Six places to unplug on a digital detox

The best way to kickstart a digital detox is to ditch the temptation, by heading somewhere where phone reception is as rare as a barista-brewed latte. And what better place to switch off than Outback NSW, where there’s an endless stretch of rugged landscapes and enough wildlife spotting to keep you busy for days.

There are plenty of options to choose from, like Dead Horse Gully campground in Sturt National Park, near Tibooburra. You can camp among the massive granite boulders and explore the area along The Granites walking track, a 4km loop that takes you past desert bloodwoods and the iconic red of Sturt’s desert peas. It’s home to kangaroos and some pretty spectacular birdlife.

The campground isn’t too far from town, so you can pick up some supplies on the way and cook up an outback feast on the free barbecue facilities (just remember to treat the water from campground taps before drinking it). By the time you’re ready to turn in for the night, you’ll have forgotten all about checking your work emails.

Heading out on a nature walk in a NSW national park is one of the best ways to fill your cup and make you feel truly refreshed. Whether it’s an easy stroll with the family or a long hike with friends, a walk can focus your attention on the present rather than what’s happening on your socials. Bonus points if you can soak it up through your eyes rather than the lens of your phone camera.

There are plenty of walks to choose from, but for fresh air and wide open spaces you can’t beat Country NSW. Some campgrounds, like Dawsons Spring campground and picnic area in Mount Kaputar National Park near Narrabri aren’t powered, so you’ll feel pretty justified putting your phone away to save the battery for emergencies.

The campground is the starting point for a number of walking tracks, like Dawsons Spring nature trail. It’s a family favourite, with pretty waterfalls and wildflowers along the way. For a heart-racing walk with stunning 360-degree views of the mountain range, set out on the Mount Kaputar summit walk, which winds its way through towering eucalypts before emerging at Mount Kaputar summit lookout. 

The problem with social media is that there’s so much pressure to share every social event, every outfit and every perfectly plated meal. It’s enough to give you FOMO on the daily. Instead of feeling jealous at everyone’s curated life, why not distract yourself by focusing on planning your own weekend away to somewhere gorgeous like the Murray-Riverina? 

This region is known as river red gum country and home to places like Benarca campgrounds in Murray Valley Regional Park. It’s a great spot to set up your tent, camper trailer or caravan right beside the river and spend the weekend fishing, kayaking, paddling and mountain biking along the Five Mile mountain bike trail.

Still itching for some screen time? Distract yourself by heading into the town of Moama to enjoy an evening meal, a local museum or a peaceful ride along the Murray on a paddle steamer. The park is dog friendly, so you can even bring your best mate along on your weekend away, and make sure no one in the family gets FOMO.

Making plans IRL is one of the best ways to stay connected to your favourite people and avoid doomscrolling the day away. Even a night or two away can help you detach from your phone and give you a lifetime of memories that will make you feel way better than the the 24/7 news cycle does. And sure, if you want to take a few selfies to keep the memories alive, we won’t judge you for it.

Montague Island Nature Reserve on the South Coast near Narooma checks all the boxes for a weekend away with your besties. A lovingly-restored Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage perched on top of a remote island, a wildlife wonderland with hundreds of seals frolicking on the rocks, a walking track with panoramic vistas… it’s the kind of stuff Netflix movies are made of.

Doing a full digital detox can be tougher than you think. If you’re not sure you’re up for going cold turkey, why not start small by having a break from technology for small periods of time. Even heading out for a few hours and forcing yourself to not check your phone can make a world of difference to how you feel at the end of the day.

Bouddi coastal walk in Bouddi National Park is a good option if you feel like a tech-free morning on the Central Coast. It’s an 8km stretch of easy walking from from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach, with picturesque views of the coastline and some interesting spots like the PS Maitland shipwreck along the way. If the weather is nice, why not jump in the ocean for a dip as a reward?

Another option in Bouddi National Park is Strom loop, a gentle 5km loop that’s ideal for walking or cycling. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional swamp wallaby or echidna that call this park home, and don’t forget to look up — the birdwatching here is excellent. Halfway around the loop, you’ll find Mount Bouddi (Dingeldei) picnic area, where you can stop to enjoy morning tea in the shade.

Ever noticed the days when you’re super busy always seem to go by the fastest? Take the same approach to a digital detox, by filling your day with so many activities you won’t even think to check out the latest red carpet album from E News. Whether it’s your favourite activity or you’re trying something new, the trick is to challenge yourself enough to get totally absorbed by what you’re doing.

Heading somewhere with plenty of activities to choose from is a no brainer here, like the Tumut area in Kosciuszko National Park. You can start with a hike up to Blowering Falls on the Blowering Cliffs walking track, a 3hr hike that winds its way along open montane forest to views of the cliffs and waterfalls. It’s pretty steep, which is a good excuse to keep your eyes off your phone and on the track.

If you’re making a weekend of it, set up camp at Humes Crossing campground beside Blowering Dam. It’s a great spot to fish for cod or redfin, or enjoy some water sports. The kids can set up a game of cricket or splash around in the water while you set up the barbecue and plan the next day’s activities. While in the area, you can discover some of the most beautiful limestone caves in Australia, with Yarrangobilly show caves open to the public with both self-guided and guided tour options available.