Getting Around

You will need a car to see the town and surroundings independently. This poses problems for the adventurous with no wheels, as rental cars in the city often charge a premium for travelling further than 100-200 km, which is easy to do. After that, the rate is generally 25 cents a kilometre, and driving on unsealed roads is only allowed if you hire a four-wheel drive! So getting off the beaten track is difficult, but not impossible if you have the right amount of spirit and confidence in your driving ability. Avis and Thrifty rental car offices are located on Argent St in the town centre, the Hertz office is located in the same building as the Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre. Taxis are also available.

Another option is going on a 4WD outback tour which will take you off the beaten track into pure outback country, without being stuck on a huge tour bus. A good local tour operator is Tri State Safaris.

Mine Tours

The Historic Daydream Mine is an old smelter ruin and mine, now turned museum, which will give you an impression of what mining was like in the 19th century, when all of the work was done by hand. It has underground and surface tours, costing about $25 and $7 for an adult respectively. You can only pay by cash, so if you need to use credit or EFTPOS buy tickets at the Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre. The turn-off to the Daydream Mine is located on Silverton Road between Broken Hill and Silverton.

Miner's Memorial

Located on the top of the mullock heap on the edge of the town is the Line of Lode Miner's Memorial; you can see it's modern design jutting up from the hill from most vantage points throughout the city. It bestows upon the visitor, not only a spreading view of the city, but a humble respect for those who've lost their lives underground. Located here also is the Broken Earth Restaurant, so when you're humbled out, you can have a coffee. Gain road access behind the railway track via Iodide St and McGillvray Dr.

Art

Owing to the pull of its unique atmosphere, moods and landscape, Broken Hill has developed a thriving artistic community. Take a browse through some of the art galleries and outlets in and around the town.

• Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery Permanent display and revolving exhibitions showing works of local and Indigenous artists.
• Jack Absalom's Gallery The gallery exhibits the works of this Australian artist, author and adventurer, a member of the 'Brushmen of the Bush' and star of some 80's outback survival documentaries!
• Pro Hart Gallery & Sculpture Park Contains a large collection of the noted Australian artist’s paintings and sculptures, the Rolls Royce that he painted in his unique style, as well as works by other artists that Hart collected during his lifetime. Don't miss it!

Horse and Carriage Rides

If you feel like some adventure stop in at the Silver City Cobb & Co Stagecoach Stop where you can go on a trail ride, with pony rides available for the kids. For those that can't ride there are riding lessons, or a carriage ride!

Broken Hill Heritage Walking Trail

Because of its rich historic heritage, the town of Broken Hill has been nominated for listing on the Commonwealth National Heritage list (the highest level of heritage protection in Australia). 

Amongst the many stately victorian buildings lie Broken Hill's iconic houses built with corrugated iron walls, and visitors to the town are often fascinated by them. Although corrugated iron is widely used as a roofing material throughout Australia, it is not commonly used for walls in houses! 

A good way to see them, and the other wonderful buildings, is the Heritage Walking Trail, a two hour sign posted walk through the streets. A guided tour along the Heritage Trail runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am departing at the Visitor Information Centre.

The Living Desert & Sculpture Symposium

Nestled amongst the Barrier Ranges and 9 km north of town, the Living Desert Reserve is a unique 2,400 hectare protected area. The topography, scenery and views are breathtaking, captured throughout by the numerous walking trails. Located within the reserve is the Living Desert Flora and Fauna Sanctuary which allows visitors an insight into Aboriginal Heritage and instills the importance of preservation of the environment.

Another major attraction within the Living Desert is the Sculpture Symposium, situated on a majestic hilltop within the centre of the reserve, truly spectacular at sunrise. The symposium was completed in 1993 by artists from around the world, 12 sandstone sculptures highlight the skyline, all with a story to tell.

It can be accessed via a 1.2 km walking trail starting from the Flora and Fauna Sanctuary car park. There's also vehicle access to the sculptures but it needs a key obtained from the Visitor Information Centre prior to departure. There is a $20 deposit for the key and a $10 entry fee applies per vehicle. Coach group bookings available for $4 per person to be booked in advance at the Visitor Centre.

In addition to the major attractions the Living Desert provides a recreational picnic area with free gas barbeques, shade shelters and toilets.

Mundi Mundi Lookout

See the sunset in the outback just out of town. There are a few favourite pieces of high ground where the sun looks like it drops off the end of the world! The best spot is the lookout just west of Silverton overlooking the Mundi Mundi plain. Truly spectacular.

The Big Bench

It's a big bench.