Silverton

Silverton is a quirky, sun-baked ghost town in the far west of New South Wales, not far from Broken Hill. Its dusty, wide streets and historic stone buildings have been the backdrop for countless Australian films, including Mad Max 2. Today, it's a living museum where you can wander into old pubs, browse eccentric galleries, and feel the raw outback atmosphere.

Highlights & What to See

• Silverton Hotel – an iconic outback pub with a corrugated-iron roof, cold beer, and walls covered in memorabilia from film shoots and local history.
• Mad Max 2 Museum – a small, passionate collection of props, vehicles, and costumes from the classic post-apocalyptic film.
• Daydream Mine – a restored silver mine offering guided tours that give a glimpse into the harsh life of 19th-century miners.
• Silverton Gaol – a tiny, atmospheric jail that once held rowdy miners and now houses local history displays.
• Outback art galleries – several studios and galleries showcase works by local artists, often inspired by the stark desert landscape.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to explore Silverton's main street, pop into the pub and museum, and visit the gaol. If you want to take a tour of Daydream Mine, allow a full day. The town is best visited as a side trip from Broken Hill, which is only 25 kilometres away.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Broken Hill – the historic mining city with its own art galleries, the Living Desert Sculptures, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service base.
• Mutawintji National Park – a stunning outback park with Aboriginal rock art, gorges, and waterholes, about 130 km north-east.
• Menindee Lakes – a series of ephemeral lakes that attract birdlife and offer fishing and camping, about 110 km south-east.
• Kinchega National Park – adjacent to Menindee, with historic woolsheds and river red gum forests.

Please check official sources for current details.