Broken Hill, New South Wales: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Broken Hill is Australia’s first and only city to be included on the National Heritage List? This fascinating outback destination, nestled in the far west of New South Wales, earned this prestigious recognition in 2015 for its remarkable mining history, distinctive architecture, and cultural significance. Known as the “Silver City,” Broken Hill offers visitors a unique blend of rugged outback landscapes, rich mining heritage, and a thriving arts scene that has attracted creative minds for generations.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Broken Hill is located in the far west of New South Wales, approximately 1,160 km (720 miles) west of Sydney and 508 km (315 miles) northeast of Adelaide. The remote location is part of its charm, but it also means some planning is required for your journey.

By Air

The most convenient way to reach Broken Hill is by air. Regional Express (REX) operates regular flights to Broken Hill Airport (BHQ) from Sydney, Adelaide, and Dubbo. Flight time from Sydney is approximately 2.5 hours.

By Road

If you prefer a road trip adventure, several routes lead to Broken Hill:

• From Sydney: Take the Great Western Highway through the Blue Mountains, then the Barrier Highway (A32) – approximately 13 hours driving time
• From Adelaide: Follow the Barrier Highway (A32) east – approximately 6 hours driving time
• From Melbourne: Travel via Mildura along the Silver City Highway – approximately 9 hours driving time

Note that you’ll be traveling through remote areas, so ensure your vehicle is in good condition, carry extra water, and inform someone of your travel plans.

By Rail

The iconic Indian Pacific train stops at Broken Hill twice weekly in each direction as it travels between Sydney and Perth. This historic rail journey offers a unique way to experience the changing landscapes of Australia.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Broken Hill experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit depends on your tolerance for heat and your planned activities.

Seasonal Overview

Weather Tips

• Broken Hill receives minimal rainfall (around 235 mm annually), but when it does rain, it can be heavy and cause flash flooding
• The region is known for dust storms, particularly in spring and summer
• UV radiation is intense year-round – always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
• Temperature variations between day and night can be significant, especially in winter – pack layers

Special Events

Consider timing your visit to coincide with one of Broken Hill’s vibrant events:

• Broken Heel Festival (September) – A fabulous celebration of drag, music, and culture inspired by the film “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”
• Heritage Festival (April) – Showcasing the city’s rich history and cultural heritage
• Perfect Light Film Festival (March) – An outdoor film festival under the stars

Getting Around Locally

Broken Hill is a compact city with a grid layout, making it relatively easy to navigate. The main commercial area is centered around Argent Street, which runs parallel to the famous Line of Lode.

Transportation Options

• Walking: The city center is walkable, with many attractions within a reasonable distance of each other
• Rental Cars: The most flexible option for exploring Broken Hill and its surroundings, especially if you plan to visit nearby attractions like Silverton or Menindee Lakes
• Taxis: Available for short trips within the city
• Tours: Several local operators offer guided tours of the city and surrounding areas

Local Tip

Where to Stay

Broken Hill offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. From historic hotels with character to modern motels and cozy bed and breakfasts, you’ll find something to make your stay comfortable.

Historic Hotels

For a truly authentic experience, consider staying at one of Broken Hill’s historic hotels:

• The Palace Hotel: Made famous by the movie “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” this heritage-listed hotel features stunning murals, a grand staircase, and 48 rooms including the famous Priscilla Suite
• Royal Exchange Hotel: A beautifully restored heritage building offering comfortable rooms with period features

Modern Accommodations

If you prefer contemporary comforts:

• Red Earth Motel: Clean, comfortable rooms with modern amenities
• Broken Hill Outback Resort: Offers a range of accommodation options from luxury cabins to caravan sites
• Daydream Motel: Budget-friendly option with clean rooms and good facilities

Unique Stays

For something different:

• Broken Hill Heritage Cottages: Restored miners’ cottages offering self-contained accommodation
• Outback Farmstays: Experience authentic outback life on a working property

Dining & Local Cuisine

Broken Hill’s dining scene offers everything from classic outback pub meals to modern cafes and restaurants. The city’s isolation has fostered a self-sufficient food culture with some unique local specialties.

Must-Try Dining Experiences

• The Palace Hotel Restaurant: Dine under magnificent murals in this iconic venue featured in “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”
• Silly Goat Cafe: A local favorite for excellent coffee, breakfast, and lunch with fresh, creative dishes
• Bell’s Milk Bar: Step back in time at this authentic 1950s milk bar serving classic milkshakes, spiders (ice cream floats), and light meals
• Broken Hill Pub: Enjoy hearty outback meals and cold drinks in a traditional Australian pub setting

Local Specialties

While in Broken Hill, be sure to try:

• Kangaroo steaks – lean, flavorful meat that’s a sustainable Australian specialty
• Quandong desserts – dishes featuring this native peach, often in pies or jams
• Outback-sized steaks – hearty cuts that reflect the region’s pastoral heritage
• Locally brewed beers from the Broken Hill Distillery

Dining Tips

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Broken Hill offers a fascinating mix of mining heritage, natural beauty, and artistic attractions. Here are the must-see sights and experiences that showcase the best of this unique outback city.

Mining Heritage

• Line of Lode Miner’s Memorial: This striking memorial sits atop the massive mullock heap that divides the city. It commemorates the 800+ miners who lost their lives working in Broken Hill’s mines and offers panoramic views of the city
• Daydream Mine: Take an underground tour of this historic silver mine to experience the harsh conditions miners faced in the 19th century
• Albert Kersten Mining and Minerals Museum: Explore the geological history of the region and marvel at the 42kg silver nugget on display

Natural Attractions

• Living Desert Reserve and Sculptures: Located 9km from the city center, this 2,400-hectare reserve features 12 stunning sandstone sculptures created by international artists in 1993. The sculptures are particularly magical at sunset
• Mundi Mundi Plains: Just outside Silverton, these vast plains offer an incredible sense of the outback’s immensity, with views that seem to stretch forever
• Menindee Lakes: About 110km southeast of Broken Hill, this lake system provides a stark contrast to the surrounding desert landscape

Historic Buildings

• Broken Hill Heritage Trail: Follow this self-guided walking tour to discover the city’s impressive collection of heritage buildings
• Town Hall Facade: While much of the original building was demolished in the 1970s, the magnificent Victorian Italianate facade remains
• Trades Hall: An impressive building that reflects the importance of trade unions in Broken Hill’s history

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

Broken Hill has a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene for a remote outback city. Its isolation and stunning landscapes have inspired generations of artists, resulting in a rich artistic heritage that visitors can explore through numerous galleries and museums.

Art Galleries

• Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery: The oldest regional gallery in NSW, housed in the restored Sully’s Emporium building. It features works from the famous “Brushmen of the Bush” alongside contemporary and Indigenous art
• Pro Hart Gallery: Dedicated to the works of Broken Hill’s most famous artist, Kevin “Pro” Hart, known for his distinctive outback scenes and innovative techniques
• Silver City Mint and Art Centre: Features the world’s largest acrylic painting on canvas by a single artist, alongside locally crafted silver jewelry

Museums

• Sulphide Street Railway & Historical Museum: Housed in the former railway station, this museum complex includes railway exhibits, a mineral collection, and hospital museum
• Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre: Learn about this vital service that provides healthcare to remote outback communities
• School of the Air Visitor Centre: Discover how education is delivered to children living in isolated outback locations

Festivals & Events

• Broken Heel Festival (September): A flamboyant celebration of drag, music, and culture inspired by “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”
• Heritage Festival (April): Celebrating Broken Hill’s rich history with tours, exhibitions, and events
• Perfect Light Film Festival (March): An outdoor film festival showcasing Australian and international cinema under the stars
• St Pat’s Races (March): A long-running outback horse racing event that draws crowds from across Australia

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

The vast outback landscapes surrounding Broken Hill provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and nature experiences. From stargazing to wildlife watching, there’s plenty to satisfy outdoor enthusiasts.

Stargazing

With minimal light pollution and clear desert air, Broken Hill offers exceptional stargazing opportunities:

• Outback Astronomy: Join a guided “Sky Show” where you can relax in comfortable chairs while an expert points out constellations, planets, and celestial phenomena
• Self-guided stargazing: Head just outside town on a clear night to witness the spectacular southern sky

National Parks

• Mutawintji National Park: Located about 130km northeast of Broken Hill, this park features ancient Aboriginal rock art, dramatic gorges, and rockpools
• Kinchega National Park: Surrounding the Menindee Lakes, this park offers camping, birdwatching, and the historic Kinchega Woolshed

Wildlife Watching

The outback around Broken Hill is home to a variety of native wildlife:

• Red kangaroos and euros (wallaroos) are commonly seen, especially at dawn and dusk
• Emus can often be spotted in open country
• Birdwatchers can observe wedge-tailed eagles, galahs, corellas, and many other species
• After rain, the desert can transform with wildflowers and increased wildlife activity

Outdoor Activities

• Photography: The dramatic landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset, offer endless opportunities for photographers
• 4WD Adventures: Explore remote tracks and stations with your own vehicle or on a guided tour
• Cycling: Mountain biking trails around the Living Desert Reserve and road cycling on quiet outback roads

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Visiting Broken Hill and the surrounding outback requires some preparation and awareness of safety considerations. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a safe and respectful visit.

Outback Safety

• Water: Always carry plenty of drinking water, especially when traveling outside the city
• Vehicle preparation: If driving in remote areas, ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry spare fuel, water, and basic tools
• Communications: Mobile coverage can be patchy outside town – consider hiring a satellite phone or UHF radio for remote travel
• Weather awareness: Check weather forecasts and be prepared for extreme heat in summer
• Inform others: Let someone know your travel plans if heading to remote areas

Health Considerations

• Sun protection: The outback sun is intense – wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, even in winter
• Flies: The Australian bush fly can be abundant in warmer months – a fly net for your hat can be a worthwhile investment
• Medical services: Broken Hill has a hospital and medical services, but carry any personal medications you need

Local Etiquette

• Respect for Aboriginal culture: Some areas have cultural significance to local Aboriginal communities – observe signage and restrictions
• Mining heritage: Broken Hill remains an active mining city – respect operational areas and safety notices
• Outback hospitality: Locals are generally friendly and helpful – a smile and respectful attitude go a long way

Practical Travel Tips

These practical tips will help you make the most of your visit to Broken Hill and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience in this unique outback city.

Planning Resources

• Visitor Information Centre: Located at the corner of Blende and Bromide Streets, the centre offers maps, brochures, and local advice
• Official website: Visit the Broken Hill City Council tourism pages for up-to-date information
• Local tour operators: Consider booking a tour with local guides who can share insider knowledge and stories

Money Matters

• ATMs and bank branches are available in the city center
• Most businesses accept credit cards, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments
• Tipping is not expected in Australia, though it’s appreciated for exceptional service

Connectivity

• Mobile coverage is good within Broken Hill but can be limited or non-existent in remote areas
• Many accommodations, cafes, and the library offer Wi-Fi
• Consider downloading offline maps if planning to explore beyond the city

Shopping & Souvenirs

• Argent Street is the main shopping area with various stores and galleries
• Local art makes for unique souvenirs – look for paintings, prints, and sculptures by Broken Hill artists
• Opal jewelry is available, though the stones aren’t mined locally
• Most shops close early by city standards, often by 5:30 PM

Experience the Magic of Broken Hill

Broken Hill offers a truly unique Australian experience that combines rich mining heritage, stunning outback landscapes, and a surprisingly vibrant arts scene. From exploring historic buildings along Argent Street to watching the sunset transform the Living Desert Sculptures, this remote outback city rewards visitors with authentic experiences and unforgettable memories.

Whether you’re fascinated by Australia’s mining history, drawn to the creative energy of the local art scene, or simply seeking the magic of the vast outback, Broken Hill delivers with its distinctive character and warm hospitality. As Australia’s first heritage-listed city, it preserves a significant chapter in the nation’s development while continuing to evolve as a dynamic regional center.

So pack your sense of adventure, prepare for big skies and wide horizons, and discover why Broken Hill has captivated travelers, artists, and filmmakers for generations. The Silver City awaits, ready to share its stories and spectacular landscapes with you.