Silverton
Silverton Outback Camels, Silverton
Silverton
Famous for its role in silver mining history and on the silver screen, the historic town of Silverton perfectly captures the charm of the outback while feeling instantly recognisable – possibly because it has starred in many iconic Australian films. Discover a colourful past as you explore the museums, chat with local artists and tour the area on a camel.
Highlights
Outback history
Silverton is home to impressive colonial buildings, including the Silverton Gaol Museum, where you’ll find collections of photographs, household items, and mining and medical equipment – including a ‘coroner’s bath’, where bodies were once preserved before the arrival of the Sydney coroner.
Take a guided underground tour through a former silver mine at Historic Daydream Mine, and get an insight into the harsh realities of mining a century ago. The mine opened in 1882 and operated for almost a century, employing close to 200 people at its peak, some as young as eight.
Historic Daydream Mine, Silverton
Silver screen heritage
The Mad Max 2 Museum is a tribute to the movie Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, showcasing a huge display of props, life-size characters and photographs from the film. Learn about the movie’s impact on Silverton, and see original and replica costumes and action vehicles, including two Interceptors.
Mad Max 2 Museum, Silverton
Stop for a drink or a meal at The Original Silverton Hotel, where you can see a display of photographs from movies shot in the area, including Razorback, Mission Impossible II, Mad Max 2 and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. This classic outback pub has enjoyed a starring role in several of these movies.
Silverton Hotel, Silverton
Mundi Mundi Plains and camel tours
Just outside of Silverton are the Mundi Mundi Plains, where iconic scenes from Mad Max 2 were filmed. Walk to the top of the lookout and see the vast plains stretch out as far as the eye can see for hundreds of kilometres. The view is so clear you can even see the curvature of the earth. It’s particularly spectacular at sunset. Silverton Outback Camels offer one-hour camel rides taking in the scenery and sights of Silverton. The sunset tour takes in unforgettable views.
Mundi Mundi Plains, Silverton
Art galleries
You’ll discover art all around town. Look for the murals and the painted VW Beetle outside the John Dynon Art Gallery, where the artist himself can often be found working. Pick up works from local artists at Cowz Art Gallery and Silverton Photography.
John Dynon Gallery, Silverton
Where to eat
In addition to the iconic hotel, Silverton Bakery is a local favourite. The pies, cakes, pastries, bread and biscuits are baked on site, and the tables enjoy a fantastic view of the town. Grab a barista-made coffee and a milkshake for the little ones.
Silverton Bakery, Silverton - Credit: Naomi Schmidt
Where to stay
There are several accommodation options to choose from in Silverton. The Original Silverton Hotel features seven rooms and an all-day menu at the bistro, while Silverton Outback Camels offers charming farmstay accommodation. Other options include the local campground, a range of hotels, self-contained houses and more in nearby Broken Hill.
Silverton Hotel, Silverton
Getting there
Silverton is a 13-hour drive from Sydney, 11 hours from Canberra, nine hours from Melbourne and just under six from Adelaide. You can fly into Broken Hill and hire a car for the 25-minute drive from the airport. You may need a 4WD for unsealed roads and national parks.
