The Jump-Up Loop Road to the north leads towards the
Queensland border and the Silver City Highway. On this road
you’ll find the Olive Downs campground, 55km north of Tibooburra.
Here you can camp in a remote area and wander the ruins of Olive
Downs station.
The 110km three-hour self-guided drive along the Jump-Up Loop
Road takes you through some amazing and harsh country, including
desert areas, gibber rock plains and red dune country. The excellent
loop is dotted with the odd tree and small rocky gorges, to give it
a moon-like landscape. Be warned, though, this is a very remote,
harsh area and you need to be well-prepared with food, water and
communication. There is no phone reception here, so it’s best to
advise someone of your travels.
Another highlight of Sturt National Park is to spend a night or
two camping at Fort Grey. Located 110km west of Tibooburra, this
campground is situated near Lake Pinaroo, where you can walk
across the dry lakebed via Wells Walk to Sturt’s Tree. When full, this
lake is alive with birds and other animals enjoying the cool waters
of the outback.
Middle Road, which starts just north of Fort Grey, takes you
eastward along the Wild Dog Fence (formerly the Dingo Fence)
through a diverse landscape of low flood and gibber plains, and
along the edges of red sand dunes. This 80km road passes the top
end of Lake Pinaroo, offering vast views of the lake’s beauty. Other
highlights along the way include historic bronco horse yards and
several bores. Middle Road is a relatively easy drive and it joins
back on to Toona Gate Road, which is 75km north of Tibooburra.
Sturt National Park has stayed virtually untouched since the days
of Charles Sturt’s expedition. With an array of endangered flora and
fauna, as well as historical landmarks and significant tourist
opportunities, it’s a park well worth a visit.
Your vehicle must be
equippedto tackle
some corrugations.Camping at Fort Grey
near Lake Pinaroo.It’s a very remote, harsh area
and you need to be well-
prepared with food, water
and communication
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EXPLORE STURT NATIONAL PARK, NSW