Looking for a taste of what Broken Hill has to offer? This quick itinerary will familiarise you with the city's biggest drawcards.
So you've hopped off the plane at Broken Hill Airport, ready to start your grand outback adventure. But where to start?
Fear not! We've put together a quick itinerary that you can tackle in a day, that will get you acquainted with the Silver City and give you a great base upon which you can explore further!
The best way to see Broken Hill and the Outback is to carve your own path at your own pace. Thankfully, SIXT has locations both at Broken Hill Airport and in the CBD where you can find the perfect vehicle for your journey. With a wide range of hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs and people-movers, you'll find exactly the right vehicle to get you where you want to go in comfort and style.
Broken Hill is a mecca of outback art, so why not start your journey into the city's thriving art scene by taking in the work of one of it's most famous residents? Jack Absalom was an artist, author and TV presenter who spent most of his live in Broken Hill, and all of it in the rugged Aussie outback. He had a strong passion for bushcraft and adventure, which translated into a number of books and TV programs educating people on survival skills when in the outback. His love of his homeland was not purely functional though, the harsh landscapes and deep-red earth inspired Jack to paint throughout his life, becoming a renowned artist who's work has adorned the walls of galleries from here to London, New York and Rome.
Absalom was part of the 'Brushmen of the Bush', a collective of five artists from Broken Hill whose distinct yet cohesive styles of painting brought the spirit of the outback to the wider world. Beginning in the early 1970's, the Brushmen of the Bush became an iconic part of Broken Hill's history and set the tone for the thriving arts scene in the city today. Take the opportunity to visit Absalom's gallery, and peruse the work of a man who had dedicated his life to appreciation of the outback.
There's no better way to take in Broken Hill in its entirety than from atop the Line of Lode, the towering pile of "mullock" that overlooks the city. Journey up here for the best views of the city, the 'Big Bench' art installation and the incredible Line of Lode Miners Memorial. You'll be able to get a good look of the city (and just how isolated it is amongst the desert), as well as learn more about the mining industry that brought Broken Hill into existence and continues to support the city to this day. The Miners Memorial is a touching tribute to the miners that have lost their lives here, a testament to the hardworking attitude that built Broken Hill and a sobering reminder of the importance of the labour movement on mining practices.
By now you should be getting the idea of the heart and soul of Broken Hill; mining and art. When those two things mix, you get the kinds of creations you'll find at the Silver City Mint! Here you'll find a range of artwork from several resident artists, as well as lovingly handcrafted pieces of jewelry, made from locally-sourced silver and iron ore.
Silver City Mint is also home to The Big Picture, the world's largest acrylic painting on canvas! Over 100m wide and 12m tall at its highest point, The Big Picture feels more like stepping into a painting than simply viewing one. To think this project was completed by a single artist makes this breathtaking artwork all the more impressive.
There are a number of great spots to find a meal in Broken Hill, but none will make you feel as welcomed as The Workies Club. Established in 1901, The Workies is Broken Hill's oldest club, serving good food and cold drinks to travelers and locals alike. Relax with a game of 8-ball, darts or shuffleboard, or simply rest and relax with good food and good company.
With a full day of adventuring under your belt, it's time to settle in for the night. Red Earth Motel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation just off Broken Hill's main street. The Motel offers a range of room sizes and configurations to suit your needs, all equipped with modern amenities, WiFi and air conditioning. A perfect place to rest and recover for further adventures, you're sure to find a good night's sleep at Red Earth Motel.
Your first day here is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Broken Hill and its surrounds has to offer. Take pleasure in exploring the city and the vast outback at your own pace and let your curiosity run wild! You never know what new unforgettable experiences you'll find out here.
