At first glance, this outback town might seem as bare as the desert that surrounds it. But it doesn’t take much digging to find the rich underside of this spirited community.

Famous for its stark outback beauty, rich mining history, and vivacious art scene, Broken Hill is a one-of-a-kind Aussie destination.

Not only has it – and the nearby town of Silverton – played the starring role in many Australian screen dramas, but it also has a fascinating story of its own. From memorials to its founding residents to wild dances in the surrounding desert, here’s what to add to your list when you get to Broken Hill.

In short

Broken Hill isn’t somewhere you drive to do just one thing. But if you had to pick, time your trip for the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash – three days of Australian live music, big skies, and dancing on the red dirt out near the Mundi Mundi Lookout.

The Palace Hotel

Did you know that this now famous drinking hole began as a strictly ‘no grog’ temperance coffeehouse? Today, The Palace Hotel is more famous for its appearance in the iconic Australian film, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. The Broken Hill pub is a stop on the Broken Hill Heritage Walk Tour, but if you can’t make the tour, it’s still worth ducking in to see its gorgeous kitsch Aussie landscape murals. Enjoy the air con when the midday heat is ramping up, or come here for dinner.

Address: 227 Argent St, Broken Hill NSW 2880

Mad Max 2 Museum

In the nearby town of Silverton, around 20 minutes from Broken Hill, is another must-see for lovers of the silver screen: The Mad Max 2 Museum. This privately owned space will astound even those who haven’t seen the wildly successful movie series, with a vast collection of costumes, photos, memorabilia and even original vehicles from Mad Max 2, which was filmed in the area. Check ahead for seasonal closures.

Address: 9 Stirling St, Silverton NSW 2880

Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash

Get ready to party with the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash, out near the Mundi Mundi Lookout near Silverton. A dance festival that is family and dog-friendly, the ‘Bash’ celebrates Australian live music over three days in winter.

Kick up some red dirt all day with your dancing, before retiring back to your caravan or tent, only to do it all again the next day.

Address: S Broken Hill, Silverton NSW 2880

The Living Desert and Sculptures

Over thirty years ago, 53 tonnes of sandstone were shipped to the Living Desert State Park, on a hilltop 12 kilometres outside of the town. Why? In order to be transformed into statues, of course. Pay from $7 to gain entry to the park, and walk among the rock sculptures in the natural beauty of their surroundings. Best to do it at sunrise or sunset if you can – both for keeping out of the heat and for those golden hour photoshoots. You can also camp next door at the Starview Primitive Campsite.

Line of Lode Miners Memorial

Another beautiful and thought-provoking site to visit in Broken Hill is the Line of Lode Miners Memorial lookout. Created in memory of the 800 workers who have died over the history of this mining town, its rusty-red steel body is located upon an enormous hill made of mining waste. Spend a while here, reading the names of the men that are carved up here, and looking at the surroundings. Another one where the best time to come here is at dawn or dusk.

Address: Federation Way, Broken Hill NSW 2880

Day Dream Mine

While it has a pretty name, working at Day Dream Mine was, at times, closer to a nightmare for those who came here over the course of its life as a working mine. Today, you can experience for yourselves what it must have been like to be an outback miner, with an under and overground tour here. Opening times are limited, so make sure to book ahead.

Address: 20 Klms along Turn right go 12.8 klms Silverton Road, Silverton NSW 2880

Menindee Lakes

Need some fresh air after being underground? Head for the Menindee Lakes, the ephemeral lakes along the Darling River. Canoe and swim here, or you can even try your hand at catching Murray cod. It’s 75 minutes from the township, so make a day trip out of it or opt to camp overnight.

Address: Woolshed Drive, Menindee NSW 2879

Pro Hart Art Gallery

Considered by some to be the ‘father’ of modern Australian outback painting, Pro Hart was born in Broken Hill and grew up on a local sheep farm. His paintings and works – often with witty and colourful narratives – can be admired today at the Pro Hart Art Gallery in Broken Hill. This eclectic gallery also houses works from Albert Tucker, Artur Boyd and even Monet!

Address: 108 Wyman St, Broken Hill NSW 2880

Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery

Hungry for more art? The Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery is the oldest regional gallery in the state and has been running for over 120 years. With a mix of locally curated exhibitions, visiting artworks from urban centres, and the annual Pro Hart Outback Art Prize, this pay-by-donation gallery houses works by Norman Lindsay, Frederick McCubbin and others.

Address: 404-408 Argent Street, Broken Hill, NSW 2880

Royal Flying Doctor Outback Heritage Experience, Broken Hill

Founded in 1928 to deliver healthcare in regions where families might have enormous distances to travel to get to the nearest emergency, the Royal Flying Doctors now provides 24-hour emergency services. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Outback Heritage Experience (which is actually located in a real RFDS base, a few minutes out of town), and get a feel for its history with an immersive audio-visual installation that takes you back in time, as well as visiting the hangar.

Address: Pro Hart Way, Broken Hill NSW 2880

Silverton Outback Camels

From travelling by plane to embarking on the ships of the desert, Silverton Outback Camels will see you checking out the surrounding landscape from the back of a camel. Book onto one of their sunset tours, or prolong the experience with your newfound hairy friend, with an overnight stay at their camel farm, 20 minutes from Broken Hill, where children will be rapturous to meet donkeys, emus, and even alpacas.

Address: Silverton Outback Camels

Sulphide Street Railway and Historical Museum

Railway enthusiasts might be keen to steam into this museum, but the $12 ticket buys far more than a clamber through carriages. Yes, you can climb aboard historic trains – some of which once hauled Broken Hill’s silver, lead and zinc to ports bound for the wider world, but the complex also includes the Broken Hill Migrant Museum, the Hospital Museum, the Ron Carter Transport Pavilion, an old-time Fun Fair, and the Tess Alfonsi Mineral Collection.

Address: 230 Blende St, Broken Hill NSW 2880

Broken Hill Distillery

Try a tipple with the flavours of the desert at the Broken Hill Distillery. Operating a cellar door with tours and an outdoor area to relax in afterwards, the distillery is best known for having out-of-the-ordinary and uniquely Australian flavours. Think redgum honey and quandong gin, or its Saltbush brew – the perfect gift to take back with you after a tour and tasting.

Address: 318 Oxide St, Broken Hill NSW 2880

Broken Hill Heritage Walk Tour

Start with a tour of the outback town to get your bearings. The two-hour Broken Hill Heritage Walk Tour is volunteer-run (you pay by donation) and takes in some of Broken Hill’s most important buildings, like the red-brick Post Office and the Palace Hotel. Tours run from 10am to 12pm and you can contact the Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre to secure a spot ahead of time.

Outback Astronomy

An award-winning operation that pulls out front-row seats to the desert skies. Guides blend science, storytelling and Indigenous interpretations as they point out constellations, planets and the blazing Milky Way, while you settle onto a bench seat below or – if you want the superstar treatment – upgrade to a reclined chair, sleeping bag and hot drink.

Address: 18817 Barrier Hwy, Broken Hill NSW 2880