Friends, ready for red-earth horizons, big-sky sunsets, and a city whose streets are literally named after minerals? Broken Hill blends mining heritage, vibrant galleries, and cinematic desert scenery.

Use this guide to pick the best stops, with practical notes on time, cost, and local tips so your Outback days run smooth.

Living Desert

Set in the Barrier Ranges, the Living Desert & Sculptures reserve delivers 360° views and 12 sandstone sculptures glowing at sunset. Expect easy walking tracks, interpretive signs, and native gardens. Allow 1.5–2 hours. Entry typically A$6–A$10; gates usually open daylight hours. Pack water and a wind layer—the ridge can be breezy.

GeoCentre

At the historic Bond Store, the Albert Kersten Mining & Minerals Museum explains the colossal silver–lead–zinc orebody with crisp exhibits and a short film. Highlights: a 42-kg silver nugget and the ornate Silver Tree. Budget 60–90 minutes. Admission commonly A$5–A$10; check for family passes.

Regional Gallery

The Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery (c. 1904) showcases Australian works contemporary in a beautifully restored emporium. Expect rotating exhibitions and local talent. Typical hours: Tue–Sun, late morning–afternoon. Entry often free or a small donation; allow 60–75 minutes.

Pro Hart

Meet the Outback through Pro Hart's imaginative oils, sculptures, and studio stories. Short films add context to his inventive methods. Plan 60 minutes. Usually A$5–A$10; closed some Mondays. Gift shop carries prints and books—great for souvenirs.

RFDS Centre

At the airport, tour the Royal Flying Doctor Service base to see operations in real time and explore the Mantle of Safety Museum. Guided visits run most days; book ahead in peak season. Typical admission A$10–A$20. Allow 60–90 minutes; photography usually welcome in designated areas.

Sulphide Street

The Sulphide Street Railway & Historical Museum preserves the Silverton Tramway story with locomotives, carriages, and a treasure trove of signs, tickets, and tools. Several mini-museums share the site, so give it 60–90 minutes. Entry commonly A$8–A$12; kids concessions available.

Absalom Gallery

The Jack Absalom Gallery houses sweeping Outback canvases and an impressive opal collection. Free entry; donations appreciated. Staff share travel lore and painting insights. Allow 30–45 minutes and check opening days before you go.

Mad Max Museum

In nearby Silverton, the Mad Max 2 Museum is a fan-built homage packed with screen-used props, outfits, and customized vehicles. Typically A$10–A$15; allow 45–60 minutes. Combine with Silverton's photogenic main street and cafés for a relaxed half-day.

Mundi Mundi

Drive a few minutes past Silverton to Mundi Mundi Lookout for a horizon that seems to curve. The changing light is the show—sunset is spectacular. Free, no facilities. Bring a jacket after dusk and a headlamp for the return.

Mutawintji NP

Mutawintji National Park (about 130 km) rewards with classic red-rock gorges and significant Aboriginal rock art. Book guided cultural tours in advance for restricted areas. Self-guided trails like Homestead Gorge and Rockholes Loop take 1–3 hours. Day-use fees generally apply (A$8–A$12/vehicle). Carry 3–4 L of water per person, sun protection, and check road conditions.

Art & Mint

At the Silver City Mint & Art Centre, browse local jewelry, handmade sweets, and "The Big Picture," a record-sized panorama of the Outback (100 m long). Entry fee applies to the panorama (often A$10–A$15). Allow 30–45 minutes.

Heritage Walk

Join the Broken Hill Heritage Walk Tour (usually Tue–Thu, 10:00; 2 hours) from the Visitor Centre. Volunteers weave tales of grand facades, trade halls, and colorful characters. Expect a modest fee (A$10–A$20). Wear a hat, bring water, and arrive 10 minutes early.

Day Dream Mine

Step into 1880s underground life on the Day Dream Mine Tour (about 20 km NW). Tours run most days; sturdy closed shoes required. Guided surface + underground experiences usually 60–75 minutes (A$25–A$40). Finish with scones and tea at the Daydream Tea Rooms. Check gravel-road conditions after rain.

Visitor Centre

Begin or end at the Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre. Beyond maps and bookings, you'll find showers, RV facilities, and local-produce gifts. Staff advise on park alerts, unsealed-road status, and current opening hours—gold in Outback planning.

Practical Tips

Fly direct (BHQ) or drive from Adelaide (5.5–6.5 hours) or Mildura (3 hours). A regular 2WD handles most sealed highlights; ventures to Mutawintji may require high-clearance depending on conditions. Midrange stays cluster near the CBD (from A$140–A$220 per night); holiday parks offer cabins and powered sites. Summer is hot: start early, rest midday, and keep a cooler in the car.

Conclusion

Broken Hill shines when you mix art, heritage, and horizon-chasing: a gallery morning, a mine tour by noon, sculptures at sunset, and a star-filled drive home. Which thread will shape your first day—film sites, geology, or desert light? Map a theme, add two "nice-to-haves," and let the Outback do the rest.