11 restaurants and cafes in Broken Hill for a top feed

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It might feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but the number of restaurants open in Broken Hill will have you stunned (and stuffed) at the options here.

To an unlearned outsider, the dusty expanse of far west NSW might not suggest itself to enormous choice in the food department. But you only have to spend a day or two in the outback town of Broken Hill before you realise the mistake. As well as a whole heap of things to do and discover here, the old mining centre has its food scene to recommend it as well. 

From desert fine dining to a stop by a retro diner, here are the best cafes and restaurants to check out when you’re in Broken Hill. 

1. The Silly Goat Cafe

Best for: a seriously good cup of coffee

A sleek breakfast eatery in the centre of town, The Silly Goat Cafe is the perfect place to start your day, sipping on a strong coffee in their leafy backyard.

Menu at Silly Goats Broken Hill
If you’re after an all-day brunch menu, you’re in luck! (Image: Destination NSW)

As well as a hot drinks menu that includes cold drip coffee – the obvious choice for a roasting hot Broken Hill day – The Silly Goat also has an all-day brunch menu that includes delectable dishes like french toast with pickled pear, orange meringue, candied pistachio and berry compote. 

Silly Goat Cafe in Broken Hill
Start your day right at Silly Goat. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 425 Argent Street, Broken Hill, NSW

2. Alfresco’s Cafe

Best for: a big range of brekkie options

From lemon and sugar-dusted pancakes to a big brekkie resplendent with sausages, bacon and mushrooms, Alfresco’s is a real crowd-pleaser when it comes to breakfast time. And it doesn’t stop when the clock strikes 12 – there is also a heap of fresh lunches to choose from, like smoked salmon bruschetta, halloumi and charred vegetable salad, burgers and an extensive pizza menu. 

Cafe Alfresco Broken Hill
Alfresco’s is full of outback charm and good old-fashioned comfort food.

Address: 397 Argent Street Broken Hill, NSW

3. Bell’s Milk Bar

Best for: a milkshake out at a retro diner

Broken Hill is full of opportunities to take a step back in time, and here’s another one. From its fifties-style furniture to its checkerboard floors, Bell’s Milk Bar will give you all the Grease feels.

Bell's Milk Bar in Broken Hill
For some tasty, retro fun, don’t go past a meal at Bell’s. (Image: Destination NSW)

So get that hair combed back, swagger on in to sit among the chrome fittings, and order one of the 50 traditional-style milkshakes and soda spiders on the menu. Afterwards, pop by the Milk Bar Museum to get an understanding of the history of Australia’s milk bars. 

Bell's Milk Bar in Broken Hill
Savour Milk Bar classics at Bell’s. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 160 Patton Street, Broken Hill, NSW

4. The Deli

Best for: fancy cheese

If you want a treat from the boujee side of life, this gourmet grocer and cafe should be your next stop. From the baking counter with fresh ciabatta bread, to the lunch cabinet stocked with everything you need to hand for a picnic out at the Living Desert Park, coming here is a no-brainer.

The Deli in Broken Hill
Be greeted by friendly staff at The Deli.

While there are always baked goods like fresh pies here to pair with your coffee, if luck is with you, you’ll arrive on doughnut day.

The Deli in Broken Hill
Choose from a selection of freshly baked goods.

Address: 7-9 Chloride Street Broken Hill, NSW

5. The Old Salt Bush Restaurant & Catering

Best for: award-winning fine dining

Got a special occasion while visiting Broken Hill? Head to the Old Salt Bush for mouthwatering fine dining that prides itself on its regionally sourced ingredients.

The Old Salt Bush Restaurant in Broken Hill
Dine on delectable dishes at The Old Salt Bush. (Image: Lee Cecchin)

For omnivores, the saltbush-dusted lamb rump with honey shiraz is an absolute must, while tomato and zucchini roulade with lemon mousse, pickled fennel, goats cheese and smoked bush tomato will tempt one and all. 

The Old Salt Bush Restaurant in Broken Hill
The Old Salt Bush is a perfect dining option for family and friends. (Image: Lee Cecchin)

Address: 1 Oxide St, Broken Hill, NSW

6. Masallas

Best for: a taste of Indian in the outback

Beat the heat of the desert with takeout from Masallas, an Indian restaurant with an extensive menu of curries and starters, which includes roomalli wraps filled with lamb, chicken or prawn, a full Thali meal and special tandoori platters. And if you’re buying for a big group, order over $80 to get you a free butter chicken. Sign me up! 

Address: 38 Chloride Street, Broken Hill, NSW

7. Lancys Takeaway

Best for: an all-rounder takeaway night that’s a real crowdpleaser  

You know the drill: one person wants fish and chips, the other a mean schnitty, the other is being frustratingly vague. When this happens on your road trip to Broken Hill, veer away from disaster and take the family straight for Lancys Takeaway . Lancys has all these, as well as Aussie takeaway classics like steak sandwiches, pineapple fritters and bacon egg rolls – and all at affordable prices. 

Address: 282 McCulloch Street, Broken Hill, NSW

8. Silverton Bakery

Best for: bakery doughnuts in Silverton

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. Is it even a road trip without a bakery stop? Luckily Broken Hill and nearby Silverton (just twenty minutes away) have plenty to deliver when it comes to warm bakery treats. Before the Mad Mad 2 Museum and after the camel rides, stop by Silverton Bakery . Here you will find fresh doughnuts, dusted in cinnamon and sugar, as well as scones, pies and sausage rolls: all baked onsite. 

Address: 10 Layard Street, Silverton, NSW

9. Old McLeod’s Bakery

Best for: a nostalgic feed in a Broken Hill bakery

Over in Broken Hill, Old McLeod’s Bakery has been feeding hungry road trippers and locals alike for decades. And – having been baking up a storm for that long – you better believe the hype is worth it. With flaky pastry, a wide range of flavours (pulled pork and apple pie has us drooling) and a homey local spirit, you’ll find it impossible not to sneak by for a peek. 

Address: 501-503 Chapple St, Broken Hill, NSW

10. Sufi Bakery

Best for: artisan sourdough bread

Before you’ve even come here, you might have already tried the bread from this hole-in-the-wall bakery. How? Other cafes around town use their stellar products, of course. For more than just a slice or two with your scrambled eggs, stop by Sufi’s Bakery for their traditional sourdough, as well as olive bread, bavarian rye, danishes and ready-to-use pizza dough. 

Address: Corner Bromide & Argent Street, Broken Hill, NSW

11. Mamma Mia Pizzeria Broken Hill

Best for: a casual pizza to feed the family

Did someone say pizza? Mamma Mia Pizzeria is perfect for those lazy nights around the campfire where a tinnie’s already been cracked, and you just can’t be bothered to fire up the barbecue. Mamma Mia delivers loaded crowd favourites, like Margarita, BBQ meat lovers, Hawaiian and Supreme, with group deals available for hungry crowds. 

Address: 152 Patton Street Broken Hill, NSW

For more insider tips about the things to do and places to stay in town, don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide to Broken Hill.
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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The ultimate new summer guide for the Sutherland Shire

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire
Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire
The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience
See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire
Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley  Walk  past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade
Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.