From Wikitravel

Broken Hill[1] is an historic mining city in the Far West (Outback) of the Australian state of New South Wales. Mining has occured throughout the entire life of Broken Hill since its founding in 1883. Australia's largest mining concern BHP Billiton has it's origins here with the initials BHP standing for "Broken Hill Proprietary". The mining industry has declined in recent years however it still plays an important part in the story of the town with many tourist attractions associated with mining. The other main reason to visit Broken Hill is for the artists who have called the city home. There are many galleries around the city that are worth visiting.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By car

It is just over 1000km of mostly long straight drive to Broken Hill from Sydney, and just over 500km from Adelaide. Both roads are mostly good quality sealed roads. The scenery will change slowly along the way. Broken Hill is on the edge of the real outback, but is easily accessible by car.

[edit] By train

Countrylink run weekly direct services to Broken Hill from Sydney. It is called the 'Outback Explorer'. The Sydney to Broken Hill leg is on the Monday (6:20am to 7:10pm). The return journey is on the Tuesday (7:45am to 9:48pm). Country link also run a daily service that is a train to Dubbo from Sydney and then a bus from Dubbo to Broken Hill. Sydney to Broken Hill is 7:10am to 10:45pm and the return is 3:45am to 8:48pm.

Indian Pacific runs directly to Broken Hill twice a week from Sydney and Adelaide. Tours of the town are available while the train is stopped at Broken Hill if traveling the Indian Pacific between Sydney and Adelaide/Perth.

It is not possible to take cars to Broken Hill by train. The only drop-off/collection points are in Sydney and Adelaide.

Broken Hill train station is one block from the main shopping strip and walking distance to some accommodation. Taxis are available at the station to meet the trains.

[edit] By plane

Regional Express has direct services from Sydney, Adelaide and Dubbo. The Sydney service can either be direct (one return flight per day) or with a stop over in Dubbo. Essentially there are two flights per day from Sydney to Broken Hill however they book out quickly. The Adelaide service is a direct flight with two to three return flights per day. This may be a better option if flying: in December 2007, one-way fares from Sydney started at $A218; from Adelaide, $A132. No other commercial airlines fly to Broken Hill.

[edit] By bus

Buses R Us travel three times per week between Adelaide and Broken Hill. The travel time is about 7 hours. Greyhound (formerly McCafferty)) no longer offer a service to Broken Hill from Adelaide and V Line only offers a service between Mildura and Melbourne. Countylink (see 'By Train' above) offer a combined train and bus route from Sydney.

[edit] Getting around

Coach tours are an option. Taxis are also available. But you will need a car to see the town and surroundings independently. This poses problems for the adventurous. Rental cars in the city often charge a premium for traveling further than 100-200km, which is easy to do. After that, the rate is generally 25 cents a kilometre. Driving on unsealed roads is only allowed if you hire a four-wheel drive; even then, if you have an accident, you are liable for the entire insurance excess. So getting off the beaten track is difficult. At least one company only lets you drive to Menindee or Silverton.

[edit][add listing] See

• See the sunset in the outback, just out of town. There are a few favorite pieces of high ground where the sun looks like it drops off the end of the world. Truly spectacular.

• Miner's Memorial. Located on the top of the mullock heap on the edge of the CBD is the Line of Lode Miner's Memorial and Visitors Centre.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Mine tours. You can go underground in the mining shaft and get a real experience of mining.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Broken Hill has developed a thriving artistic community. Take a browse through some of the Art Galleries and outlets in and around the town.

• Pro Hart Gallery

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit] Bars

As one would predict for a mining town, Broken Hill, has its fair share of bars but those expecting frontier style pubs will be disappointed. The majority of bars in Broken Hill are of the RSL club style, full of cheap drinks and pokie machines. Having said that one should not miss out on a game of two-up at the Musicians Club held on Friday and Saturday nights. The Barrier Social Democratic Club holds a disco night on Saturday night in which the young people from the town come out to play.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Get out

The Opal Mining town of White Cliffs is an interesting spot to visit or for prospecting.

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