Broken Hill is the oldest mining town in Australia and it was the first heritage town listed in the entire nation. This town is also affectionately known as “Silver City” because it’s situated on rich silver, zinc, and lead deposits. Although much of the mining has ceased in the area there are plenty of amazing things to see in Broken Hill including visiting art galleries and museums, touring the national parks, eating out, and even a little opal mining for beginners!
In this article, we will explore things to see in Broken Hill in more detail to help you plan your trip.
Explore the Mining History in Broken Hill
As a former important mining town, it should come as no surprise that there is a lot of mining history to explore. There are three main locations to visit, the Line of Lode Miners Memorial, the Junction Mine, and the Albert Kersten Mineral & Mining Museum:
The Line of Lode Miners Memorial
This can be seen from anywhere in Silver City; it’s a monument to the miners who extracted the silver, lead, and zinc ores. More than 800 miners died throughout the history of local mining and their names are remembered on the memorial surface. This structure is tunnel-like and every deceased miner is listed along with how they met their ill-fated end. This is a sobering experience, but to lighten the mood there are two balconies that offer a panoramic view of the city. As you can imagine this is a popular place at sunset and there is a gift shop and cafe on site.
The Junction Mine
This atmospheric mining site is dominated by the concentration mill, the water tanks, the ore bin, and the headframe. The overall impression is very eerie, yet you can imagine what the mine would have looked like in its heyday. The route to this mine begins at Menindee Road and there is no entry fee. Photographers who enjoy stark landscapes will find that the structures look very different throughout the day and this is especially true at sunset.
The Albert Kersten Mineral & Mining Museum
The Albert Kersten museum is a fantastic place for rockhounds that want to see an unparalleled collection of colourful and dazzling crystals and minerals. At the GeoCentre, you can explore the history of Broken Hill mining with physical examples of what the miners extracted from underground. There are videos, interactive displays, and a dizzying array of crystals to view.
One video shows how the Broken Hill streets were named and you can look for them as you tour the town. Then it will come as no surprise when you walk on Beryl, Cobalt, Garnet, Gypsum, Kaolin, Silver, and Tin Street! Finally, you can see the amazing “Silver Tree” which has been crafted from a single 8.5kg chunk of silver.
Wander Through the Living Desert Sculptures
Around 15 minutes outside Broken Hill on the Nine Mile Road that you would take to the Pro Hart Gallery you can find the Living Desert State Park. The entry fee is $6 per person which gives you access to the Starview Campsite and four unique attractions:
The 12 Desert Sculptures
This is one of the iconic things to see in Broken Hill. These were created by Australian and international sculpturers, they are made from sandstone and are one of the more attractive attractions in the area. They are arranged on Sundown Hill with easy access via a path that visits each piece. This is a very popular spot at sundown when the light changes the colours and the shadows dance around the sculptures. So, if you want to get a great viewing spot and/or you want to take pictures it’s a good idea to get there early.
The Cultural Walk Trail
This 2.2km winding trail is a branch of the Flora and Fauna Trail. Along the path, you can find Aboriginal Yapara, story poles, a mining site, and a quartz quarry. At points, the climb is steep, but the views are worth the extra effort and there is a great lookout point. During this short walk, you may see eagles soaring overhead and wallaroos.
This is a shorter 1km trail, the entry point is found at the picnic and BBQ area. The slopes are pretty gentle and there are excellent views out to the Barrier Ranges. The trail has been planted with a wide variety of semi-arid plants and in spring you will see plenty of wildflowers. Visitors don’t tend to see many animals, but this trail always seems to have a lot of active birds.
Discover the Arts and Culture Scene in Broken Hill
One of the best things to see in Broken Hill is to check out the local vibrant art scene. There are over 20 art galleries in Broken Hill, nearby Silverton, and the surrounding areas. Some of the standouts in Broken Hill, include the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, Howard Steer Art, and the Jack Absalom Gallery.
Only 20 km away in Silverton, you can find the Cowz Art Gallery and the John Dynon Gallery too. The opening times can vary a great deal so it’s always a great idea to check before you depart. If your time is limited in Broken Hill there are two recommendations:
The Pro Hart Gallery
Pro Hart is probably the best-known Broken Hill artist who has achieved acclaim in Australia and overseas for his vivid outback paintings. He created a famous TV ad where a dragonfly was greeted by food and wine on the surface of a stain proof carpet. You can sit in the gallery and watch that commercial and two other TV ads that didn’t see the light of day.
Pro Hart also has a collection of Rolls Royce cars and a full gallery of paintings to view. There’s a gift shop where you can purchase original art, prints, and other items to remember your visit. Entry to the Pro Hart gallery is $5 for adults, $3 for children and pensioners and for under 12’s, it’s free. The opening hours are 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Saturday and 10.00 am – 4.00 pm on Sundays.
Broken Hill Street Art
There are many art galleries to explore, but there is so much art in the area that it’s escaped into the streets where you can view it for free! As you walk and drive around the city and surrounding areas, you will see colourful murals on walls, buildings, and bridges. These go beyond mundane graffiti art, and some of the murals that can be seen in Beryl Street and other places could be proudly displayed in any art gallery.
Stargaze at the Night Sky
Broken Hill has very little light pollution and the skies are expansive which makes it the ideal location for stargazing. If you spend an evening with the Outback Astronomy team you will have an amazing evening and a greater appreciation of what you’re actually viewing. This experience depends on the time of year, the commentary is delivered via an mp3 player and binoculars and telescopes are used for a crystal clear viewing experience.
Admire Historic Architecture in Broken Hill
As the first heritage town in Australia, it should come as no surprise that there are a few walking tours to experience. There are older sandstone buildings, street art, and older shops with faded advertising around every corner. Let’s take a look at two popular walking tour options:
The Broken Hill Heritage Walk Tour
This is a guided tour that departs from the visitor centre daily at 10.00 am. Booking in advance is advisable to cover the tour cost for the local volunteer. A donation is well worth the investment, this is a comprehensive two hour walk that takes in virtually every iconic building. This tour is usually available from March to November.
The Broken Hill Heritage Self-Guided Walk
If you can’t make the 10.00 am guided tour departure time, you can still walk a circuit of Argent, Delamore, Blend, and Bromide Street to see almost 50 important historic buildings. Because this is a self-guided tour you can stop at one of the 12 hotels on the route or visit the coffee shops and galleries to enjoy a drink or two.
Savor Unique Culinary Experiences in Broken Hill
A comprehensive list of every Australian and foreign culinary experience that can be had in Broken Hill is way beyond the scope of this article. Suffice it to say there are plenty of fine dining and more casual eating options to satisfy hungry visitors. But, there are two unique Broken Hill places to eat that we think most visitors will really enjoy.
Bell’s Milk Bar and Museum is the oldest milk bar in Australia, this place is primarily focused on milkshakes with 50s and 60s tunes on the jukebox, counters with chrome trim, and other authentic features. The sheer size of the menu is almost overwhelming and the cordials and syrups are all made in the store. The milk bar is only part of the experience and the other side of the building is a museum filled with memorabilia from the period.
The Palace Hotel was built in 1889. It was initially a coffee house and it became a pub in 1892. This is one of the more iconic Broken Hill buildings with an impressive facade. The hotel interior is covered in water feature murals that give the space a cool feel. There are plenty of food and drink options and this is a great place to enjoy a meal in a relaxed atmosphere.
During our stay we had a meal at The Palace Hotel which was enjoyable and the service was great. There were a few options to choose from when it came to eating a meal.
This is us in one of the large rooms, admiring the art work painted on the ceiling and around the walls.
Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre in Broken Hill
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) provides vital medical assistance to a larger area than Europe. At Bruce Langford Visitor Centre at the RFDS base, you can visit an interactive museum. Visitors can tour the hangar, watch a short movie, take a guided tour, get a close look at the planes, and more.
The RFDS can be found at the Broken Hill Airport and it’s open 7 days a week. The opening times are 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Friday and 10.00 am – 4-00 pm at the weekends. Although there is an entry fee, the money does go into the RFDS, so you know you’re supporting a worthy cause.
Explore the Mundi Mundi Plains near Silverton
The nearby town of Silverton is a great place to visit and 6km past this settlement, you can find the Mundi Mundi lookout. This looks out over the plains that were the location for the final chase scene in the Mad Max 2 movie. The scenic beauty is truly impressive, you can see the curvature of the Earth and you can see an endless horizon. This is a popular spot to observe sunsets or to watch storms as they roll in.
Get a Taste of Mining
Broken Hill is home to the Albert Kersten Mineral & Mining Museum, which is an amazing place to discover the variety of minerals and crystals found in the area. The GeoCentre walk allows you to discover the history of Broken Hill mining with interactive displays and rows of stunning crystals.
To get an even greater taste of mining, you could see how it was for workers at the Day Dream Mine. You can experience what it was like for outback miners with both an underground and above ground tour.
If you fancy trying mining yourself, and are prepared for a bit of a drive, approximately three hours outside of Broken Hill, you can take the Red Earth Opal Mine Tour. This is a two hour tour that takes you 45 feet underground to learn more about mining history, watch live demos of the mining equipment used, and even try to dig opals yourself.
Wrapping up Things to See in Broken Hill
There are so many things to see in Broken Hill that you’re sure to find something of interest to you. Whether you are interested in history, you’re a rock hound or even if you’re looking for a place to relax, stargazing, or taking a hike, Broken Hill has plenty to offer. So, be sure to plan a visit when you’re in the area to explore the unique experiences this town has to offer.
When traveling to Broken Hill you should allow at least 4 nights to have time to experience everything that is on offer. We stayed for three nights in an AirBNB which was lovely. It was quiet at night and fairly central. Having a couple of extra days would of allowed us to see more, and some of the places we were hoping to visit were closed on the weekend that we were there, or closed early.
Before visiting Broken Hill, research the places that you want to see and check out their opening times. Then you won’t be disappointed when Galleries, Mines and Museums are closed when you are there. Especially over the summer months, when it is very hot a lot of places close at this time.
We hope that you will enjoy trip to Broken Hill as much as we did.