3-day itinerary in Broken Hill

Morning 

On your first day in the Silver City, learn about the city’s fascinating history on the Broken Hill Heritage Walking Tour. Broken Hill is Australia’s oldest mining town, with a colonial history dating back to the 1880s. 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.

Next, visit the Line of Lode Miner’s Memorial. Poised dramatically above the landscape, it 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.

Line of Lode Miner's Memorial, Broken Hill

Afternoon  

With many museums to visit in the afternoon, fuel up at the  Silly Goat Cafe. Known for its superfood smoothies and toasties, it also serves up one of the best coffees in town.

To understand the science of geology and mining, head to the Albert Kersten Mining and Mineral Museum. See artefacts from the city’s mining history with almost 2,000 specimens in the museum’s collection, including an impressive 42kg silver nugget.

Hop aboard heritage trains at the Sulphide Street Railway and Historical Museum to discover how the area’s tramway system operated for nearly a hundred years as it transported products from the mines to the ports. There are four more museums on-site here, 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

Evening 

Check into the historic Palace Hotel. This 1889 institution has stood as a grand portrait of outback life for more than 130 years, including a starring role in The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, and resulting cult adoration. Movie fans will want to book the Priscilla Suite.

The Palace Hotel, Broken Hill

For a dinner that showcases bushfood, grab a table at 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. 

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

Morning 

Start your day with a waffle and milkshake at 1950s-style Bells Milk Bar. With over 50 flavours to choose from, they have all the classic milkshakes plus inspired options like peppermint eclair, cherry ripe, coconut rough and ginger chocolate.

Jump in the car and drive 30 minutes to join a guided underground tour through a former silver mine at Historic Daydream Mine. Get an insight into the harsh realities of mining a century ago as you navigate through its tunnels, hearing the stories of miners as young as eight.

Daydream Mine, Silverton

Your next destination is Silverton, just a 20-minute drive away. Famous for its role in silver mining history and on the silver screen, you’ll recognise this historic town as the backdrop of many iconic Australian films. Surrounded by the Mundi Mundi Plains, where iconic scenes from Mad Max 2 were filmed, Silverton is home to the Mad Max 2 Museum. Stop by to see props, photographs and two interceptors from the film while learning about the movie’s impact on Silverton.

Mad Max 2 Museum, Silverton

Afternoon

Enjoy lunch at The Original Silverton Hotel, where you can see a display of photographs from movies shot in the area - many of which feature the pub - including Razorback, Mission Impossible II, Mad Max 2 and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Keep an eye out for friendly donkeys that frequent the area.

The Original Silverton Hotel, Silverton

Tour the town during a one-hour camel ride with Silverton Outback Camels. Take in the scenery and sights, before visiting the town’s many art galleries. Look for the murals, colourful bicycle facade and painted VW Beetle outside the John Dynon Gallery, where the artist himself can often be found working. Pick up works from local artists at Justin Cowz Art Gallery and Silverton Photography Gallery and Gardens. 

Silverton Outback Camels, Silverton

Evening 

Sunset is the perfect time to stand among The Living Desert and Sculptures, one of the most photographed sites in Broken Hill. Created by 12 international artists in 1993, these magnificent sandstone sculptures stand proudly on a hilltop with an incredible backdrop of the endless expanse of the desert beyond. Stop by on your way back to Broken Hill.

The Living Desert and Sculptures, Broken Hill

Enjoy a bistro dinner back at your hotel before seeing the stars during a tour of the night sky with Outback Astronomy. Unimpeded by light pollution, make the most of this dark-sky location with a range of sky shows throughout the year tailored to the moon phase and season. In warm weather, see constellations like Orion and Taurus with your own eyes. In winter, experience the brightest stretch of the Milky Way.  

Outback Astronomy, Broken Hill

Morning 

Your third day in the Silver City begins at Sufi Bakery with pastries before finding your new favourite artwork at the oldest regional art gallery in the state. Broken Hill City Art Gallery houses an incredible array of important works, from local and central Australian Aboriginal artists, as well as modern pieces by Margaret Preston and Arthur Boyd. 

There are many other galleries and studios in town, including the Pro Hart Gallery, Willy Nilly Art and Silver City Mint and Art Centre. Swing by one or all to be inspired and pick up a special souvenir of your trip.

Willy Nilly Art, Broken Hill - Credit: Willy Nilly Art

Afternoon 

Jump in the car for a 10-minute drive to discover the history and ongoing legacy of one of outback Australia’s most incredible services, the Royal Flying Doctor Outback Heritage Experience. Learn about past- and present-day operations as well as the logistics of providing medical care to remote regions.

Next stop is Mutawintji National Park, home to Aboriginal rock engravings and ochre stencils, as well as the remains of fireplaces, stone flakes and grinding stones. You can only visit this historic site on a Mutawintji Cultural Tour, which brings to life the area’s rich cultural significance.

Mutawintji Historic Site, Mutawintji National Park

Evening

Sip local spirits infused with outback aromatics at Broken Hill Distillery. Work your way through a tasting flight or take a tour of the distillery to learn how they make their quandong-infused gin and Outback Moonshine. 

Broken Hill Distillery, Broken Hill