Spotlight on Broken Hill

Broken Hill looks like your classic outback town – wide country roads, a main street lined with big shady verandahs, and welcoming country pubs on the corner. But underneath this modest country persona, is a town brimming with creative types, art galleries, public art, vibrant cafes and restaurants, and stylish accommodation. Here are some tips on what to do and see when exploring Broken Hill in Outback NSW.

Explore

• New to Broken Hill is Outback Astronomy a purpose-built facility for a stargazing experience where you see the dark night sky come to life. The Sky Tours include exciting commentary about the night sky and celestial sights highlighted by a laser pointer. This is the perfect way to truly appreciate the immense and awe-inspiring Outback night sky. 
• Explore Broken Hill’s impressive and diverse art galleries and art displays. From the famous artists like Pro Hart and Jack Absalom, to unique artists like Bushy White and public sculptures at the Living Desert, Broken Hill is home to some truly spectacular art experiences. 
• A visit to Broken Hill is not complete without a trip to Silverton, 25kms North West of Broken Hill, which has been the set for many movies including Mad Max II, Mission Impossible II and Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. This historic village is filled with plenty of history and quirky characters. Not to be missed is a visit to the Mad Max Museum, a beer at the famous Silverton Hotel and sunset at the Mundi Mundi Plains lookout. 
• Experience a remote National Park or outback station with the team at TriState Safaris who run regular 4WD tours to Menindee Lakes, Kinchega National Park, White Cliffs and Mutawintji National Park and further afield to Corner Country and Tibooburra. 

Eat

• For a barista-perfect coffee with country hospitality stop in at The Caff, where you’ll find delectable food, including the not-to-be-missed Italian meringue-topped lemon homemade muffins. 
• Another great coffee spot, with a penchant for delicious cakes and sweet treats, is the Silly Goat which also caters for vegans and raw food fans. 
• Watch the world go by while sipping your latte and enjoying a homemade quiche at Thom, Dick and Harry’s. It’s a great spot to pick-up some local produce such as Limestone Station Olives and Pandora’s Palate Quandong and Fig Jam. 
• Take a step back in time at Broken Hill icon Bells Milk Bar. Enjoy a classic old style malt milk shake, spider or its famous soda in an original 1950’s setting. Visit the onsite museum and nostalgic gift shop to purchase your own classic Bells milk shake syrup.
• 
  

Stay

• For a luxurious heritage stay with a twist, book a stay at the Broken Hill Outback Church Stay. A magnificent 1911 Romanesque style church, this building has been sympathetically restored into a luxurious guesthouse that can accommodate guests in the Church Presbytery and Church Cottage. 
• As seen in Priscilla Queen of the Dessert, The Palace Hotel is decorated with Renaissance inspired and fantasy Australian landscape murals. The over 500 square metres of colourful murals by indigenous artist Gordon Waye includes the famous Priscilla Suite. The hotels’ accommodation also includes ensuite rooms, pub style, family rooms and dorms. The Palace Hotel holds a licence that allows the traditional game of Two-up to be played, and generally you can catch a game in the hotel on Friday’s from 9pm.
• Just 25kms from Broken Hill is the working Outback station of Eldee Station. Here you can book a stay in the old shearer’s quarters or for a real outback experience, you can hire a swag and sleep out under the stars. Eldee offers 4WD tours, star gazing, shearing and farming activities, mountain biking and bush walks. But it’s not all hard work, there is also a spa and plunge pool to relax in.