13 Unique Things to Do in Broken Hill

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.

1. Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash

Mundi Mundi Bash Sunset — Killer sunsets are a given in the outback. (Image: Matt Smith)

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.

2. The Palace Hotel

The Palace Hotel in Broken Hill — The Palace Hotel was erected as a coffee palace in 1889. (Image: Destination NSW)

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 Dessert. 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.

3. Mad Max 2 Museum

Mad Max 2 Museum in Broken Hill — The museum is located just 20 minutes from Broken Hill. (Image: Destination NSW)

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.

4. The Living Desert and Sculptures

Living Desert State Park in Broken Hill — The park is at its best during dusk and dawn. (Image: Destination NSW)

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 $6 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 here if you’re so inclined.

5. Line of Lode Miners Memorial

Line of Lode Miners Memorial in Broken Hill — The memorial commemorates lives lost in Broken Hill’s mining industry since 1883. (Image: Destination NSW)

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.

6. Day Dream Mine

Day Dream Mine in Broken Hill — Witness a miner’s working life at Day Dream Mine. (Image: Destination NSW)

While it has a pretty name, working at Day Dream Mine was at times closer to a nightmare for those that 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.

7. Menindee Lakes

Menindee Lakes in Broken Hill — The Lakes are situated along the Darling River. (Image: Destination NSW)

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 off it or opt to camp overnight.

8. Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery

Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery in Broken Hill — The gallery runs on a pay-by-donation basis. (Image: Destination NSW)

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

9. Pro Hart Art Gallery

Pro Hart Gallery Broken Hill — Pro Hart even houses works by Monet. (Image: Destination NSW)

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!

10. Royal Flying Doctor Outback Heritage Experience, Broken Hill

Royal Flying Doctor Service in Broken Hill — The RFDS was founded in 1928 to deliver regional healthcare. (Image: Destination NSW)

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 to the fifties, as well as visiting the hangar, and take a peek in at live operations.

11. Silverton Outback Camels

Silverton Outback Camels in Broken Hill — You can even book an overnight stay at the camel farm. (Image: Destination NSW)

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 new-found 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.

12. Broken Hill Distillery

Broken Hill Distillery in Broken Hill — The Distillery is known for its uniquely Australian flavours.

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 rosemary, mint and wattleseed brew – the perfect gift to take back with you after a long lunch.

13. 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. Please note: this is temporarily closed.

Have you booked your stay in Broken Hill yet? Check out our accommodation guide in Broken Hill.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

13 unique things to do in Broken Hill