Top tips for Broken Hill with the kids

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Broken Hill is Australia’s most accessible outback city of New South Wales. Located in the Barrier Ranges at the crossing of the Barrier Hwy (A32) and the Silver City Hwy (B79), it hosts a fantastic mix of Australian mining history, art, culture, and a rising foodie scene. With plenty for you and the family to do for a long weekend or a stopover on your big lap.

BROKEN HILL TOWN

Australia’s first National Heritage List city was born in the 1880s, Broken Hill is bursting with heritage and experiences for the whole family. From exploring cute family friendly cafes – such as the Melbourne-esque and all-around crowd pleaser The Silly Goat – to walking along the streets taking in the mix of well preserved colonial and art deco buildings, or finding a gem shop for the kids to be fascinated by the local geology. The views from the Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial showcase not only the history of the town but the sheer size of the desert that surrounds it.

Location:  31°57′24″S 141°28′04″E

1,160 km West of Sydney via A32, 511 km North East of Adelaide via A32 and 837 km North West of Melbourne via the A79 and B79. 

OUTBACK ASTRONOMY

Set on a beautiful property just minutes from town, Outback Astronomy offers you and the family the chance to ‘hang out with the stars’ and be enchanted by the clarity of the sky at night. Due to its location in the unlit outback and rare stable atmosphere – a lack of atmospheric disturbance that can distort visible starlight – Broken Hill allows you to enjoy panoramic views of the Milky Way and beyond. Snuggled up on your camp lounger, armed with a torch, in a sleeping bag Outback Astronomy offers a hot chocolate for the kids and a glass of wine and a cheese platter the parents. Once set the enthusiastic team from Outback Astronomy will engage you in a trip around the night sky with the naked eye.

Location: 18817 Barrier Highway, Broken Hill

THE LIVING DESERT

The Living Desert Reserve is located just 9km from the City of Broken Hill and can be explored via its many walking trails. The sanctuary’s paths encourage visitors to experience outback plants and animals and help to better understand the region’s Aboriginal heritage. Expect to see plenty of wildlife crossing your path as you explore this unique reserve.

The must-see Sculpture Site can be accessed via a 1km walking trail where you find 12 stunning sandstone pieces that rise out of the natural landscape. They celebrate the connection between art and environment within the region and due to the panoramic views are best enjoyed at sunset.

Location: Off Nine Mile Rd, Broken Hill NSW 2880

BELL’S MILK BAR

This much-loved Broken Hill icon is frozen in time, fitted out with retro furniture alongside other ‘50s relics. With more than 50 flavours to choose from, including Jelly Bean, Blue Moon, and Custard, the spiders and milkshakes served here still use traditional handmade syrup recipes. They also serve light snacks to accompany their sweet liquid treats. Bell’s Milk Bar is an absolute must-do when visiting Broken Hill.

Location: 160 Patton St, Broken Hill, NSW.