Australia's first heritage-listed city — a living, breathing time capsule of mining history, outback art and characters like nowhere else on the planet.
Broken Hill is an outback oasis full of attractions, mining heritage, diverse culture and away-from-it-all experiences. From its rich mining history to its unique outback location and the colourful, brilliant characters it has produced, the unofficial capital of Outback NSW remains a bucket-list destination for any keen traveller.
A true outback city in every sense, Broken Hill is a living, breathing time capsule where the great mining prosperity of yesteryear blends seamlessly with a rising modern art scene, all set amid a sprawling desert landscape. It's a place of huge skies, red earth and a fascinating and internationally significant history.
It is, after all, Australia's first heritage-listed city — listed on the National Heritage List in 2015 — and its secrets are just waiting to be discovered.
It's isolation in a compellingly beautiful, rugged and harsh terrain formed the resilient characters that started the world's largest mining company, BHP (Broken Hill Proprietary), back in the 1880s. Silver, lead and zinc ore were discovered in 1883, and what followed was one of the most significant chapters in Australian economic history.
Broken Hill is a 'mineralogical rainforest', comprising over 300 mineral varieties that tell the story of 2.3 billion years of Earth's history. Mining here was vital to the development of the nation, moving Australia into an industrial, economic powerhouse. At its peak, more than 27,000 people lived and worked here.
The city also produced Australia's labour movement — workers here fought for their rights and safety, pioneering the eight-hour working day. The 1905 Trades Hall on Argent Street still stands as a monument to that spirit. And the Line of Lode Miner's Memorial honours the more than 800 miners who lost their lives in the mines.
Thanks to its unique aesthetic and outback landscapes, Broken Hill has produced some of Australia's greatest artists and inspired photographers and filmmakers the world over. Pro Hart and the 'Brushmen of the Bush' kickstarted a movement that would have royal openings in London and exhibitions in New York that blocked traffic.
Today Broken Hill is a cultural hub, home to more than 20 art galleries exhibiting works inspired by the stunning landscapes and remarkable stories that form its heritage — from countless museums encapsulating the city's rich history and stunning murals to incredible open-air sculptures shaped from the rocky landscape.
As the sun sinks below the vast horizon, the town is treated to world-class sunsets and epic views of the Milky Way above. No matter how you experience Broken Hill, you arrive expecting the unexpected — and leave with lifelong memories of a place like nowhere else on the planet.
The unique combination of landscape and history has made Broken Hill and the surrounding Mundi Mundi Plains the backdrop for over 50 feature films and television productions. Here are some of the most iconic.
The cult classic filmed in and around Broken Hill. The Palace Hotel's famous mural is a landmark from the film — still there today.
Principal photography across twelve weeks, with scenes shot at the Pinnacles and — yes — right here on the Mundi Mundi Plains.
Parts of the 2024 Mad Max film were shot in nearby Silverton, continuing the region's extraordinary film legacy.
Scenes filmed in the Broken Hill region, adding another Hollywood blockbuster to the city's remarkable production history.
The Seven Network drama set in outback Australia, filmed in the Broken Hill region and bringing the RFDS story to national audiences.
Pro Hart, Jack Absalom and the legendary artists' group whose exhibitions caused a stir in New York and opened before royalty in London.
The Mundi Mundi Plains and the Broken Hill region sit on the Country of the Barkindji (Paakantji) people, who have inhabited this land for over 50,000 years. The name Paakantji translates as "people of the river" — their lives have been intimately connected with the Darling River for generations beyond counting.
The region also has strong Aboriginal art movements, with galleries in Broken Hill and surrounding communities exhibiting powerful work that connects Country, Dreaming and identity. About 10% of Broken Hill's current residents identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
The Mundi Mundi Bash acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet, and pays respect to their elders past, present, and emerging, and to their communities.
For full information on Broken Hill's local attractions, accommodation, dining and surrounds, visit the official tourism website or contact the Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre on 08 8080 3560.
Broken Hill is your gateway to the Mundi Mundi Plains — grab your tickets and make a proper trip of it.