Journey to the furthest reaches of western NSW and explore Broken Hill, an outback town filled with surprising contrasts and discoveries. It’s a 13-hour drive or 2.5-hour flight from Sydney, but you’ll feel a million miles away. Take yourself out of the ordinary in a mining town that has evolved into an eclectic hub of artistic creativity, and connect with the seemingly endless red earth of the surrounding desert.

Be inspired by desert art

Wander around outdoor art installations under cobalt skies and tour prized galleries to be filled with awe at the region’s long-established artistry. Linger in front of some of the 2,000-plus artworks on display at the Broken Hill City Art Gallery, including astonishing works from Central Desert masters such as Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri and Emily Kame Kngwarreye. And follow the lines of the colourful brushstrokes synonymous with works by artist Kevin ‘Pro’ Hart at the Pro Hart Gallery.

Surround yourself in natural beauty 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 the tiny town of Silverton, 25km northwest of Broken Hill. Immerse in a Mars-like landscape that was featured in films including Mad Max II and the latest Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Mission Impossible 2 and A Town Like Alice. Be astounded by the passion of the curators of Silverton’s Mad Max 2 Museum, who have gathered together Mad Max memorabilia such as original and replica vehicles.

Connect with the soul of the outback

Gain perspective on the remarkable landscapes you’ll encounter as you take an adventurous 200km drive out of Broken Hill on burnt orange, earthy roads to Mutawintji National Park. Be humbled by the park’s ancient landscapes as you encounter important cultural and historic sites rich with Aboriginal history and inscribed with stencil art. Stroll along easy or more challenging hiking tracks, get your bearings at 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. Perch high on a camel’s back and take in the picturesque scenery as guides share their knowledge of the area and their beloved camels with riders.

Still buzzing from your camel ride, allow the skies to envelop you at the Mundi Mundi Plains lookout as the sun sets and night descends. Experience the magic of the sunset in the outback as you gaze across the extensive plains. If you plan to travel in winter, time your visit for the unique Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash rock music festival, held on a working sheep station in late August.

Come nightfall, 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.

All-day dining

Broken Hill’s food 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. Get your espresso fix at Giovanni and Co. and have a hearty meals at The Silly Goat, which caters to vegans.

Experience a wave of nostalgia as you sip on childhood favourites such as an icy-cold milkshake or a spider (ice-cream float) at the 1950s-themed Bell's Milk Bar, Australia’s oldest milk bar – it’s been operating since 1892.

Savour a cool beer, cocktail or glass of wine and refuel with classic pub fare at the nearby Broken Hill Pub. Find out how the desert surrounds inform the process of making spirits on a late-morning tour of Broken Hill Distillery – or sip your way through a tasting flight at the distillery door. Wash down a pizza with a cocktail at The Astra hotel’s Red Lush cocktail bar or book a table at its Trinders Restaurant. And soak up a quintessential outback pub experience at the iconic Silverton Hotel outside of town.

Feel the warmth of outback hospitality

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

Cosy up in a cabin or a powered caravan or campervan site at Broken Hill Outback Resort. 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.