The Silver City · Capital of the Outback
Mining legends, world-class art, desert sunsets and film-set ghost towns — here's everything to see and do during your stay, all within easy reach of the cottage.
Welcome to the outback
Rising out of the red earth of far-west NSW, Broken Hill is one of the country's great outback towns — and the first city in Australia to be heritage-listed in its entirety. Born from one of the world's richest silver-lead-zinc deposits, it's the birthplace of mining giant BHP and still a working mining town today.
But Broken Hill is just as famous for its art, its film history and its larger-than-life characters. Wide streets of grand old pubs, a thriving gallery scene, and some of the most spectacular desert sunsets you'll ever see. Base yourself at the cottage and take it all in.
Mining heritage
The line of lode built this city. Stand on top of it, go beneath it, and see the treasures it gave up.
Perched on the mullock heap above the city, the striking rust-steel memorial honours the 800+ miners who died on the line of lode. Take in the 360° panorama, then stay for lunch or a sunset dinner at the Broken Earth Café & Restaurant.
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Broken Hill sits on one of the world's largest silver-lead-zinc ore bodies, discovered in 1883. It's the birthplace of BHP (1885) and the cradle of Australia's union movement — mining still shapes the town today.
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Head below the surface and see how the ore was won. Historic mine experiences — including the Day Dream Mine out near Silverton — take you into the tunnels for a real taste of a miner's working life.
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The Albert Kersten GeoCentre dazzles with minerals from the ore body — including the famous silver tree — and tells the geological story of how it all formed. A must for rock-hounds and curious kids.
View on map →Art & culture
From colossal paintings to iconic pubs, Broken Hill's creative spirit is everywhere.
At the Silver City Mint & Art Centre, stand surrounded by one of the world's largest paintings by a single artist — Peter "Ando" Anderson's enormous panorama of the outback, wrapping right around you.
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The gallery of Broken Hill's most famous son and leader of the "Brushmen of the Bush". Bold colour, outback life and plenty of larrikin spirit across three floors of work.
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The oldest regional art gallery in NSW (established 1904), with a rich collection of outback and Australian works — and rotating exhibitions well worth an hour of your day.
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The flamboyant, mural-covered pub made world-famous by The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Grab a counter meal beneath its extraordinary painted ceilings.
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Step straight back into the 1950s. This lovingly preserved milk bar serves old-fashioned spiders, malts and milkshakes in original retro booths — a sweet slice of nostalgia.
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Trains, migrant heritage, hospital and mineral collections fill the old Silverton Tramway station — a treasure trove for history lovers of all ages.
View on map →Icons & nature
The experiences that make Broken Hill unforgettable.
Twelve sandstone sculptures crown a hilltop just out of town — the region's most famous sunset spot. Come late afternoon and watch the desert glow, then wander the Flora & Fauna Sanctuary trails.
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Tour the base of this iconic outback lifeline and discover how the "flying doctors" bring medical care to some of the most remote people on earth. Genuinely moving.
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See how outback kids spread across an area the size of a small country learn together over the airwaves — a uniquely Australian classroom you can visit during school terms.
View on map →Day trips
Two unmissable escapes — an easy drive from your front door.
A living ghost town and a genuine film legend — Mad Max 2, Priscilla and Mission: Impossible II all shot here. Visit the famous Silverton Hotel, the Mad Max Museum, quirky outback galleries and the nearby Umberumberka Reservoir.
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Just beyond Silverton, the land falls away to a horizon so vast you can see the curve of the earth. The Mundi Mundi lookout is the outback sunset — endless plains glowing gold and red. Famous as a Mad Max 2 filming location, and unforgettable with a camp chair and a cold drink.
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About an hour southeast, the Darling River and Menindee Lakes bring water, pelicans and glorious sunsets to the desert. Explore Kinchega National Park, historic woolsheds, and the spot where Burke & Wills once camped.
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Heritage-lined Argent Street is the heart of town — boutiques, bakeries, galleries, pubs and cafés — plus supermarkets to stock up for a home-cooked meal back at the cottage.
View on map →Events & festivals
Time your visit around one of Broken Hill's legendary events — book the cottage early, they fill fast!
One of Australia's biggest outback music festivals. Each August, tens of thousands camp out on the Mundi Mundi Plains for three nights of iconic Aussie music under enormous desert skies — from the team behind the Big Red Bash. All-ages, dog-friendly and pure outback magic.
Tickets & dates ↗
A dazzling celebration of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at its spiritual home, the Palace Hotel — drag shows, glamour, music and colour take over the town. Check current listings for the latest dates.
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There's always something on — the St Pat's Races, the Broken Hill Christmas Pageant, the Agricultural Show and live music at the clubs. See what's happening during your stay.
What's on ↗Community & good to know
Historic places of worship, the famous local clubs, and the practical things you might need.
One of the oldest mosques in Australia, built around 1891 by the Afghan cameleers who helped open up the outback. This humble corrugated-iron landmark on William Street is now a small museum telling their remarkable story.
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Broken Hill's grand old churches reflect its rich migrant history — most notably the beautiful Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, alongside historic Anglican, Uniting and other congregations that warmly welcome visitors to services.
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The licensed clubs are the heart of local life — the Musicians Club, Demo Club, Legion and Sturt Club offer great-value meals, a cold drink and often live music, and visitors are warmly welcome. Add the grand heritage corner pubs and you'll never go hungry or thirsty.
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The Broken Hill Health Service (Base Hospital) on Thomas Street provides medical care, with pharmacies, GPs, supermarkets, fuel and banks all close by in town. In an emergency, dial 000.
Hospital on map →Getting here & around
However you arrive, Broken Hill is easier to reach than you'd think.
The Outback Xplorer (NSW TrainLink) runs weekly between Sydney and Broken Hill — a scenic ~13-hour journey across the state. The legendary Indian Pacific also stops here on its Sydney–Adelaide–Perth run.
Timetables & booking ↗
Regional Express (Rex) flies into Broken Hill Airport from Sydney, Adelaide and Dubbo — the quickest way to reach the outback. The airport is about 5 km from the cottage.
NSW TrainLink coaches connect Broken Hill with regional centres, and long-distance services link to Adelaide and Mildura. Around town, local Buses Broken Hill services and taxis get you where you need to go.
An unforgettable road trip — Broken Hill sits on the Barrier Highway, roughly 5 hrs from Mildura, 6 hrs from Adelaide. The cottage has free parking, and a car is the easiest way to reach Silverton and Menindee.
Start your trip here
The friendly team have welcomed travellers for over 40 years. Pick up maps, book tours and attractions, grab a coffee and browse local produce and gifts before you explore.
📍 Cnr Blende & Bromide Streets, Broken Hill NSW 2880
📞 (08) 8080 3560
Official Visitor Guide ↗Comfortable, self-contained and perfectly placed to see it all. Book your Broken Hill getaway today.
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