Fast facts
- Historic mining town in picturesque outback location
- Quaint colonial buildings and artist studios.
- 1,183 km north-west of Sydney, population approximately 50
Why go there
Located 25 km north-west of Broken Hill, Silverton has a variety of 19th-century buildings, some restored as museums and art galleries. The town has attracted film-makers for decades with the circa 1880 Silverton Hotel and surrounds being used for Australian productions such as "Mad Max 2", "A Town Like Alice" and "Dirty Deeds".
The dramatic natural scenery and changes of light and colour have also made the area popular with artists and many of the so-called Brushmen of the Bush paint and sell their art in Silverton.
History
In 1875, silver was discovered in the area with the Umberumberka claim registered in 1881. The population peaked at about 3,000 late in the decade but when the ore ran out the miners transferred to Broken Hill, taking many of the buildings with them. By 1901, Silverton had just a few hundred people. These days the few remaining residents cater for the tourist trade.
Things to do
- Drink in the atmosphere at the Silverton Hotel with its exhibition of film and television memorabilia.
- Witness the harsh history of the area at the Silverton Gaol and Courthouse.
- Take home a souvenir of a genuine bush painting.
Don’t miss
- A tour of the Day Dream Mine, in 1882 it was worked by eight-year-old boys.
- Inspect the Silverton Pioneer Museum.
- A picnic at Penrose Park Recreation Area, this popular recreational area, near the Umberumberka Creek, has gas barbecues, caravan and camping areas and sporting facilities.
- A camel ride through the harsh desert landscape.
- Sunset from the lookout over the vast Mundi Mundi Plains.
