Broken Hill is an iconic outback city in far-western New South Wales, situated close to the South Australian border on the traditional Country of the Wilyakali people. Often called the Silver City, Broken Hill was established following the discovery of an exceptionally rich silver, lead and zinc ore body during the 1880s.
The discovery transformed a remote section of the Barrier Ranges into one of Australia’s most important mining centres. It also led to the creation of the Broken Hill Proprietary Company, later known as BHP, which grew from its Broken Hill origins into one of the world’s largest resources companies.
Mining shaped the city’s physical landscape, economy and community. Headframes, mullock heaps, former mine sites and the prominent Line of Lode remain visible throughout Broken Hill, while local museums preserve mineral specimens, railway equipment and stories of those who worked underground.
Broken Hill also played a major role in the development of Australia’s labour movement. Difficult and dangerous mining conditions produced prolonged industrial disputes and helped establish workplace standards that influenced workers well beyond the city.
Beyond mining, Broken Hill has developed one of regional Australia’s most distinctive artistic communities. Its intense desert light, industrial forms and surrounding landscapes have inspired generations of artists, including Pro Hart and the Brushmen of the Bush.
Galleries, studios, museums, murals and public sculptures are spread throughout the city. Broken Hill’s architecture and outback setting have also appeared in numerous Australian films and television productions, including scenes associated with Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
In 2015, Broken Hill became Australia’s first city to be included on the National Heritage List. Today, the city combines working mining operations with heritage streetscapes, cultural attractions, hospitality businesses and the essential services required by surrounding Far West communities.
Broken Hill offers an extensive collection of museums, galleries, tours and visitor experiences exploring mining, art, Aboriginal culture, aviation, railways and life in the Australian outback.
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Broken Hill’s landmarks reveal the city’s mining foundations, labour history, artistic identity, civic development and striking desert environment.
A garden featuring native and arid-zone plants alongside the large ant sculpture that has become one of Broken Hill’s distinctive roadside landmarks.
The site associated with the original Broken Hill Proprietary Company offices and the beginnings of the business that became BHP.
An elevated lookout offering views across Broken Hill’s urban area, mining landscape and the surrounding Barrier Ranges.
A historic mining location associated with the development of the Line of Lode and Broken Hill’s early mineral industry.
A preserved mine headframe providing a prominent reminder of the machinery, scale and industrial infrastructure of Broken Hill’s mining operations.
A striking hilltop memorial honouring miners who died while working on the Broken Hill ore body. The location also provides extensive views across the city.
A collection of sandstone sculptures created by international artists and positioned on a ridge within the Living Desert State Park overlooking the surrounding outback.
A significant civic landmark reflecting Broken Hill’s development, prosperity and architectural heritage.
The site associated with the 1915 attack on a train carrying Broken Hill residents to a New Year’s Day picnic. Interpretive information explains this difficult episode in the city’s history.
The burial place of celebrated Broken Hill artist Pro Hart, whose work drew heavily upon the city’s mining culture, people and desert landscape.
The marked state boundary west of Broken Hill reflects the city’s geographic isolation from much of New South Wales and its close social and economic connections with South Australia.
Sculptural busts commemorating the prospectors whose mineral claims contributed to the development of Broken Hill and its mining industry.
An oversized public bench located near the Line of Lode precinct, providing a distinctive Broken Hill photograph opportunity.
A memorial erected by members of Broken Hill’s labour movement in remembrance of the bandsmen who continued playing as the Titanic sank in 1912.
A heritage-listed building central to Broken Hill’s union history and the city’s contribution to Australian workplace rights and industrial reform.
A site connected with the 1915 Broken Hill picnic train attack, preserving part of the landscape in which the confrontation took place.
Planning a stay in Broken Hill? Explore eligible commercial accommodation throughout the city and its immediate surrounds while discovering its mining heritage, galleries, museums and outback landscapes.
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This list includes eligible hotels, motels, resorts, commercial lodges, caravan parks and chain-operated serviced accommodation in Broken Hill and its immediate surrounds. Silverton and Wilcannia accommodation is not included. Private cottages, houses, townhouses, Airbnb properties, campgrounds and privately operated holiday rentals are excluded. Inclusion does not imply partnership or endorsement. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a booking, at no extra cost to you.