We’ve been through Broken Hill a few times now, but this visit felt like a proper upgrade. We decided to stay somewhere new, the Broken Hill Outback Resort, about fifteen kilometres east of town. It’s a relaxed spot with its own pub, a bit of polish, and enough soft green grass to make Zoe think she’d found paradise. Neil was equally thrilled with the on-site bar, which meant no arguing over who was driving home.
After parking up and settling in, we headed straight for the Living Desert Sculptures in time for sunset. The sandstone figures sit high above the plains, glowing gold as the light shifts, and the view is pure outback magic. The only downside? The crowd of overly enthusiastic sunset watchers who seemed determined to stand directly in front of every photo we tried to take. (We love people. Just not when they’re human tripods.) Still, the light show was worth it.
Back at the resort, we grabbed dinner at the pub, a buffalo chicken pizza that hit all the right notes after a long day. The atmosphere was lively, the service easy-going, and the beer cold. We called it a night, full and happy, listening to the desert winds gently rocking us to sleep in the moho.
The next morning, we set out for Silverton, a tiny town that looks like it’s been plucked straight from a movie set, because, well, it has (kind of). Neil hadn’t been before, so it was all new to him, while Zoe immediately took a shine to the local donkeys. She also scored herself a bowl of water and plenty of pats at the Silverton Hotel, one of the few pubs that truly lives up to the term dog-friendly.
We explored the Silverton streets, poked our noses into a few galleries, and tried (unsuccessfully) to visit the Mad Max Museum. Closed that day, of course. Undeterred, we drove out to the Mundi Mundi Lookout, where the horizon just keeps going. It’s the kind of view that refuses to fit in a photo. No matter how many shots you take, the vastness wins.
That night, Broken Hill threw everything it had at us! Wind, dust, and finally, rain. The storm rolled in hard, shaking the moho and painting the sky in lightning. By morning, it was all calm again, the world scrubbed clean and smelling like wet dirt and eucalypt. Time to move on. Next stop: Mildura.
If you love the mix of outback grit, art, and a cold drink at the end of the day, you’ll fit right in. Join our Travel Dispatch to hear what the next stretch of road threw at us.
Broken Hill & Silverton
Two outback icons that sit side by side in New South Wales’ far west. One a working city of art and industry, the other a film-set ghost town full of donkeys, history, and character.
How to Get There
Broken Hill lies on the Barrier Highway, about 300 km west of Cobar or 500 km east of Port Augusta. Silverton is a 25-minute drive northwest of Broken Hill on sealed roads.
What to See, Tours and Activities
What we did:
Stayed at the Broken Hill Outback Resort (pub + green grass = heaven).
Watched sunset at the Living Desert Sculptures.
Day-tripped to Silverton, met donkeys, and checked out the Silverton Hotel.
Stopped at the Mundi Mundi Lookout for that endless horizon.
Dodged dust storms and hunkered down through a wild outback storm.
Other highlights you might explore:
Pro Hart Gallery and Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery for local and national works.
Line of Lode Miners Memorial for panoramic views and history.
Mutawintji National Park, a day trip northeast, for Aboriginal rock art and walking trails.
When to Visit
April to October brings mild days and crisp nights — ideal for exploring and outdoor meals. Summer can hit the high 40s, and when the wind picks up, hold onto your hat.
Final Thoughts
Broken Hill never feels the same twice. One visit, it’s all light and art, the next it’s dust and thunder.
What’s Nearby
From here, the road south heads toward Mildura, following the Darling River through quieter country and smaller towns.
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Fast Facts
Location: Broken Hill, Far West NSW
Distance: 1,150 km west of Sydney; 500 km east of Port Augusta
Traditional Owners: Wiljali People
Access: Sealed via Barrier Highway
Facilities: Fuel, pubs, shops, museums, caravan parks, medical and mechanical services
Walking Track: Living Desert Trail, Sculpture Site Walk
Dog Friendly: Limited; pets allowed at Outback Resort and Silverton Hotel (on lead)
Best Time to Visit: April – October
Things That Could Kill You (Probably Won’t)
A semi-serious guide to surviving Australia. Mostly common sense, occasionally luck.
Dust Storms: If the horizon disappears, so should your driving plans.
Donkeys: Cute, confident, and completely unaware of road rules.
“Art” Enthusiasts: Expect them to block your best shot at sunset.
Other updates you may like…
We can’t drive past a small-town museum. From Wondai’s old operating theatre to Murgon’s dairy collection and Narrabri’s moustache teacups, here’s what volunteer-run local history gave us, plus the dolls we could have done without.