Art and mining might seem uncomfortable companions. But in recent years artists who have found their inspiration in Broken Hill, have grabbed as much media attention - as analyses of the incredible wealth produced by one of the world’s greatest silver-lead-zinc mineral deposits.
Although painters have been trying to capture the light and colours of the Hill for more than 100 years, it wasn’t until Pro Hart and the so-called bush and naive artists burst on the scene with their starkly-lit imagery that the school flowered.
Today the city brims with gallery-studios well stocked with works in which the artists bring their own interpretations to one of the world’s most distinctive landscapes.
Broken Hill in Outback NSW is so rich in an often turbulent history that no one museum could ever do the region justice. Visitors can absorb the unique vibes of the past on the heritage walks and drives, and the guided tours of mines, where you can be amazed at the range and beauty of the minerals which have underpinned the city's vast wealth.
Festivals - Outback and All the Jazz (March), Silver City Show ( September), Country Music Festival (October)
Things to do
School of the Air - for appointment see Visitor Information Centre
Delprat's Underground Tourist Mine - daily 2 hour tours
Silver Trail - historical self guide trail. Brochure available from Visitor Information
Museums - Mineral and Train Museum, Albert Kersten Geocentre, White's Mineral Art and Mining Museum
Art Galleries - including Broken Hill City Art Gallery, Thankakali Aboriginal Arts & Crafts,
Zinc Twin Lakes - artificial lakes and popular picnic area
Visitor Information Centre - Corner of Bromide and Blende Sts. Broken Hill
In the area
Mutawintji National Park - for spectacular scenery, Aboriginal engravings and paintings
Wildlife Watching - on Sundowner Nature Trail 3 km return trip
Silverton - an old mining town with a heritage walking trail , Nelson's Pioneer Farm and Silverton Camel Farm. Silverton has featured as the setting for numerous films: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Mad Max II.
Find out more about Outback NSW.
Australia - plan it, book it
