Car Rental Broken Hill Downtown

Broken Hill is not often thought of as a tourist destination, located in the middle of the desert, surrounded by outback, miles away from other towns. But the town's reputation has been growing in recent years thanks to its heritage listing. Broken Hill is the oldest mining town in Australia, with silver first discovered there in 1883. It sits as a lone oasis near the NSW and South Australia Border, a 13-hour drive from Sydney. But what once was a mining town has spawned into a unique tourist location and holiday venture, with heritage-listed buildings, great food, amazing outback scenery, museums and shopping all on the agenda. 

Broken Hill has a long-standing relationship with art. The Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery is the oldest regional gallery in Australia, and houses an interesting collection of artworks, including from both colonial and Aboriginal artists. Some of the Aboriginal artists whose works are housed in the gallery are Emily Kame Kngwarreye and Badger Bates. There are a number of galleries and art studios in Broken Hill, all easily accessible with a car hire.

See the Broken Hill community markets, held on the second Saturday morning of each month. It is the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or gift, with arts, collectables, minerals from around the region, jewellery and more all available here. The markets are just a short walk from the main centre of Argent Street, where you will also find a wide range of shops, art studios, restaurants and museums.

If you are a fan of the film ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’, then you might want to head to Broken Hill in December. The Broken Heel Festival is centred around drag, divas and more feather boas per capita than anywhere else. There is live music, comedy and activities all in homage to the movie and the culture surrounding it. The event is topped off with a parade that celebrates the diversity of Australia. 

Take in Some Stunning Scenery with a Rental Car

Broken Hill is surrounded by fantastic outback scenery that is only accessible by car. The Living Desert State Park is home to walking trails, unique sculptures, native animals and flora and fauna. Just a short drive from Broken Hill, the park is 2,400 hectares of nature reserve that was established in 1992. The 12 sandstone sculptures were created in 1993 by artists from around the world; they stick out from the scenery like monoliths, celebrating the history of art and culture in this unique desert region. Take one of the easy walking trails to see some native wallaroos and red kangaroos bounding across the desert landscape. The best part of the area is the John Simons Flora & Fauna Sanctuary, which features wildlife  and Aboriginal tours, explaining the history of the region, the plants and animals. If you are particularly taken by the park, you can spend the night at the Starview Campsite. 

See the Attractions in Broken Hill with a Car Hire

Broken Hill is home to galleries, restaurants and unique sightseeing opportunities. Visit the Albert Kersten Mining and Mineral Museum for an up-close look at over 300 specimens found in the area, as well as explanations behind the local environment. The Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery is a must-see when in town. Home to some stunning pieces, check out the museum's website for what is on during your stay in Broken Hill. 

If you want an even closer look at minerals and mining history, then take the tour of the Historic Day Dream Mine. Miners from the other side of the world worked deep underground for 12 hours a day by candlelight in hopes of making it in this strange new land, some as young as 8 years old. Being in the mines makes you appreciate the hardships they endured. Learn the history of this unique mining town, deep underground; the tour takes around an hour and a half, with cold drinks and refreshments afterwards.