:44
Melbourne859km09:55
Sydney1,166km13:18

Plenty Of Clean Toilets Penrose Park Camping

Plenty Of Clean Toilets Penrose Park Camping

Free Camping In Nyngan NSW At Nyngan Rest Area

Free Camping In Nyngan NSW At Nyngan Rest Area

Free Camping In Nyngan NSW At Nyngan Rest Area

This rest area is a great place for overnight free camping in Nyngan NSW. We’ve stayed here a couple of times on our travels. Nyngan is one of those places we are always passing through at the beginning or end of a trip and this free camp in Nyngan is just perfect to break up a long trip.

Overnight Free Camping In Nyngan 2019

Overnight Free Camping In Nyngan 2019

Free Camping In Nyngan NSW At Nyngan Rest Area

This free camp in Nyngan has toilets, drinking water and a dump point. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. You can stay here for up to 24 hours. There is a dump point nearby.

Nyngan Dump Point

Nyngan Dump Point

It’s just a short walk across across the railway line into town. We highly recommend the Nyngan RSL club if you’re looking for dinner. The T-bone steaks are huge! You must be fully self-contained.

Darcy Freight Lines Abandoned Building In Nyngan NSW

Darcy Freight Lines Abandoned Building In Nyngan NSW

If you are looking for free camping in Nyngan NSW then this is the place to stop.

IMG 6714

IMG 6714

Top Ten Things To Do In Nyngan

Here’s a list of the top ten things to do in Nyngan New South Wales.

  1. Bogan River Walk – Go for a walk along the Bogan River. There are plenty of great views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
  2. Nyngan Riverside Camping Area – Set up camp at the Nyngan Riverside Camping Area and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the Bogan River. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply relax by the riverside with your loved ones.
  3. Nyngan Museum – Check out the history of Nyngan at the Nyngan Museum. There are loads of exhibits and stories that showcase the town’s past beginning with its indigenous roots to its pioneer days.
  4. Nyngan Solar Farm –  Visit the Nyngan Solar Farm, one of the largest solar plants in the Southern Hemisphere.
  5. Girilambone Observatory – Goon a celestial journey at the Girilambone Observatory where you can marvel at the wonders of the night sky through powerful telescopes. Experience the magic of stargazing and gain insights into the universe.
  6. Nyngan Ag Expo – If you’re visiting during August, don’t miss the Nyngan Ag Expo, a celebration of agriculture and rural life.
  7. Cobb & Co. Changing Station – Step back in time at the Cobb & Co. Changing Station. The Cobb & Co changing station is a heritage listed building that once served as a vital stop for travellers and mail coaches. Have a good look around the restored station.
  8. Outdoor Recreation – Get out into the great outdoors with a range of recreational activities. You’ve got bushwalking, birdwatching, and photography. Nearby national parks, nature reserves and scenic viewpoints all close to town.
  9. Take Your Photo Alongside The Big Bogan – Go on, you know you want to do it! Located in the park in the middle of town is the iconic, some might even say world famous “Big Bogan”. Be a proud Aussie and unleash your inner bogan and get a happy snap with him.
  10. Community Events and Festivals – Immerse yourself in Nyngan’s vibrant community spirit by attending local events, festivals, and markets throughout the year.

The Big Bogan Nyngan NSW

The Big Bogan Nyngan NSW

Getting To Nyngan

From Sydney, take the M4 motorway heading west towards the Blue Mountains. Continue onto the Great Western Highway (A32), which will take you through the Blue Mountains and towards Bathurst. In Bathurst, take the Mitchell Highway (A32) towards Orange and continue along the highway towards Dubbo. From Dubbo, continue on the Mitchell Highway (A32) towards Nyngan. The total driving distance is approximately 550 kilometers, and the journey takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Travel From to NynganDistanceTime
Adelaide1,105km11:44
Brisbane929km10:09
Melbourne884km09:25
Sydney632km05:38

Abandoned Pub In Nyngan NSW

Abandoned Pub In Nyngan NSW