Silverton

Silverton is a historic ghost town in the Australian Outback, renowned for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings and its role as a filming location for movies like Mad Max 2 and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. This tiny settlement offers a glimpse into the rugged life of the silver-mining era, with dusty streets, a classic outback pub, and a hauntingly beautiful desert landscape that feels frozen in time.

Highlights & What to See

• Silverton Hotel: An iconic outback pub with a corrugated-iron facade, serving cold beer and hearty meals. Check out the memorabilia from Mad Max 2 and other films shot here.
• Mad Max 2 Museum: A private collection of props, vehicles, and costumes from the film, including the famous V8 Interceptor. A must for movie buffs.
• Historic Buildings: Wander the town’s main street to see the courthouse, jail, and post office, all dating back to the 1880s.
• Silverton Gaol: A small but atmospheric jail that once held rowdy miners. Now a museum with eerie displays.
• Outback Art Galleries: Several galleries showcase works by local artists, capturing the stark beauty of the region.
• Ghost Tours: Join a nighttime tour to hear tales of the town’s haunted past and paranormal activity.

Suggested Time to Spend

Silverton can be explored in a half-day, but to fully appreciate its atmosphere and visit the museum and galleries, plan for 2–3 hours. If you’re a film enthusiast or want to enjoy a meal at the pub, allow a full afternoon. Combine with a visit to Broken Hill, just 25 km away, to make a day trip.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Broken Hill: A vibrant mining city with art galleries, the Living Desert Sculptures, and a rich mining history. Just a 25-minute drive from Silverton.
• Mundi Mundi Plains: Vast, flat plains that stretch to the horizon, offering stunning sunsets and a true outback experience. Located on the road to Silverton.
• Menindee Lakes: A series of freshwater lakes and wetlands about 100 km south, perfect for birdwatching and camping amid red sand dunes.
• Kinchega National Park: Adjacent to Menindee Lakes, this park features historic homesteads, Aboriginal sites, and abundant wildlife.
• White Cliffs: A opal-mining town with underground homes and a unique lunar-like landscape, about 250 km north of Silverton.

Please check official sources for current details.