Unique Broken Hill Accommodation - Australian Traveller

Planning a trip to Broken Hill? There’s a stay to match all types of travellers that roll on into this town.

The outback town has attracted dreamers, miners and artists for decades. When it comes to Broken Hill, you better believe you’re going to want more than a night. From a desert church to a farm stay out at the station, we’ve put together the best Broken Hill accommodation below. And if you’d rather set up in the great outdoors, we’ve also rounded up the best Broken Hill caravan sites and camping spots.

Unusual Broken Hill stays

Broken Hill Outback Church Stay, Broken Hill

A luxury stay in a converted church that’s over a century old might not be what you pictured for your stay in the outback town of Broken Hill, but you won’t in any way regret making that booking.

Broken Hill Outback Church bedroom — It doesn’t get more unique than a stay here.

The Broken Hill Outback Church Stay is a charming mix of the old and new, with its Romanesque church fittings and the antique altar, paired with the ensuite limestone spa bathroom. Book this property or the associated Presbytery and Cottage properties.

Broken Hill Outback Church Stay bathroom — The converted church features a limestone spa bathroom.

Eldee Station

An eco-credentialled sheep and cattle farm just 25 kilometres from Broken Hill, Eldee Station is an award-winning farm stay out on the vast expanse of the Mundi Mundi Plains.

Eldee Station is located on the Mundi Mundi Plains. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s a desert accommodation with a more remote location that makes it ideal for those wanting to check out the magnificent Milky Way in the night sky, far from any city lights. Pick from their guest suites or their camping ground (swag hire available), before embarking on a 4WD adventure to the back of beyond.

Milky Way Broken Hill — Expect magnificent views of the Milky Way at night. (Image: Destination NSW)

Palace Hotel Broken Hill

Pack those heels for a stay at The Palace Hotel : famous for its starring role in The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

The deck of the Palace Hotel — Sit in the sun on the deck of the Palace Hotel.

Make like characters Bernadette, Adam and Tick and book in for a night among the fabulously kitsch Aussie landscape murals of The Palace.

Inside the rooms of Broken Hill Palace Hotel — Have an authentic Broken Hill experience with a stay at the renowned Palace Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, sashay on down for its Wednesday karaoke night or for a night on the town during the three-day Broken Heel Festival – a celebration of all things Priscilla.

Best self-contained Broken Hill stays

Emaroo Cottages

Emaroo Cottages are right in the centre of town and make for a pet-friendly accommodation choice. There are four cottages to choose from, with barbecues, a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry. Run by a local family, the accommodation options include a renovated miner’s cottage.

Worker’s Cottage, Fowlers Gap

Want more rustic than renovated? Get a taste of the lonely nature of mining life with a romantic stay at Worker’s Cottage, a Broken Hill Airbnb .

The trip out will take about half an hour, but believe us, it’s worth it. Arrive at an open-plan rustic cottage, perfect for couples looking to get away from it all among the red dirt.

Workers Cottage Fowlers Gap Bedroom — Sink into the comfy bed of an evening after a day of outback exploring.

By day, embark on a nearby gorge hike, and by night, sit back with a glass of wine to look at the light show above.

Broken Hill Outback Resort

Overlooking the rugged Barrier Ranges, this family and dog-friendly park and resort doesn’t just have spots for caravanning and camping but also has 24 self-contained cabins to choose from.

Options include cabins with deck barbecues and double spa baths, as well as kitchenettes and interconnection rooms.

If you don’t fancy cooking, the heritage-listed Mt Gipps Hotel is on the property and serves up pub food.

Best Broken Hill motels

Sturt Motel Broken Hill

If ever a town were built for road-tripping, Broken Hill would take the top prize. For an affordable night in a cosy bed, the Sturt Motel is a pet-friendly pick.

Options range from double to superior rooms that sleep three, and continental breakfast is available.

A massive bonus in the Broken Hill weather? Its alluring swimming pool, a dive in which is the best way to wind down after a hot, bothersome drive.

Red Earth Motel Broken Hill

If you’d rather choose a motel with apartment accommodation, look no further than the Red Earth Motel .

Red Earth Motel in Broken Hill — Make yourself at home in a cosy Studio Apartment.

With its mix of studios and multi-roomed apartments, Red Earth is a great choice for families or those travelling out west as a larger group. Each apartment has a full kitchen, with the three-bedroom even coming with laundry facilities.

Each guest can make use of the Red Earth pool, covered barbecue and 24-hour reception service.

Best Broken Hill hotels

The Imperial Fine Accommodation

Pick something a little bit special with a stay at this historical and heritage-renovated hotel . Lean into the old-world feel of The Imperial. Once you’ve checked in, challenge your travel companions to a game of billiards in the old front bar. Or (and we wouldn’t blame you if this was the case) go straight to their walled courtyard. There you will find a saltwater, solar-heated pool, as well as the shade of apricot trees under which you can settle with a good book.

The Astra Broken Hill

Dating back to the 1890s, The Astra has retained its heritage features and charms despite the passage of time (and the addition of an al fresco cocktail bar, and scrummy dessert bar). Book into one of its eight suites – or its historical two-bedroom cottage – to spend a night or two in this beautiful old building.

ibis Styles Broken Hill

While this is an affordable hotel that remains a favourite among business travellers and road trippers alike, it might be the ibis Styles ’ S-Que Restaurant that first draws your attention. This hotel restaurant is one of the most popular places to eat in town. The S-Que serves up a wide range of dishes, including New Zealand oysters, scotch fillet steak and paella. Rooms at the ibis range from standard double to family.

For more insider tips, check out our ultimate guide to Broken Hill for the best things to do, restaurants and caravan parks in town.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

The best Broken Hill accommodation for every type of traveller