The outback charm of Broken Hill

By National Travel

With its raw and expansive beauty, rich history and eclectic art scene, Broken Hill is a very special place to visit. Magnificently remote and surrounded by vast stretches of red earth and rugged desert landscapes, it’s not hard to see why the town has inspired so many writers and artists - and why it attracts such a strong creative community today. Throughout history, adventurers, creatives and larrikins alike have been drawn to the outback town, inspired by its wild opportunity, its strong community and its ever-changing natural backdrop. Heritage listed in its entirety, Broken Hill gives the visitor a rare opportunity to step back in history, but there is far more to the town than its early days as a mining hub. Read on to find out what awaits you in the charming ‘Silver City’ of the outback. 

Argent Street historic buildings

Home to some of Australia’s most beautifully preserved historical architecture, Argent street will really take you back in time. Painted in red, earthy tones, the ornate Victorian-style buildings perfectly compliment Broken Hill’s natural outback clay palette, adding to the town’s quaint charm. Landmark civic buildings like the Post Office, Court House and Town Hall are particular highlights, and have been beautifully restored for visitors. Rich in character and a shining example of an Aussie outback experience, the magnificent Palace Hotel is another must-see. Featuring Australia’s longest cast iron verandah, intricate carved wooden detailing, and floor to ceiling outback art, the hotel’s unique décor is fascinating, and a refreshing beverage with the locals never disappoints.

Art and culture

With more galleries than pubs, its clear Broken Hill has evolved far beyond its mining roots to become a true creative hub. From the historic Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery to numerous quirky smaller collections, artistic diversity in the town is impressive. With nature a prominent inspiration for many collections, it’s clear the rugged beauty that surrounds Broken Hill has created a community of like-minded outback artists. Iconic Australian artist Pro Hart, was a lifelong resident of Broken Hill and the Pro Hart Gallery is a must-see for fans of his captivating landscapes and abstracts. Similarly, the Jack Absalom Gallery features beautiful iconic pastel-hued panoramas, mimicking the gorgeous outback scenery all around.

Mundi Mundi lookout and Plains

Nestled between Broken Hill and nearby Silverton, the Mundi Mundi Plains are a magical experience. Stand in awe as you reach the lookout and see a vast expanse unfolding in every direction, with wild grasses sprouting from red earth as far as the eye can see.  If visiting in the evening, expect unbelievable sunsets, followed by a vast, clear, star-studded sky – a true outback experience to be treasured.

Mother Nature’s wild unpredictability is on full display here, with the exposed region home to vibrant thunderstorms and eerie desert dust storms. Even the least creative person can’t help but feel inspired by the harsh but captivating scenery, and its no wonder generations of artists have chosen to call Broken Hill home.

The Broken Hill Sculptures & Flora and Fauna Sanctuary

Showcasing stunning art amongst a nature sanctuary, the Broken Hill Sculptures are a shining example of the outback at its best. Enormous sandstone sculptures adorn the skyline just outside the town and are best viewed around sunset where warm hues and sparkling gold provide a beautiful backdrop to the art. This magical space was created in 1993 following an international sculpture symposium, and each piece tells a moving story. Perfect for walks, picnics and meditation, the Broken Hill Sculptures and surrounds are a special place for locals and visitors alike.

The nearby Flora and Fauna sanctuary is another highlight of any trip to Broken Hill. Surrounded by a predator-proof fence, visitors exploring on foot can expect to see an array of animals and beautiful desert plants, plus learn about the Aboriginal culture of western New South Wales.

Line of Lode Memorial and lookout

No trip to Broken Hill would be complete without some immersion into the region’s fascinating history, however confronting that may be. Although the Wiljakali Indigenous Australians were the earliest inhabitants of the area, Broken Hill as it now stands was founded in 1883 when the largest silver and lead ore body deposits in the world were discovered, known locally as the Line of Lode. Founded on the promise of fortune and raw opportunity, Broken Hill fast became a booming mining town, however conditions for miners were primitive and sometimes dangerous.

The Line of Lode Memorial sits at the highest point of Broken Hill, where fierce dominating steel juts out into the sky as a representation of the oppressive conditions the men worked in, providing a somber backdrop to the town. A melancholy but beautiful destination, the memorial commemorates each person who lost their lives working in the mines by name, along with their story. Visit the memorial on foot or by car to take in the bittersweet tragedy and take a quiet moment to appreciate breathtaking views of the region’s expansive landscape.

Museums and mining tours

Dive deep into the past and let your imagination run wild as you absorb the fascinating history of Broken Hill through an underground mining tour or immersive museum experience. For the adventurous, explore the crevices and tunnels of restored rough and dusty former mines on foot, walking in the steps of so many men from Australia’s not-too-distant past. For a more relaxed afternoon, wander through one of Broken Hill’s fascinating museums to learn about the town’s early days, and to hear about the many different characters who’ve had their place in local history. Many locals today have reinterpreted the story of their town, seeking to share far more than the mining history that visitors expect. Kevin White is such a local, visit the White’s Mineral Art Gallery and Museum for an illustrated history of Broken Hill, and learn about local life through a unique artistic lens.

Gemstones and jewellery

Once exceptionally famous for its silver, lead and zinc, it’s often overlooked that Broken Hill is a diverse geological haven. For a delightful afternoon activity, visit the Albert Kersten Mining and Minerals Museum and marvel at the local crystal formations and mineral deposits displayed in brightened boxes. Rather than offering a purely static collection, the museum encourages visitors to explore, handle specimens and learn the science behind each glittering display. For the curious, learn about how the Line of Lode formed in Broken Hill, and what makes it so unique.

Creativity is baked into Broken Hill and the town has long been a magnet for talented crafters, inspired by the town’s wild beauty. See the local silversmith in action at the Silver City Mint and Art Centre, watching in admiration as he works on intricate, bespoke pieces. The adjoining gallery is home to Broken Hill’s most famous painting – Peter Anderson’s Big Picture. As the world’s largest acrylic on canvas painting, the giant landscape envelops the visitor, a true highlight to any Broken Hill adventure.

Silverton

While Broken Hill’s historical charm blends with its modern identity, the nearby town of Silverton appears frozen in time. With buildings restored to their original state - complete with artifacts of the era and plenty of Australiana - Silverton is a living museum. Wander the quaint, dusty streets to experience a long forgotten world and take in the sights. With fewer than 50 inhabitants, and only a handful of buildings, Silverton is a virtual ghost town, and feels as eerie at times. But let yourself be inspired by the past and experience Silverton’s haven of heritage, rugged nature and outback characters. Silverton, along with the rest of the region, is truly a very special piece of living history.