Travel to the furthest reaches of western NSW to Broken Hill, a 13-hour drive or 2.5-hour flight from Sydney, to explore a town filled with contrasts and unexpected discoveries. Founded as a mining town, Broken Hill has evolved as an eclectic destination of artistic creativity. Its ochre rocks and national parks have been home to ancient Aboriginal storytelling for millennia. When visiting this jewel of the outback, Australia’s first heritage-listed city, feel a million miles away and connect with its seemingly endless red earth.

Be inspired by art

As you wander around outdoor art installations under cobalt skies, and tour prized galleries, the region’s long-established artistry is awe-inspiring. Explore the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, founded in 1904 with more than 2,000 works of art on display, and observe the colourful brushstrokes synonymous with works by artist Kevin ‘Pro’ Hart at the Pro Hart Gallery.

Next, step inside a painting as you take in the scale of the world’s largest acrylic painting on canvas by a single artist, Peter Anderson. His 12-metre high and nearly 100-metre-long painting, The Big Picture, displayed at the Silver City Art Centre and Mint, is a particular feat of skill.

Outdoors, connect to nature while visiting the Living Desert and Sculptures in the Barrier Ranges. Enjoy a late afternoon stroll along the 900-metre walking trail amid dusty earth and kangaroos bouncing through the vegetation to view spectacular sandstone sculptures. Soak up the last of the sun’s rays and watch as they cast a golden glow over the grand artworks.

Finally, give in to childlike-wonder and cinematic fantasy in Silverton, 25km northwest of town. This Mars-like landscape was featured in films including Mad Max II and the latest Mad Max: Furiosa, Mission Impossible 2 and A Town Like Alice. View the imaginative vehicles created for Mad Max II and other memorabilia at the Mad Max Museum. 

Connect with the soul of the outback

Gain perspective on the remarkable landscapes as you take an adventurous 217km drive out of town on burnt orange, earthy roads to the Mutawintji National Park. The ancient landscapes of the park are rich with Aboriginal history, home to stencil art and many other important cultural and historic sites. Walk along easy or more challenging hiking tracks, visit the Mutawintji Visitor Centre and even camp the night at the Homestead Creek campground.

In Silverton, hop aboard a memory-making tour with Silverton Outback Camels. Perched high on camel’s back, take in the picturesque scenery as guides share their knowledge of the area and their beloved camels with riders.

Post-camel-back journey, as the sun sets and night descends, allow the skies to envelop you at Mundi Mundi Plains lookout. Experience the magic of the sunset in the outback as you gaze across the extensive plains.

Come night fall, watch dazzling stars sparkle in the clear, inky-black sky with an Outback Astronomy Sky Show. Listen to legendary celestial tales through expert commentary, with the panoramic Milky Way stretched above you.

Dine in, and out.

Broken Hill’s dining scene is as colourful and diverse as the rest of town. Browse gourmet produce while waiting for your morning coffee at Thom, Dick & Harry’s or order up at The Deli – both located on Argent Street. You can also try wholesome meals at local eateries, Alfresco’s Cafe or The Silly Goat, which caters to vegans.

In south Broken Hill, feel nostalgic at the 1950s-themed Bell's Milk Bar, Australia’s oldest milk bar operating since 1892. Sip on childhood favourites such as a milkshake or soda spider before touring its iconic museum.

Savour a cool beer, cocktail or glass of wine at the nearby Broken Hill Pub, or for a quintessential outback pub experience, drop in to the iconic Silverton Hotel.

Feel the warmth of outback hospitality

With its historic ceilings and walls adorned with grandiose murals of Australian landscapes, The Palace Hotel is a flamboyant, fun, one-of-a-kind hotel known for its starring role in the classic Australian movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Each year in September, the Palace becomes the focal point for the annual Broken Heel Festival, a multi-day extravaganza paying homage to the film, drag queen culture and Australia’s LGBTQI+ community.

Absorb the town’s history during a stay in a 1911 Romanesque-style church at Broken Hill Outback Church Stay; in an 1890s heritage building in town, The Astra; or at the Art Deco Royal Exchange Hotel.

Sleep under twinkling skies in a swag, tent or cabin at working sheep and cattle property Eldee Station. Alternatively, wake to views of wildflowers right near the Living Desert Sculptures at the  Starview Campsite.