Broken Hill: An Oasis in the Outback
When you think of Broken Hill, oasis might not be the first word that comes to mind. I was blown away by a town that is so isolated but has so many things to do and explore.
Getting there
The drive from Menindee to Broken Hill was one of the most scenic and desolate drives I have been on, I would highly recommend you do it! We started to venture into more red dust and the plains were spectacular. Flat as far as we could see all covered in red dirt.
You can also get to Broken Hill via train if driving 1,150km isn’t your thing!
About the town
Broken Hill is one of the major towns in the NSW outback. When you drive there you feel so isolated with no sight of civilisation for kilometre’s, then suddenly you’ve arrive in a major town! It is a great stopping point to stock up on supplies as there is a variety of major shops (Coles, Woolworths, Target etc.) It has a strong mining history with many museums and memorials scattered throughout the town. There are still mines operating there to this day.
One of the things I love about Broken Hill is that the town has fully embraces their feature in the movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert and there is even a drag festival called ‘Broken Heel’ each year as well (which I definitely want to go to - have a look at the pictures here!)
What to do
We were only staying for one night so were limited on time, however you could definitely stay in Broken Hill for a week and have something to do everyday!
We visited:
The Big Red Bench
The ‘Big Picture’ Museum.
It features some information on the history of mining in Broken Hill and a giant panoramic painting of the plains of Broken Hill which is 100m in length and took 2 years to finish.They also have a gift shop where you can purchase jewellery using materials from the mines in Broken Hill.
The Big Red Bench and Miners Memorial
The Miners Memorial pays tribute to all the miners lost in the Broken Hill mines over the last 120 years.
Bells 1950s Milk Bar
They serve the best waffles with a variety of toppings to choose from. When you walk in, the place looks like something out of Grease with the black and white check floor, old style tables and chairs and a juke box!
The Living Desert and the Sculptures
12 unique sandstone sculptures places on a majestic hilltop in the desert, each with an individual artist and story.
There is also an Outback Astronomy experience you can do that unfortunately we didn’t get to. The stars out there are absolutely incredible so it would be an amazing experience! Check it out here.
Bell’s 1950’s Milk Bar
Where to stay
If you’re a Priscilla Queen of the Desert fan, you can stay in the actual Priscilla Suite in the Palace Hotel. It is completely decked out with disco balls, feathers and all things drag! There is also a gorgeous bathroom with the ultimate bathtub. It is a bit pricey, however definitely worth it if you LIVE for Priscilla!
We stayed at Broken Hill Outback Resort. It is about 15km out of the main town and has it’s own bar/restaurant that we went to for dinner. COVID-19 restrictions prevented this from being full, but it had a great outdoor entertainment area with outside tables, pool and TVs which you could easily bring a big group too and have a great night.
I found this place on Instagram and it peaked my interest because of the bath with a view - and it did not disappoint! It really does not get any better than sitting in a bubble bath with a glass of wine, staring out the window to an orange sunset glowing over red dust.
Hot Tip
Stock up here on your supplies if you’re heading west as you won’t find another major town for a long time! There is a drinking water re-fill station for your jerry cans/water tank on WikiCamps in the middle of town as well.
