About Broken HillG'day...
Welcome to Broken Hill and inspirational outback. The vibrant earthy colours and magical light of this landscape have drawn film-makers and artists here to capture its special quality. It packs a powerful emotional punch - this dark red soil contrasting with clear blue skies where the wedge-tailed eagle soars - appealing to something deep in our human souls. There's definitely a spiritual element in this country, as our Aboriginal ancestors knew. At sunset, when the wide horizon glows red and orange, we are lost for words. The distances are huge and the big red kangaroos can cover 200 kilometers in a night chasing a thunderstorm. And yet there's a smaller scale - the petals of a Sturt's desert pea, the eyes of a lizard, ancient rock etchings.
The city of Broken Hill is its own graphic testimony to the struggles of the mining pioneers. The 'tower mullocks' and headframes silhouetted at sunset tell the story of a treasure beyond the wildest dreams, a treasure that filled the coffers of a young nation.The explorers were on their way to the inland sea in the1840s and the graziers were already here. The Darling River was home to the paddle-steamers, and indigenous Australians looked on, as they had been here for thousands of years.
What's the weather like?
Warm to hot summers with temperatures climbing to 38C and over about 10 days a year. The average high for summer months is about 32C. Mild winters, about 15-16C. Rainfall averages around 20mm a month. For more information click here.
How do you get here?
By road from Mildura, Sydney and Adelaide. Coach travel is available from Adelaide and Mildura. By train from Sydney and Adelaide with Countrylink and Great Southern Railways (Indian Pacific or Laser/XPT Sydney-Dubbo-Broken Hill). By air from Sydney and Adelaide with rex.
A 4WD is suggested for venturing into more remote areas.
Do you know what the time is?
Broken Hill and Silverton operate on Central Standard Time. All other towns in our region operate on Eastern Standard time.
Where to stay and where to eat?
Accommodation in the region is as diverse as the countryside. Try a 'tinny' home, these are classic 'miner's cottages' some made of local stone, some of corrugated iron, a friendly bed and breakfast or go bush style in a cabin. Try a caravan park, guesthouse, station property or take your choice of motels, hotels, classy 19th century luxury, executive suites and backpacker bunks. The choice is yours.
However, remember if you wish a particular type of accommodation, Broken Hill can get very busy and booking your accommodation prior to arrival is recommended. Check our website for details.
Did you say food?
There are lots of cafes on the main street (Argent Street) and the Clubs are worth a visit and offer great value meals. Try a corner pub or a restaurant. A detailed listing is available at the Visitor Information Centre. Or check our website for details.
Some of our natural and man made wonders:
- Miraculous sunrises and sunsets
- Mobs of red kangaroos
- Opal, silver and crystals
- Tapestry of wildflowers
- Local larrikins and filmstars
- Ancient meeting places
- Ghost town
- River towns
- Grand heritage buildings
- Sculptures and the Living Desert incl. flora/fauna reserve
- and much more...
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