As one of Australia’s oldest mining towns, visiting Broken Hill is like stepping back in time. With a rich history of mining and geology, the town has great museums for you to experience. It also has a vibrant cultural history along with fascinating galleries and sculptures.  

Meanwhile the neighbouring town of Silverton, is just like out of the movies. Razorback, Mission Impossible II, Mad Max 2 and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert to be exact!  You’ll also be able to explore the open mines and rich colonial architecture. 

As these towns are remote, we’ve got a guide for you to make the most of your trip.

Tip: We recommend checking the NSW Health website for an update on the COVID-19 situation before travelling. As always, be sure to check the weather forecast and bushfires warnings before going for a ride.

Tip: Broken Hill and Silverton are remote locations so when riding make sure you pack enough food, water, a repair kit, a fully charged phone and a first aid kit to carry you through in case you get into any trouble.

Broken Hill Mountain Bike

Home to the Broken Hill Mountain Bike club who cater for all levels of riders.  The clubs aim to promote fun, fitness and friendship in a welcoming environment. 

There are routes for all levels of riders from beginner to competitive. You’re sure to have a ball. If you’re keen for a visit please reach out to the club via their Facebook page.

Broken Hill: Loop to the South 

Distance: 20 km (one way)
Total climb: 134 m

This short ride takes you past some of Broken Hill’s memorial parks such as Sturt Park (to commemorate the inland explorations of Captain Charles Sturt in 1844-45), Broken Hill's War Memorial & Obelisk and Broken Hill's huge cemetery which gives a great insight into the history and diversity of Broken Hill. 

Riding past the cemetery out of Broken Hill for only a short distance gives a taste of the vast “emptiness'' that surrounds Broken Hill. Turn left onto the first compact dirt road that connects to Kanandah Road which takes you back to Broken Hill via streets lined with typical mining cottages. Make sure to go up Block 10 Lookout point (one of the 3 main lookout points in Broken Hill) to get a view of some old mines. From here it is less than 500 metres to one of Broken Hill's main shopping centres.

Broken Hill Loop out to the West

Distance: 25 km (one way)
Total climb: 125 m

Start from Sturt Memorial Park riding in a northwesterly direction along Chloride Street, a wide street dotted with mining cottages. Have a look at the historic Caledonian Hotel (now a B&B) from 1898 on the corner with Mica Street and the house on the corner with Thomas Street (just before the hospital). 

Two blocks past the hospital, turn left into Morgan lane (a typical country lane!).  At the end, turn right onto Kaolin Street. If you have the time, turn right again onto Wyman Street for a visit to the nearby Pro Hart gallery. 

Otherwise, keep riding until you are suddenly out of Broken Hill and what feels like the middle of the desert. You are now on the road to one of the most iconic sights of Broken Hill: the Living Desert and Sculptures State Park with 12 stunning sandstone sculptures and a magnificent view across the desert (especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, check opening times). 

After visiting the Sculptures Park return to Broken Hill by riding first in an easterly then southerly direction through the State Park until you get to the Broken Hill racecourse (can you see any grass?). 

From the racecourse follow Racecourse Road and Buck, Boron and Beryl Streets back into Broken Hill and then to Sturt Park

Broken Hill: Dusty, scenic loop to the North

Distance: 51 km (one way)
Total climb: 573 m

This is an adventurous ride with stunning views of the typical red (almost Mars like) landscape of the outback. The rugged, colourful terrain is Mad Max country or maybe you can picture the bus from 'The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert' driving through here. 

It should only be undertaken by fit and experienced riders (some parts of the track may be quite sandy and therefore hard to ride or might require walking). 

Go early in the warmer months and bring twice as much water as you think that you may need!

Broken Hill to Menindee

Distance: 115 km (one way)
Total climb: 402 m
Total descent: 643 m

Absorb the wonder of outback NSW on this exciting regional ride. You’ll start off in the mining town of Broken Hill and head out of town to explore this remote area of Australia.

If you’re feeling hot, you can even enjoy a swim in Lake Menindee on the other end of the ride. 

Menindee is a beautifully historic town and one of the oldest in western NSW. Or you might want to stop in at the local hotel, which is the 2nd oldest in NSW. 

Broken Hill Sightseeing

Distance: 149 km
Total climb: 779 m
Total descent: 779 m

Explore all of what Broken Hill has to offer with this extensive scenic ride. Soak up the outback scenery on your ride out to Silverton. The pub might look very appealing after the ride out there! 

You also enjoy lovely views of the Sculptures and Broken Hill Dam.

Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery

Founded in 1904, Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery is the oldest of its kind in NSW.  It houses nationally renowned collections of Australian colonial artists including James Coutts Michie and James Ashton, along with early 20th century Australian painting from Margaret Preston and Arthur Streeton through to contemporary works by Rick Amor, Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, Lloyd Rees, Barbara Hanrahan, Mandy Martin, Clifton Pugh, Tim Storrier, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Emily Kane Kngwarreye, David Malangi and many other fine Australian artists.

The Living Desert and Sculptures

Nestled in Broken Hill is the The Living Desert and Sculptures. It’s broken down into 2 sections - the sculptures and the flora & fauna sanctuary. 

Located on a hilltop sits 12 sandstone sculptures, which at dawn and dusk they highlight the skyline of Broken Hill. The sculptures are from all around the world and each have a story to tell. 

Designed to provide a unique experience into the local animals, plants and Aboriginal culture, the 180 hectare Flora and Fauna Sanctuary does not disappoint. It’s surrounded by an electric predator-proof fence to ensure the sanctuary remains predator free. You can enjoy the walks through the sanctuary which will take you through an Arboretum and Sturt Pea Wildflower display along with Aboriginal culture.

Mutawintji National Park

Just outside Broken Hill, sits the Mutawintji National Park where you can explore the rich in Aboriginal history. You can hike or even camp at the National Park to really appreciate the landscape and history. 

Don’t miss out on seeing the Mutawintji Historic Site which has amazing Aboriginal rock art and where you can hear Dreamtime stories about the culture and mythology of this ancient landscape. 

Silverton Gaol Museum

The goal was built in 1889 and when walking through it today, it’s really like stepping back in time. There are thousands of historical artifacts of the time on display including tools from every aspect of daily life, photographs and paintings. 

It’s a great place to visit to really understand what living in a 19th century mining town was like.

Mad Max Museum

The movie Mad Max really put the town of Silverton on the map. In honour of this, the Mad Max 2 museum was created. You can explore real life replicas of actors, the sets and customs and photographs. 

The museum itself also highlights the unique filming industry of the local area.