For an unforgettable experience filled with stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and exhilarating outdoor activities, Outback Australia ticks all the boxes.
One of the most accessible outback destinations from Sydney, is the charming town of Broken Hill. You’ll be driving for a while, but the scenery makes the journey well worth it. Endless red dirt roads, rugged mountains, and vast expanses of desert will greet you at every turn.
To turn this outback journey into a unique holiday, you may want to organise a Sydney campervan rental. This will allow you to take some time exploring the various destinations along the way, and stop and start at your convenience.
Where to Stop on a Road Trip from Sydney to Broken Hill
Blue Mountains National Park: This stunning national park is only a couple of hours from Sydney and is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Australia. You can hike to the famous Three Sisters rock formation, go rock climbing, or take a scenic drive through the park.
Dubbo: This vibrant regional city is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. The Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a must-visit attraction, with over 700 animals in a spacious open-range environment.
Parkes: Known as the “Elvis Capital of Australia”, this town is famous for its annual Elvis Festival. You can also visit the Parkes Observatory, which played a critical role in the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Griffith: This agricultural town is known for its wine production, with over 20 wineries in the area. Take a break from driving and enjoy a wine tasting or a stroll through the vineyards.
Cobar: This historic mining town is a great place to learn about the outback’s rich mining heritage. You can visit the Great Cobar Heritage Centre, which features exhibits on the town’s history and culture.
Arriving at Broken Hill
As you travel through western New South Wales, you will come across the charming outback town of Broken Hill. This town has a rich mining history that dates back to the late 1800s, when silver, lead, and zinc deposits were discovered in the area. Today, it has become a popular tourist destination, with many visitors flocking to explore the mines, museums, and natural wonders of the outback.
The town also boasts a thriving arts community, with many local artists exhibiting their works in galleries and exhibitions. You are sure to be captivated by the unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that Broken Hill has to offer.
Where to Stay in Broken Hill
If you’re travelling to Broken Hill in a campervan or motorhome hire, there are a few great options for places to park and stay overnight.
Broken Hill Tourist Park
This park offers powered and unpowered sites for campervans, as well as amenities like a camp kitchen, BBQ area, and laundry facilities. It’s conveniently located just a few minutes’ drive from the town centre.
Broken Hill Outback Resort
This resort offers a range of accommodation options, including powered sites for campervans. There are also facilities like a swimming pool, BBQ area, and restaurant on-site.
Lake View Caravan Park
This park is situated on the shores of Lake Menindee, about an hour’s drive from Broken Hill. It offers spacious powered and unpowered sites for campervans, as well as amenities like a camp kitchen and laundry facilities.
Silverton Hotel Caravan Park
If you’re looking for a more rustic camping experience, this park is located just outside the historic town of Silverton, about 25 minutes’ drive from Broken Hill. It offers basic powered and unpowered sites for campervans, as well as access to the facilities at the Silverton Hotel.
Top Things to do in Broken Hill
Visit the Line of Lode Lookout
A perfect spot to take in the panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. The Line of Lode Lookout is located on top of a hill overlooking Broken Hill, and provides stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside. From here, you can see the vast red earth of the outback stretching out in all directions, dotted with the occasional mine or homestead. It’s a great spot for photos, and is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Explore the Mines
At the famous Line of Lode and take a guided tour of the underground workings to learn about the town’s mining history. The Line of Lode is an impressive open cut mine that is over 7 km long and 500 metres deep. It was one of the richest mineral deposits in the world and played a significant role in the development of Broken Hill. You can take a guided tour of the underground workings of the mine and learn about the history of mining in the town.
Visit Art Galleries
Admire the works of local artists at the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery and the Pro Hart Gallery. Broken Hill has a rich artistic community, and the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery and the Pro Hart Gallery are great places to explore the local art scene. The Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery showcases works by local and regional artists, while the Pro Hart Gallery is dedicated to the works of the famous Australian artist Pro Hart.
Discover the Natural Wonders of the Outback
The Australian Outback is home to some of the most unique natural wonders in the world. Start by exploring the stunning landscape of the nearby Mundi Mundi Plains. This vast expanse of flat red earth is surrounded by towering mountains and is the perfect place to take in the beauty of the outback.
Next, head to the Living Desert Sculptures to see the incredible sandstone sculptures that dot the landscape. Each sculpture represents a different aspect of the outback’s rich cultural heritage, and the views from the top of the hill are simply breathtaking.
Experience the Wildlife of the Outback
Spot kangaroos, emus, and other wildlife at the nearby Menindee Lakes. The Menindee Lakes are a series of shallow lakes and wetlands located near Broken Hill. The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, and a diverse range of bird species. You can take a leisurely walk around the lakes and keep an eye out for wildlife, or even go birdwatching to spot some of the local species.
Visit the historic Palace Hotel
Famous for its appearance in the film “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”, The Palace Hotel is a historic hotel located in the heart of Broken Hill. It’s famous for its appearance in the iconic Australian film “Priscilla Queen of the Desert,” and has become a popular tourist destination in its own right. You can stop by for a drink or a meal, and take in the historic architecture and memorabilia from the film.
