Surprisingly, art galleries outnumber pubs in this outback town. With sculptures embedded into the landscape, revered local artists’ galleries and drag shows with your dinner, spend three days exploring this creative hub of the outback.
The red dirt landscapes and outback heritage of Broken Hill has made it an oasis for artists and art lovers. Here's how to experience the desert city's creative cache in 72 hours.
Immerse yourself in an artistic world inspired by outback life in Broken Hill, where art galleries outnumber pubs and show off bold local personalities, sculptures come with incredible desert views and you can get up close to iconic film locations that have become part of the town’s culture. This 72-hour art and culture itinerary proves that Broken Hill is an art destination unlike any other: feel the inspiration of the landscape, meet the artists and be welcomed like a local.
DAY ONE KEY FACTS:
The Living Desert Sculptures is located at: Nine Mile Road, Broken Hill, NSW 2880
A 17-minute drive (12.9km) from Broken Hill centre
Morning
On your first day in the Silver City, it’s time to absorb the region’s talent with a self-guided gallery tour. Get prepped with a coffee and croissant at Sufi Bakery, then take a walk down the town’s main strip of Argent Street, which is also home to public art such as the wood-carved Aboriginal Story Poles, and human canoe sculpture by local artist Geoff De Main. Make time to explore the oldest regional art gallery in the state,
Broken Hill City Art Gallery, which 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. A morning spent within these walls is a thorough grounding in the region’s prolific artscape. Pick up a copy of the free Art & Culture map at the gallery or at the
Visitor Centre to guide you to 54 other creative attractions in the city.
Afternoon
An appetite for art requires sustenance, so meander across the road to the Silly Goat Café, Broken Hill’s coolest place to refuel and recaffeinate with smoothie bowls, smashed avo and excellent coffee. Next, stop at the
Pro Hart Gallery, where you can marvel at the world-renowned artist’s most iconic works and recognisable depictions of outback life that are often as brightly coloured as the characters of the desert itself. You can even pick up a brush yourself in a painting class led by one of Pro’s children.
Sunset is the perfect time to stand among the
The Living Desert 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. Tread the 900-metre track from the picnic area to fully appreciate the majesty of these works and snap them in their best light.
Evening
Back in town, 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. Each year in September, the hotel is the epicentre for the
Broken Heel Festival, which is celebrated throughout the city. You’ll also find yourself spellbound by the hotel’s fantastically vivid murals, most of which were painted by Aboriginal artist Gordon Waye, each featuring water with the intent to create the illusion of a desert oasis. Upstairs, there are well-groomed rooms to bed down in, including the Priscilla Suite.
Before you retire, though, there’s fun to be had downstairs, head to the Front Bar before strolling 600 metres to
The Old Salt Bush for dinner, where executive chef Lee Cecchin plates up seasonal fare using locally sourced produce and native ingredients such as finger lime, bush tomato, and, of course, saltbush.
No comments:
Post a Comment