We recently spent three nights exploring the Broken Hill region and its highlights. Here’s our guide on how to spend a long weekend in Broken Hill, Outback NSW.
Getting there and around
You’re going to need a car and if you’re planning on visiting any of the regions’ national parks, you’re definitely going to need a 4×4 or similar. While you are able to stick to sealed roads in and around Broken Hill, many of the region’s highlights do require a bit of off-roading. And if you haven’t driven on red dust before, you’re going to want a vehicle you can trust.
Attractions
Day one
Spend your time exploring the arts and mining histories of Broken Hill with a visit to the Big Ant, the Line of Lode Miners Memorial, and the J P Keenan Lookout. Then take some time to explore the Broken Hill Regional Gallery and the Silver City Mint & Art Centre, home to the world’s largest indoor acrylic painting. Then head out to the Living Desert Sculptures and the White Rocks Historical Site. The roads through the Sculptures park are unsealed and may be closed in wet weather, so be sure to check before you head out there. Don’t forget to visit the Broken Hill Pub and the Milkbar for a bite to eat!
Day two
Venture a little further into the outback and visit Silverton, the original outback town. Here you’ll be able to visit the Mad Max Museum, the famous Silverton Hotel, Mundi Mundi Lookout, the Silverton School Museum and the John Dynon gallery. If you were too exhausted last night, take some time out tonight to watch the night sky, or visit the Broken Hill observatory at Outback Astronomy.
Day three
If you’re game and your car can be trusted on unsealed roads, venture even further to Kinchega National Park and Menindee Lakes. Just be sure to check that the roads inside the national park are open before you leave to avoid disappointment! When entering the national park, you’ll need to pay $8 in cash and fill in an envelope slip. It’s an honesty box system so make sure you have the right change to pay the park entry fee.
Recommendations
Book ahead of time for things like the observatory if you’d like a closer look at the night sky. We missed out because we didn’t realise how busy the Easter holiday period would be and it was booked out a couple of weeks in advance. Also make sure you pack extra drinking water if you’re heading out to the national parks.
Where to stay
Most of the motels in town are very well located, but we stayed at the Broken Hill Outback Resort which provided uninterrupted views of the night sky, from the comfort of our own private back deck. If you’re worried about driving at night and you’d rather stay closer to the restaurants in town, definitely pick a hotel/motel in town.
What do you love about Broken Hill? Let me know in the comments below!
Ash.xx
