More about hotels in Broken Hill
Broken Hill is the Silver City, an outback mining town in far-west New South Wales built on more than a century of silver, lead and zinc mining. These days it's just as well known for its arts scene, sweeping outback views and star-filled night skies as it is for what's under the ground.
Whatever kind of outback trip you're after, whether it's a quick overnight stop or a longer stay to properly explore the Silver City, there's a place in Broken Hill to match.
Where to stay in Broken Hill
- Argent Street: the centre of town, home to its heritage streetscape, with cafes, galleries and shops within an easy walk. Best for first-timers who want to be in the middle of it all.
- The Line of Lode: close to the lookout and its sweeping outback views, handy for travellers keen to start with the town's mining history.
- South Broken Hill: a quieter, more local feel, still an easy run into the centre. Suits travellers after a slower pace.
- Alma: a relaxed, low-key area, good for road-trippers wanting a break from the main drag.
What is Broken Hill known for?
Broken Hill built its name on mining, and that history is still written across the town. Argent Street's late-Victorian public buildings helped make Broken Hill the first Australian town added to the National Heritage List, and the Line of Lode Lookout, built on top of a former mining stockpile, pairs that history with some of the best outback views around.
It's also a genuine arts hub. The Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, opened in 1904, is the oldest regional gallery in New South Wales and one of several venues showing work from the local "Brushmen of the Bush" movement, alongside the Pro Hart Gallery. The Palace Hotel, a grand 1889 pub in the centre of town, picked up its own fame as a filming location for The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, part of why locals call Broken Hill the "Hollywood of the Outback."
Just outside town, the Living Desert Reserve holds the Sculpture Symposium, twelve large sandstone sculptures set on a hilltop with wide desert views and one of the most photographed spots in the outback. Silverton, a near-ghost town 25 minutes away, is worth a half day for its galleries, heritage gaol museum and history as a Mad Max 2 filming location. Further afield again, Mutawintji and Kinchega National Parks make good full-day trips for gorge and river-country scenery.
How much is accommodation in Broken Hill?
Broken Hill's accommodation spans caravan parks right through to heritage-style stays, generally at a lower price point than coastal NSW.
- Caravan parks and budget motels: the cheapest way to base yourself in town, popular with grey nomads and road-trippers passing through.
- Standard motels and apartments: comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, often with a pool, a must for the hotter months.
- Heritage and boutique stays: a step up in character, including rooms inside some of the town's own historic pubs.
Prices firm up on long weekends and school holidays, same as anywhere else, so it pays to book ahead if your dates are fixed.
Top-rated hotels in Broken Hill
- ibis Styles Broken Hill: a modern, reliable option with a pool, an easy pick for families wanting air-conditioned comfort after a day out in the heat.
- Royal Exchange Hotel: a stay inside one of the town's own heritage pubs, right in the middle of the Argent Street action.
- Comfort Inn Crystal: a well-kept, straightforward motel and a solid mid-range base for exploring the town.
- Daydream Motel and Apartments: self-contained apartments with their own kitchens, a good fit for families or a longer outback stay.
- Broken Hill Outback View Holiday Park: a budget-friendly caravan park living up to its name, with genuine outback views right from the site.
Tips for finding the perfect accommodation in Broken Hill
- Air conditioning isn't a nice-to-have here. Outback summers regularly push past 40°C, so check it's included before you book.
- Hire a car, or book a tour, if Silverton, Mutawintji or Kinchega are on your list. None of them are within walking distance of town and public transport doesn't cover them.
- Pack for big day-to-night temperature swings. Even in the warmer months, desert nights can turn cold fast.
- If you want to walk to cafes and galleries, stick to Argent Street. If you'd rather a quieter overnight base, South Broken Hill or Alma are a short drive from the centre.
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