Recently we ended up in Broken Hill. And had zero plans or idea of what to do and how to spend our time. But to our surprise, Broken Hill has a bustling art culture and history. Broken Hill is Australia’s oldest mining town dating back to 1880. And unfortunately, because of this, the town has a tragic history where over 800 lives have been lost to the mines. This goes without saying that mining history plays an important part in this outback town and there are countless memorials, museums, and ways to learn about the history of the town and the pay dedication to the lives that were lost. You can find out more about this here.
However, this article isn’t going to be about the mining history of the town. we will be exploring the unique things that you can do in and around Broken Hill and what makes this area such a unique stay.
Living Desert Sculptures
In 1993 Broken Hill petitioned artists from all over the world to begin working on 12 sculptures made out of sandstone to be placed in the desert just out of Broken Hill. The sculptures weigh over 50 tonnes and have become the most photographed sights in outback Australia. The sculptures are known to change color and moods in different lighting throughout the day, however, sunset is the most popular time to view the sculptures.
The impressive sculptures are situated 15 minutes north of Broken Hill in the Living Desert reserve which is also home to a Flora and Fauna Centre.
Entry Fees include access to the sculpture walk, picnic area, and sanctuary and is $6pp.
Broken Heel Festival
In September this outback town comes to life with the Broken Heel Festival. Essentially this outback pride and pays homage to the cult film ”Pricilla Queen of the Desert”. The Festival features DJs, Parades, Live Music, and Drag events which are great for the whole family!
The Palace Hotel
Made famous by the ”Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert” this historic pub is one of the most popular destinations in Broken Hill. The walls of the hotel are covered with Renaissance-inspired art and Australian landscape murals painted by Indigenous artist Gordon Waye and are a sight to be seen alone. The iconic hotel also runs regular events including regular games of two-up, drag bingo and drag karaoke nights, as well as the annual Broken Heel Festival in September, to celebrate Priscilla’s birthday.
Mundi Mundi Lookout
Located an hour north of Broken Hill you’ll find the Mundi Mundi Lookout. Best viewed at sunset this is one of the unique locations in the world where you can see the curvature of the earth in person.
Day trip to Silverton
As its name suggests Silverton is famous for its role in mining Silver. This tiny town located an hour north of Broken Hill has been featured in many films. However, it’s most notable role was in Mad Max 2. The town is also home to a Mad Max Museum where you can see genuine props from the film. It also offers a large collection of photographs, life-sized characters in full costumes, and original and replica vehicles, including two Interceptors. This is the perfect place for Mad Max Fans.
Silverton Hotel
The Silverton Hotel is also an iconic part of town, also featured in many films including Razorback, Mission Impossible II, Mad Max 2, and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. This outback pub offers a lot of charm and you can view photos of the cast of these movies in the hotel. If you’re lucky you might even get to meet the donkeys who wander freely around the town.
If you plan of staying the night in Silverton make sure you check out this unique stay!
Mungo National Park
Mungo National Park is an elusive part of outback NSW. Located 6 hours east of Broken Hill it is well worth the detour as this is one of the world’s more important archaeological sites and is also one of the rare places where you’ll witness the impact climate change and erosion can have on the land. Here you’ll be left in awe of the lunar-like environment unique to the area.
If you plan on a road trip to Mungo National Park make sure you check out this guide to the area.
Hopefully, we’ve helped you find some more unique options to do in the Broken Hill area and you enjoy your time in Outback NSW!