The Ultimate Guide Broken Hill, Outback NSW
The 12 Best Things To Do In Broken Hill
It's been almost 14 years since I packed my bags and headed for "the big smoke". Leaving my hometown of Broken Hill for the big city lights of Sydney to pursue my journalism degree. Time goes by and I realised I hadn't been back in 10 years! So I decided to head to outback New South Wales and check out the Broken Heel Festival. Plus take a trip down memory lane while I was there. I hope you enjoy my ultimate guide to this unique town. The place most commonly known for Mad Max, Pricilla Queen of the Desert and BHP mining. But read on, there's more to this heritage listed town than meets the eye.
Located in the heart of Broken Hill on the main strip of Argent Street is The Silly Goat cafe. This is a family run business by brother and sister duo Emily and Gideon Keenan and their mother. Saturday mornings are really busy here with people dining both inside and out, as well as those eagerly…
No trip to Broken Hill is complete without a visit to the Pro Hart Gallery. On display are not only a wide selection of Pro's own paintings, but also hundreds of works by an impressive range of other artists including Arthur Boyd, John Constable, Claude Monet, and Albert Tucker. The paintings are arranged randomly and…
It used to be called Mario's Palace when I was growing up and this place brings back lots of fond memories. I used to spend hours after school playing pool with my best friend. We were convinced if we practised enough we'd become pool sharks and travel the world playing professionally. But there's plenty of…
Discover the lost world of malted milks and soda spiders! Bells is a classic 1950s Australian milk bar complete with original fixtures and fittings! It's your best 'taste' of local history. You can try a traditional Bells drink made from Bells handmade syrups and cordials, or check out the milk bar museum and browse through…
Big Bench Miners Memorial
The Big Bench is located on the Line of Lode, a big mound of mine deposits in Broken Hill. It sits right next to the Broken Earth Restaurant and Miners Memorial and overlooks the entire city. The bench was made to be 2.5 times bigger than a normal park bench and it's designed to make…
The Caff is another great cafe in Broken Hill that serves wholesome, fresh, homemade food. It's located at the entrance of the newly constructed GP Super Clinic in Thomas Street Broken Hill, across from the hospital. The owners, Summa and her husband Nathan Rayner are Broken Hill locals and very passionate about making everyone feel…
The art scene runs deep in Broken Hill but one of the biggest (in size and popularity) tourist attractions is The Big Picture. Having opened 2001, you'll find it located inside the Silver City Mint and Art Centre. This multi dimensional art work has to be seen to be believed. It's one of the largest…
Ok, so Broken Hill definitely isn't known for it's fine dining. It's no south of France or Amalfi Coast. But if you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a nice dinner in town Trinders restaurant at The Astra Hotel is my pick. Situated inside the hotel you have the option of the more casual cafe Temptations.…
Op Shops and Antique Stores
One of my all time favourite things to do in Broken Hill is to check out the op shops. There are all kinds of treasures just waiting to be discovered and at a fraction of the price of major cities. There are two main charity shops on Argent Street – Vinnies and Lifeline. They've got…
Living Desert Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
Located within the reserve and settled in the tranquillity of the gullies and rocky outcrops is the Living Desert Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. Bordered by a predator-proof fence, the sanctuary allows visitors to gain close access to outback plants and animals, while understanding the regions Aboriginal heritage. Another major attraction within the Living Desert is…
Mundi Mundi Plains
The Mundi Mundi plains lookout is on the edge of the world! From the top of the hill, the flat lands of the Mundi Mundi plains stretch out for an eternity. Take a self-guided walk and take a Champagne picnic. Visiting at dusk and watching the sun dip behind the alluvial fans on the edge…
The Red Earth Motel is located on the main strip of Argent Street near ABC radio station. It's clean, modern and within walking distance to everything the town has to offer. You could also check out the Priscilla Suite at Mario's Palace if you're feeling extra fabulous!