Outback Towns

Silverton

SILvERTON

Broken Hill’s mining boom actually began in the tiny desert town of Silverton, 25km away. In the 1880s, Silverton was a mining hub of equivalent intensity and scale to Broken Hill.

Today, Silverton is about as different from Broken Hill as it is possible to get. Nestled in the arid landscape of the Western Barrier Ranges, it is a quiet outback town characterised by broad, unmade streets and a selection of classic stone buildings. Silverton’s photogenic appearance has made it more famous as a film location than most places in Australia. Movies made here range from Hollywood blockbusters to Australian cinematic icons. Even the historic Silverton Hotel has featured in more than 100 films and commercials, and welcomes visitors to view its film memorabilia. Two of Australia’s best-known movies, ‘Mad Max’ (released as ‘The Road Warrior’ in the uS) and ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ were shot on the famous Mundi Mundi Plains, 5km west of Silverton. From here you can marvel at the curvature of the earth and the beauty of the distant Boolcoomatta Hills in the Olary Range 90km away. Take a self-drive day trip or join a tour group. Enjoy a pleasant picnic beside nearby umberumberka Reservoir 9km from Silverton and stay the night on Eldee Station, which is also just out of town.

Silverton may look like a movie set but there’s nothing fake here. The town boasts unique local galleries, artist studios and museums. For example, check out the art and heritage displays in the beautifully restored Silverton Gaol Museum. This gaol wasn’t Silverton’s first. The original 1889 gaol was so insecure that prisoners had