Photo: SCHolar44 / CC0
Silverton is a tiny, sun-baked former mining town in outback New South Wales, famous for its wild west atmosphere and as the filming location for classics like 'Mad Max 2' and 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'. It's a must-visit for film buffs and anyone wanting a taste of authentic Australian outback character.
Highlights & What to See
- Mad Max 2 Museum: A quirky private collection of vehicles, props, and memorabilia from the iconic film, run by a passionate local enthusiast.
- Historic Streetscape: Wander the dusty main street lined with original stone buildings, including the Silverton Hotel, post office, and gaol – all still in use.
- Silverton Gaol: A tiny historic jail that once held rowdy miners; now a museum with tales of the town's rough past.
- Outback Art & Craft: Browse galleries like the Silverton Art Centre and the Silverton Silo Art, showcasing local talent and outback themes.
- Broken Hill Lookout: A short drive away, this viewpoint offers panoramic views over the Barrier Ranges and the vast, arid plains.
Suggested Time to Spend
Half a day is ample to explore Silverton's main attractions, including the museum, gaol, and a pub lunch. Most visitors combine it with a day trip from Broken Hill, which is 25 km south. If you're a film or history buff, you could easily stretch it to a full day, especially if you want to walk the streets and soak up the atmosphere.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Broken Hill: The iconic outback mining city, with its living desert sculpture park and excellent regional gallery – just 25 km south.
- Menindee Lakes: A series of lakes and wetlands that are a surprising oasis in the arid landscape, great for birdwatching and fishing.
- Mutawintji National Park: Ancient Aboriginal rock art sites and rugged gorges, about 130 km north-east of Silverton.
- Corner Country: The remote junction of NSW, South Australia, and Queensland, offering the legendary Corner Store pub and vast desert scenery.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Broken Hill — Steve Swayne / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Menindee Lakes — European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery / Attribution
- Mutawintji National Park — John Hill / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Corner Country — denisbin / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Living Desert State Park — CC BY-SA 3.0
- Silverton Hotel — SCHolar44 / CC0