I’ll be honest, I didn’t really know anything about Broken Hill before we came here.
Since I arrived I have learnt about its rich mining history, its heritage buildings, its artists and so much more. I really wasn’t prepared for just how taken I would be with Broken Hill.
Don’t even get me started on the skies here. The skies seem bigger here, the sunsets more vibrant. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.
The architecture is stunning. Beautiful old buildings stand proudly throughout the city, each one with its own story. You can almost imagine the generations of people who have walked through their doors.
One building that really captured my attention was the old Hotel Gipps. Rich in history, it’s since found a new chapter as a charming outback stay.
It’s the kind of place you don’t want to leave. There is a relaxed atmosphere as you enjoy a meal in the restaurant, and as the evening cools, you can gather around the open fire. There’s something about sitting beside a crackling fire under an endless outback sky that gets me every time.
Watching the sun sink behind the Living Sculptures was one of those moments that will stay with me forever. As the light changed, the sculptures seemed to become part of the landscape itself, with the colours of the rocks and sky constantly shifting around them. It’s easy to see why artists have been inspired by this part of Australia for generations.
My appreciation for art continued at the Pro Hart Gallery. Walking through the collection gave me a deeper understanding of the man behind the paintings and the unique spirit of Broken Hill. His work captures the humour, resilience and beauty of outback life in a way that’s unmistakably Australian.
Then there’s the Big Picture. Standing in front of such an enormous artwork, it took my breath away. The world’s largest acrylic painting by a single artist, created by Peter Anderson (Ando). Anyone who comes to Broken Hill needs to stop and see this!
One of my favourite experiences was stepping into Bell’s Milk Bar. It felt like walking back into another era. As I sat on the couch with my milkshake I felt like I could have been sitting in my grandmother’s house. Warm, cosy and wonderfully nostalgic. I was lucky enough to meet the owner while I was there. I can see why this place is so loved. It’s her passion. Her dream was always to own Bells, and when the original owners sold to someone else, she was devastated but kept her dream alive and eventually it was hers.
But as much as I loved the galleries, the sculptures and the historic buildings, what I’ll remember most is the people. Travellers and locals alike.
Country hospitality isn’t something you can manufacture—it’s simply part of the community.
Broken Hill surprised me in every way possible… and there is still so much more to explore.
It isn’t just an old mining town. It’s a city full of stories, creativity, and heart. A place where history is proudly preserved, where art is everywhere, where every sunset demands your attention, where every day uncovers something new.
Some destinations are beautiful.
Others leave a mark on your heart.
Broken Hill did exactly that.
Lani Day
Lani and Warren have been travelling through Far North Queensland in their caravan and are now making their way south through New South Wales and into South Australia, discovering unique stays and falling in love with the region along the way.
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