Learn about the region’s history

Learn about the city’s fascinating history on the Broken Hill Heritage Walk Tour. A stroll down Argent Street reveals many great shops, galleries and historic buildings such as the magnificent 1905 Trades Hall, as well as restaurants and cafes including The Palace Hotel. You might recognise this iconic hotel from the cult Australian movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. 

The Palace Hotel, Broken Hill

Broken Hill is Australia’s oldest mining town, with a colonial history dating back to the 1880s. Poised dramatically above the landscape, the Line of Lode Miner’s Memorial honours the life and work of more than 800 miners who lost their lives here. This striking memorial provides a commanding view of the town. While visiting, be sure to check out the Big Bench - two and a half times bigger than the normal size of a park bench and a fun photo op.

Line of Lode Miner's Memorial, Broken Hill

Visit unique museums and an observatory

Albert Kersten Mining and Mineral Museum offers a hands-on insight into the science of geology and mining. See artefacts from the city’s mining history and almost 2,000 specimens, including an impressive 42kg silver nugget. Be inspired by the story of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the vital work they continue to do. See heritage planes and learn about the ingenuity of pilots, nurses and doctors at this working base.

Hop aboard heritage trains, see memorabilia, and discover how the area’s tramway system operated for nearly a hundred years as it transported products from the mines to the ports at Sulphide Street Railway and Historical Museum. Discover four more museums on-site including the Broken Hill Migrant Museum, Hospital Museum, Ron Carter Transport Pavilion and Tess Alfonsi Mineral Collection plus the Johns Brothers Joyland Fun Fair. Together they paint an indelible picture of the life and times of Silver City.

Sulphide Street Railway & Historical Museum, Broken Hill

Travel 5kms out of town for some out-of-this-world stargazing with Outback Astronomy. Here, you’ll be able to relax in a purpose-built dome, get comfy under a blanket and listen to the expert guides as they point out the galaxies, constellations and stars shining above in the exceptionally dark sky. 

Outback Astronomy, Broken Hill

Browse amazing art galleries 

The Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery is the oldest regional gallery in NSW. See works from the Brushmen of the Bush, a group of five artists who included Pro Hart, Eric Minchin and Jack Absalom. There’s also an excellent collection of Aboriginal works from Badger Bates, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri and Emily Kame Kngwarreye. 

Amanda Johnson at Broken Hill City Art Gallery, Broken Hill

There are many other galleries and studios in town, including the Pro Hart Gallery and Silver City Mint and Art Centre. Twenty minutes’ drive north of Broken Hill, you’ll find the stunning Living Desert and Sculptures. Created by 12 international artists in 1993, the dramatic sandstone sculptures adorn a trail through the centre of the Living Desert Reserve. 

The Living Desert and Sculptures, Broken Hill

Learn about Aboriginal culture

If the spectacular landscape of Mutawintji National Park doesn't take your breath away, then the Mutawintji Historic Site surely will. Home to Aboriginal rock engravings and ochre stencils, you'll also see the remains of fireplaces, stone flakes and grinding stones. You can only visit this special park by taking a Mutawintji Cultural Tour that will illuminate the site's history and culture.

Mutawintji National Park, Mutawintji

Make memories at events and festivals

See legendary Australian musicians perform at the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash, held annually in August. In addition to music and camping, the festival offers a variety of quirky activities such as the famous 'Mundi Undi Run' and a world-record Nutbush dance attempt.

Get to know the local Aboriginal culture during a weekend of traditional dance, Wiimpatja music, weaving and art workshops, tours of the Bynguano Ranges, and sharing of Dreamtime stories at Mutawintji Cultural Festival each August. Other great Broken Hill events are the Heritage Festival in April and the Perfect Light Film Festival in March. 

Broken Hil Mundi Mundi Bash, Broken Hill - Credit: Born To Run

Eat and drink your way through Broken Hill 

For a delicious breakfast and great coffee head for the Silly Goat Cafe, or drop into Bells Milk Bar for a delicious milkshake topped with authentic 1950s decor. 

Bells Milk Bar, Broken Hill

For bold flavours that showcase bushfood, head to The Old Salt Bush. Chef Lee Cecchin travelled the world cooking for royalty and Hollywood’s elite, returning to her hometown of Broken Hill to create dishes designed to be shared – just be prepared to negotiate for the last bite of the renowned quandong and apple crumble. 

There are plenty of ways to enjoy a cold drink in Broken Hill, from classic pubs and bars such as the famous Palace Hotel to the welcoming Broken Hill Distillery.

The Old Salt Bush, Broken Hill - Credit: The Old Salt Bush

Where to stay 

There are lots of places to stay including motels, historic cottages, campgrounds and farmstays. The Palace Hotel has lots of themed rooms to choose between, from pub-style stays to the famous Priscilla Suite, where the character sleeps in the movie. Decked out in colourful murals and over-the-top furnishings, it is an iconic place to lay your head.

The Palace Hotel, Broken Hill

Getting there  

Broken Hill is a 13-hour drive from Sydney, an 11-hour drive from Canberra, nine hours from Melbourne and just under six from Adelaide. You can fly into Broken Hill Airport and hire a car to explore the region. You may need a 4WD for unsealed roads and national parks.