Day 52 – Broken Hill

The route out of Port Augusta to Broken Hill passes through two quaint villages, of Wilmington and Orroroo both of which had caravan parks and looked like places to relax. There was also frost on the grass as we drove through the Flinders Ranges.

Broken hill has more than 30 art galleries many of which house works by artists who were born in Broken Hill. It is also home to the Brushmen of the Bush, Eric Minchin (founder), Pro Hart, Jack Absalom, John Pickup and Hugh Schulz, who raised over one million dollars for charity between 1973 and 1994. It would be easy to spend 4 or 5 days looking round the town and surrounds.

Broken Hill has unusual streets which double as storm water drains. This leads to some roller coaster rides as you drive across or through the drain areas.

Storm water flows along shaped roads rather than in underground drains

Outside Broken Hill the Living Desert Reserve is home to 12 sandstone sculptures. They were created in 1993 at the instigation of Lawrence Beck and intended as a tribute to the late Fred Hollows.

Silverton which was the site of the first mines at Broken Hill is just a spec in the desert landscape. It has a good heritage walk and quite a few artists. The Silverton Cafe provides an excellent lunch with a menu of drovers fare. Need to book, especially at weekends when it is very busy.

Silverton

Silverton and surrounds - there is a lot of space.