Broken Hill

Palatial federation heritage, fine restaurants and cafes, amazing art galleries and spectacular desert landscapes. Set against historic mining landmarks, Broken Hill is one of Australia’s most famous outback towns. It is also Australia’s first Heritage Listed city, placed alongside The Sydney Opera House for historical significance.

Learn about the fascinating history of the town on the Broken Hill Heritage Walk, followed by a cool drink at the Palace Hotel. Featured in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, this grand heritage building has a large outside verandah where you can relax. Argent Street also has many shops and galleries, as well as fine restaurants and cafes.

The Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery is the oldest regional gallery in NSW. This is a great place to see some well known Broken Hill artists, including Pro Hart, Eric Minchin and Badger Bates, as well as works by Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri and Emily Kame Kngwarreye.

The Albert Kersten Mining and Mineral Museum is an interactive museum with a fascinating, hands-on insight into the sciences of geology, mineral exploration and mining. Included in the centre’s exhibits are several hundred artefacts from the city’s mining history as well as almost 2,000 specimens, including a 42kg silver nugget.

The Line of Lode Miners Memorial celebrates the life and work of more than 800 miners who lost their lives in the mines of Broken Hill. Poised dramatically on top of a mullock heap, this striking memorial offers a commanding view over the city of Broken Hill.

About 15 minutes' drive north of Broken Hill, the stunning Living Desert Sculptures pay homage to the surrounding landscape. Created by international artists in 1993, this collection of dramatic sandstone sculptures adorn a trail running through this sanctuary.

The Broken Heel Festival, held in September, pays homage to Priscilla, Queen of the Desert with the enthralling colours, music and spirit that defined the film. Visit the popular Miracles Psychic and Wellbeing Fair for psychic readers and stalls. Lay down a blanket in December for the Perfect Light Film Festival, Broken Hill's iconic outdoor short film festival.

169km north east of Broken Hill you will find the ancient Mutawintji National Park, a landscape rich with Aboriginal history. Explore bushwalks and camp under the outback night sky. The famous hand stencil art of local Aboriginal communities, as well as other historic sites, will captivate you.