Fast facts
- Vibrant and artistic city known as the Silver City because of its grand mining heritage founded on silver, lead and zinc.
- An oasis of green parks and gardens thriving in the harsh desert landscape
- 1,160 km north-west of Sydney, population 21,500
Why go there
The city of Broken Hill and the surrounding region provides the perfect opportunity to experience the great Australian Outback in all its glory – captivating landscapes drenched in light, vast skies, brilliant sunsets, clear nights ablaze with stars and character-filled towns.
A rich mining heritage and a vibrant arts community combine to create a distinctive city that's like no other in Australia. The monumental Line of Lode sweeps around part of the city as a reminder of Broken Hill's silver-lined history, and due to the wealth generated in early times, the city's wide streets are lined with grand historic buildings and dotted with impressive monuments. There is a myriad of colonial pubs and public buildings, many of which have been transformed into art studios and galleries.
Artists are drawn to the area because of the clear light and expansive vistas. There are more than 30 art galleries in the area, showcasing public collections and the work of individual artists.
The best known of Broken Hill’s artists, Pro Hart, also founded a private collection that features some of his best known works. It includes some of the world’s most distinguished artists – Picasso, Dali, Rodin and Monet – and also highlights the works of renowned Australian artists, including Dobell, Nolan and Boyd.
History
In 1883, boundary rider Charles Rasp discovered what he thought were tin deposits in the Barrier Range. The 7-km lode turned out to be one of the largest silver-zinc-lead deposits in the world. The company formed to prospect the lode became the Broken Hill Proprietary Company (BHP) and one of Australia's foremost companies. Broken Hill remains the richest deposit of silver lead and zinc in the world today.
Things to do
- Walk the Heritage Trail, taking in many 19th century buildings or drive the Silver Trail taking in over 100 historic sites..
- Explore the ‘Living Desert’ Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, 6 km from town, where the Broken Hill Sculptures sit on top of hills in the desert reserve.
- Wander the desert landscape of the Mutawintji National Park, 130 km north-east, and discover its abundant wildlife and Aboriginal rock carvings.
Events
- St Patrick's Race Day, one of the biggest annual social events in NSW. In eccentric country style, this event is celebrated a week after the rest of the world celebrates St Patrick's Day.
- Silver City Show in September.
- Red Desert Live music festival in October.
Don’t miss
- The Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, the second oldest in Australia.
- The headquarters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air.
- The outstanding mineral collection - including a 42-kg silver nugget - at the Albert Kersten GeoCentre.
- The calming tranquillity of the Oasis Desert Lavender Farm and Nursery.
- A camel safari at sunset on the outskirts of Silverton.
