Broken Hill

Broken Hill is a legendary outback mining town in far western New South Wales, where the red desert meets a rich silver, lead, and zinc mining history. This is a place of stark beauty, frontier spirit, and remarkable galleries, making it an essential stop on any outback self-drive itinerary. The town’s heritage-listed buildings, underground mine tours, and the living desert sculptures create an unforgettable encounter with Australia’s interior.

Highlights & What to See

• Living Desert Sculptures – A hilltop trail dotted with striking sandstone sculptures by international artists, best seen at sunset for panoramic views over the red plains.
• Broken Hill Outback Astronomy – The clear, dark skies offer incredible stargazing; join a tour or simply look up after dusk.
• Daydream Mine – An underground tour that vividly recounts the hardships of 19th-century mining, complete with a bushman’s lunch.
• Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience – Learn about the iconic service that provides medical care across remote Australia.
• Silver City Mint & Art Centre – See the world’s largest silver coin and browse local opals and artworks.
• Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery – Home to an impressive collection of Australian outback art, including works by Pro Hart.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two full days allow you to explore the main attractions comfortably. Spend the first day on the Living Desert Sculptures and the mine tour, and the second visiting the galleries and the Flying Doctor base. If you’re on a longer self-drive, a third day lets you venture further into the surrounding national parks or take a scenic flight over the Menindee Lakes.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Menindee Lakes – A series of ephemeral lakes about 110 km east, perfect for birdwatching and fishing.
• Silverton – A historic ghost town 25 km north, famous as the filming location for Mad Max 2 and home to the Silverton Hotel.
• Mutawintji National Park – 130 km north-east, featuring ancient Aboriginal rock art and rugged gorges.
• White Cliffs – 260 km north-west, an opal-mining town where you can stay in an underground dugout.
• Mungo National Park – 150 km south-west, a World Heritage site with the Walls of China lunette and human remains dating back 40,000 years.

Please check official sources for current details.