Sink a cold one at the top Broken Hill pubs and clubs

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Sinking a cold one on a hot afternoon hits differently in the outback – particularly at these Broken Hill pubs and clubs.

If you’ve been in Australia for anything over 24 hours, chances are you’ve seen quite the range of pubs in your time in the Antipodes. But when it comes to the Broken Hill region, the vibrant pubs here are considered so iconically Aussie, Hollywood types have travelled across the globe… just to get a few shots for their movie.

And as good as a frosty beer tastes on a hot afternoon in this dusty mining town in far western NSW, we’re thinking they didn’t just come in for a schooner when it comes to the below Broken Hill pubs and clubs.

Whether you’re after a drink, a succulent surf ‘n turf, or simply a night out making the karaoke rounds, Broken Hill has the establishment for you.

1. Palace Hotel Broken Hill

The deck of the Palace Hotel
Take in the street views from the deck of the Palace Hotel.

Most famous for its appearance in the celebrated Australian film, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the Palace Hotel actually began as a house of temperance, serving up coffee instead of shots.

Go beyond the fabulously kitsch Aussie landscape murals that bedeck its foyer and head inside its restaurant for bar food – and on Wednesdays – a raucous karaoke night. Accommodation is available here too.

Address: 227 Argent St, Broken Hill, NSW

2. Silverton Hotel

The Silverton Hotel Aerial View
The hotel has been the set of many movies. (Image: Destination NSW)

A pub so quintessentially ‘Aussie outback’ , you may recognise it off the bat from its appearances on the silver screen.

The disturbing Wake in Fright (1971), Mad Max 2 (1981), Razorback (1984) and Mission Impossible 2 (2000) all filmed scenes here.

Drop by for a cold drink, a gander at all the memorabilia on the wall, and a surprisingly affordable (and wide) range of pub meals for such a remote tourist hot spot.

Address: 12 Layard St, Silverton, NSW

3. Musicians Club Broken Hill

With a history that dates back to 1919, when four musical mates wanted a location where they could jam together with others, the Musicians Club Broken Hill has grown to become the largest club in Broken Hill. A friendly spot with a bistro that serves lunch and dinner, the ‘Musicians’ has all the classic staples of a country club. Stop here for the rotation of live music, to chat with the locals or to try your hand at the meat raffle (a real win for the camp barbecue).

Address: 276 Crystal St, Broken Hill, NSW

4. The Astra Broken Hill

Astra Hotel in Broken Hill
Sit outside to enjoy your drink. (Image: Broken Hill City Council)

While Astra’s history goes all the way back to the 1890s, this Broken Hill pub has retained its historical features over the passage of time… as well as adding a wine and dessert bar. If you were inclined to skip a day of Broken Hill sightseeing, you could spend a good part of the day here. At breakfast, there is its Soull Cafe & Espresso Bar. In the evening? You’ve got the option of Trinders a la carte menu Temptations Dessert Bar, Pizzeria & Pasta and Lush: an al fresco cocktail bar on the upstairs balcony.

Address: 393 Argent St, Broken Hill, NSW

5. Tydvil Hotel Broken Hill

Want to try out some local tipples? This historical country pub is also home to the Broken Hill Distillery . Best known for having out-of-the-ordinary and uniquely Australian flavours, the creative choices include redgum honey and quandong gin as well as rosemary, mint and wattleseed. Try out some of these tasty samples, and soak it up afterwards with a hearty plate of chicken parmi.

Address: 318 Oxide St, Broken Hill, NSW

Can’t get enough of Broken Hill? Try the best restaurants and cafes in and around this outback mining town.
Kate Bettes
Kate Bettes is a freelance travel writer. Whether having a picnic in Vietnamese jungle with new friends, or partying in the back of a limousine in Hollywood, Kate’s experiences have left her with the sneaking suspicion that the best travel memories happen when you least expect. It’s this feeling - and how to get it - that she loves to write about.
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford
Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena
Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .