Broken Hill flights and travel guide

Rex is the only commercial airline that offers cheap flights to Broken Hill, the gateway to Outback New South Wales. A fascinating town, its business is mining and art. 

Its mining history stretches back to the latter years of the 19th century; BHP Billiton, the world's largest mining company, has roots in the town. Broken Hill itself was founded in 1883 and several of its street names were inspired by the minerals and resources that were found there - Argent, Chloride, Sulphide and Cobalt for example.

At the edge of the Central Business District, on top of 7.3km Line of Lode is the Miner's Memorial, which commemorates the hundreds of workers who died while working the mine.

There are several absorbing art galleries (Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, Pro Hart and Jack Absalom, the Brushmen of the Bush) and heritage buildings (the Broken Hill Mosque, the BHP Chimney Ruin and the Wesley Church and Hall to name just three). The Silver City Art Centre houses the world's largest (12m x 100m) acrylic on canvas painting.

Within an hour's drive of Broken Hill are Silverton (the setting of several movies including Mad Max and Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert), Kinchega National Park and the Menindee Lakes.

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Broken Hill climate

Broken Hill has a dry climate. Summer temperatures reach 40 degrees while winter temperatures are in the 20-degree range. Dust storms are no longer a problem in the city thanks to a reserve that circles the town. Spring and autumn temperatures hover around the 25-degree mark.

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When to fly to Broken Hill

Peak Season: 

Broken Hill's tourist season generally begins mid to late March and runs until the end of October. Peak periods during this time are the school holiday periods, April, July and September/October. 

The St Patrick's Races take place in the middle of March, the Agfair and Outback 4x4 Challenge in May, the Silver City Show in June and Silver City Race Meeting in October. Regional Art Gallery Exhibitions take place throughout the year. 

Off Season: 

November to February is, in general, low season.

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Getting into town Broken Hill

Rental cars and taxis are available at the airport.

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Getting around Broken Hill

A rental car is best for touring around the region but there are companies that offer sight-seeing tours of Broken Hill.

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Broken Hill insider information

• The Bush Mail Run is a fascinating tour. It operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 7am and 4pm and morning tea at one of the homesteads is included. It's a wonderful way to see how mail and supplies are delivered to remote dwellings, the same way for the past 100 years. 
• Thankakali Gallery on the corner of Buck and Beryl Streets is the local cultural centre. It features hand-painted arts, didgeridoos and crafts by local artists. 
• Broken Hill is a major base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. At the base visitors can see how a working base operates and guided tours are available.
• Another must-see is the Sculpture Symposium in the Living Desert Reserve about 10km out of town. The 12 gigantic sandstone statues were created by artists from around the world and should be seen at sunrise or sunset when the light brings them to life.
• Broken Hill operates on Central Standard Time whereas the rest of the region is on Eastern Standard Time (ie, Broken Hill is 30 minutes behind Sydney).

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Broken Hill airports

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