Aussie Towns: Silverton, NSW
Perched on the edge of the desert, this outback town might be a shadow of its former self but it’s definitely worth a visit.
IF IT WASN’T for the small community of artists, its desirability as an outback setting for movies and the seemingly never-ending tourist trade, Silverton would be little more than a ghost town on the desert’s edge. Located west of Broken Hill and close to the South Australian border, this once thriving mining town had a population of 3000 during its heydey in the late 1800s. Now it’s little more than a few historic buildings, the remnants of vibrant streets, several art galleries and a pub. There are a few musts for a visit here. After a drink at the Silverton Hotel, travel a couple kilometres to the Mundi Mundi Lookout and gaze to the horizon over barren desert. Then take in a tour at the Day Dream Mine, the last mine in the area that is still open for inspection. Silverton is located near the South Australian border, 1167km west of Sydney via the Great Western, Mitchell and Barrier highways; 26km west of Broken Hill; and 536km north-east of Adelaide via the Barrier Highway.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Silverton Visitor Information Centre, 19 Stirling Lane, open daily 8am–4pm. Call 08 8088 7566.
visitnsw.com/destinations/outback-nsw/ broken-hill-area/silverton