Broken Hill is one of Australia’s most famous outback towns thanks to its commanding sculptures, rich mining heritage, heritage-listed pubs and wide open spaces where you can breathe in the true outback.
In fact, one of the most photographed sites in Outback Australia can be found on top of Sundown Hill just a 15-minute drive from the middle of Broken Hill – the Living Desert and Sculptures.
In 1993, artists from around the world began work on 12 sculptures, each made from 50 tonne sandstone blocks shipped from the Wilcannia region. Today, the artistic pieces stand tall atop the hill, surrounded by sweeping views of the outback. At different times of day, the sculptures reflect different moods, however sunset is the best time to visit.
Within the Living Desert area is the John Simons Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, that spans 180 hectares and is protected by an electric predator-proof fence. This special place offers an enriching blend of education and culture, deepening visitors’ understanding of the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage.
The highlight is the 2.2-kilometre Sanctuary Cultural Walk Trail, where you’ll pass wildflowers including the brilliant Sturt Desert Pea, an arboretum of native plants, striking quartz outcrops, and even a prospector’s mine site. Along the way, keep an eye out for wallaroos and red kangaroos, or pause at the animal viewing hide and scenic lookouts for a closer connection to the landscape.
The return walk takes about 1.5 hours. Entry to the Living Desert State Park is $10 for adults, $7 concession, or $25 for families. Pets are not permitted (except guide dogs).
Broken Hill is also Australia’s oldest mining town, with work dating back to the 1880s. Walking to the peak of town, you will find the Line of Lode Miner’s Memorial, a striking monument commemorating the lives of 800 miners lost over the years. Atop the summit of a hill, the memorial offers beautiful views across the city, but the freestanding rust-red steel form is itself something to behold.
While here, make sure to check out the Big Bench, two and a half times the size of a regular bench and the perfect place for a family photo or that selfie for Insta.
Volunteer guides run a regular two-hour Broken Hill heritage walking tour, where guests can visit some of the most important landmarks and buildings and get the lowdown from the locals. Learn more about the historic facades lining Broken Hill’s main streets, and also hear some fascinating, little-known stories of the past.
For another unique tour, Wontanella is an Indigenous-run tour company working in Barkindji country just outside Broken Hill. There are many different tour options to choose from, each led by a knowledgeable Indigenous guide. On the Wontanella Wanderings tour, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the landscape near the Menindee Lakes, learning more about native flora and fauna, sites of significance, and the cultural importance of the area.
Any visit to Broken Hill should include a stay (or at least at sticky beak) at The Palace Hotel at 227 Argent Street. It is one of the town’s most iconic heritage buildings, that was built in 1889. Coffee shops didn’t do well financially in a mining town like Broken Hill, so it scored a liquor licence in 1892 and has had one ever since.
Its interior is famous for lavish murals: Mario Celotto painted a rendition of Botticelli’s Venus on the foyer ceiling, and Indigenous artist Gordon Waye later filled many wall and staircase spaces with landscape scenes.
The Palace became really famous as some of the best scenes from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994), were filmed there.
Today it offers about 48 rooms (from luxe ensuites to pub-style/shared bathrooms and dorms), live entertainment, bar and restaurant, and the coveted Priscilla Suite: which has vibrant murals and over-the-top furnishings. The sparkly bathroom complete with a golden swan taps and faucet in the bathroom.
If you’re after a more luxurious outback experience where you can do some stargazing, head to the Broken Hill Resort, which is 14 kilometres east of Broken Hill.
Built on the heritage site of the old Mt. Gipps Hotel, it has been fully restored, and guests can choose from 24 self-contained cabins (including spa cabins with views over the Barrier Ranges), or pitch up in one of the 80 powered or 20 unpowered caravan/camping sites. There’s a bar, bistro/restaurant, modern amenities block, camp kitchen, laundry, and plenty of fire pits for gathering under big outback skies.
It’s also pet-friendly, family-friendly, and perfect for travellers wanting serenity, star-gazing, and a taste of outback luxury
Half an hour down the road will have you in the tiny, art-fuelled village of Silverton, which has a population of 50 people and some stray donkeys.
This historic township has starred in countless films and TV commercials, with its wide dirt streets, weathered stone buildings and sweeping horizons forming the perfect Wild West set.
Film buffs will love the Mad Max Museum, which pays tribute to Mad Max 2 with an impressive collection of props, costumes and memorabilia. For a glimpse into the past, you can join a guided underground tour of the Historic Daydream Mine and learn about the harsh life of early miners.
The Silverton Hotel is as iconic as the town itself – a true outback watering hole that’s been welcoming locals, travellers and film crews for generations. With its wide verandah, rustic charm and walls lined with movie memorabilia, it’s a place where stories flow as freely as the cold beer on tap. The pub has featured in countless films and commercials, making it one of the most recognisable hotels in Australia. Beyond the fame, it’s the friendly atmosphere, hearty pub meals and the chance to rub shoulders with characters from all walks of life that make the Silverton Hotel a cool experience.
If you want to explore the surrounding area in a unique way, join a camel tour with Silverton Outback Camels, and mosey through town and enjoy the peacefulness of the true outback.
The business is a family-run camel farm, and they do one-hour camel rides, and special sunset tours. Children are also welcome, and will love meeting these big gentle creatures.
If you enjoyed this feature on Broken Hill, you might want to read about the best places to eat and drink in Broken Hill, click HERE.
