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Broken Hill in Outback New South Wales is the main centre in the far west. Stay a couple of days and explore the Silver City before you head off to see famous places in Outback NSW like Silverton, Corner Country, Menindee Lakes and the Darling River

Broken Hill owes it's existence to a young German boundary rider who discovered the rich orebody, that became later known as the Line of Lode, in 1883.

The city is surrounded by the undulating hills of the Barrier Ranges, named by Charles Sturt in 1844. It was Sturt who mentioned a "broken hill" that appeared as having a break in it.

It was exactly in these broken hill(s) where Charles Rasp discovered one of the world's richest silver-lead-zinc orebody. It didn't take long until a thriving mining town developed, and mining has been an important part of the Silver City's economy since then.

The beauty of the Outback landscapes, the magic of colours, glowing sunsets and deep blue skies, have attracted artists and photographers, and last but not least travellers, to visit and stay in this major centre in New South Wales' far west.

Come on, explore "The Hill" and Outback New South Wales with me.

Broken Hill is divided in a northern and southern part by the railway line and the huge mullock heap (waste material from the mines). The city centre is north of the mullock hills, Argent Street has been the main road since the early days.

• Population: approximately 20,000
• City area: 179 km²
• Elevation: 315 m


• Time zone: While NSW is in the Australian Eastern Standard Time zone, Broken Hill and surroundings (Yancowinna County) follows the Australian Central Standard Time.
• Distances to major cities: Sydney 1,167 km; Adelaide 508 km; Mildura 296 km
• How to get there?: The Barrier Hwy connects Broken Hill to the east and west with other major roads that lead to Adelaide and Sydney. From Mildura in the south take the Silver City Hwy.
  The Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth stops twice a week for the journey in each direction. There is a Countrylink train connection with Sydney, and a coach servie to Dubbo to catch more trains.

You'll feel like being in a "chemistry laboratorium" when you walk around in the city centre, as many streets are named after minerals. Beryl, Sulphide, Chloride, Cobalt are just a few examples. Other streets are named after members of the town government and mining officials.
It is said the Silver City is a living museum, and yes, you are reminded of the early days by interpretive signs and the presence of the beautiful historical buildings.

Take the two-hour signposted Heritage Trail to discover outstanding buildings. Don't forget your camera!


        The cast iron verandah of the Palace Hotel (1899) is classified by the National Trust as the longest in NSW.
        The Trades Hall (1898-1905) is a most impressive building. Trade Unions have been always important in the mining town, and the Trade Hall has been home to the union movement since the early days. If you want to celebrate a special event in style, you can hire the Trades Hall.
        The red brick Post Office (1890-1892) was designed by James Barnet. The first post office in Broken Hill opened in 1886, but it soon was considered too small for the booming mining town.
        The Town Hall (1890-1891) in Argent Street is a fine example of Victorian Italianate style architecture.

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        Lookout points to enjoy Broken Hill's panorama include Joe Keenan's Lookout at Kaolin St., Block 10 lookout accessible from Galena St. and the Line of Lode at the end of Federation Way.
        The Line of Lode Miner's Memorial on the edge of the mullock heap commemorates the 900 miners who lost their lives while working underground.

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        Junction Mine, Menindee Rd, was one of the earliest leases, pegged out in 1884. Junction Mine was worked until 1972. It is now open to visitors who are interested to see how a mining site worked. Browne's Shaft, the concentration mill and other structures are features on the site. Go in late afternoon to take amazing photos.



        If you really want to experience the hard life of miners in the 19th century, join a walk-in tour of Daydream Mine. The mine is 13km off Silverton Rd, and about 20km from the city. Daydream Mine started its short operation in 1882, a few years before the mining boom began in the Silver City.

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        Visit the School of the Air (Lane Street) and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (at the airport). Both institutions have an invaluable impact on people living in the remote Australian Outback.
        See the The Living Desert Flora & Fauna Sanctuary on the outskirts of the city to learn about the flora and fauna of the Barrier Ranges. The Sculpture Symposium is another attraction within the reserve.
        These are only a few highlights to see and explore. For more information stop by the Visitor Information Centre on the corner of Blende & Bromide Streets. The centre is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 8:30am to 5pm. The friendly staff will be happy to assist you to get the most out of your visit.

Interested in Broken Hill's history? Read more here.



Wide open spaces, rugged rocks, plains with mirages, deep-blue skies, wildlife, unique pubs and historical places await you in the Outback beyond Broken Hill. Take your time, explore and have fun.

Menindee and Silverton can be reached easily on good bitumen roads.
Places like Cameron Corner and Sturt National Park in the north-west require a sturdy car, even a 4WD when the conditions are rough.
Please check road conditions before you go. Don't forget the general rules about Outback safety.

I've been lucky to travel in Outback New South Wales after decent rainfalls. The wildflowers and the fresh green were a beautiful sight.

• Silverton and the Mundi Mundi Lookout - The famous Outback ghost town has attracted artists and film makers. Actually, it is not a real ghost town, the famous pub, galleries and the tea rooms offer services for visitors. Don't miss the Mundi Mundi lookout a few kilometre out of town.
• Menindee, the lakes and Kinchega National Park can be explored on a day trip from Broken Hill.
• Darling River Run - Discover the history of the Darling on a tour from Bourke to Wentworth where the river joins the mighty Murray.
• Take a tour along the Silver City Highway to Cameron Corner and Sturt National Park.
• Go digging for opal in White Cliffs, who knows, you might make a fortune :).
• The sealed Barrier Highway is a true Outback connection. The hwy starts in Nyngan, NSW and heads west to Giles Corner north of Tarlee in South Australia.

Outback New South Wales has a lot in store for adventurers and those who prefer a little comfort.

Please return often to this Broken Hill and Outback NSW page. I am going to add more details about the regions and routes in the far west.

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