Broken Hill

Explore one of Australia’s most famous outback towns, this morning you’ll step off the Indian Pacific to discover the highlights of Broken Hill. This tour takes you on a scenic drive through the heart of Australia’s outback, and as you journey to the Living Desert State Park, knowledgeable drivers share fascinating insights about the rich history and unique landscapes surrounding Broken Hill. Arriving at the park, you will experience the famous Living Desert Sculptures, a collection of striking sandstone artworks set against the backdrop of the vast desert. While soaking in this captivating scene, enjoy the flavours of native teas and Wattleseed brew, adding a touch of local culture to the experience.

Next, stop at the Sulphide St Railway & Historical Museum, where a guided tour reveals the town’s vibrant past. Explore exhibits showcasing Broken Hill’s mining heritage, early railways, and its role in shaping the region’s development. The tour concludes with a visit to the iconic Line of Lode Miners Memorial. Perched on a hill overlooking the town, the memorial offers breathtaking panoramic views, a moving tribute to the miners who contributed to the town’s legacy.

Recommended Fitness Level: Low – guests are required to climb coach stairs with walking and standing for short periods.

Pro Hart is one of Australia’s most recognised and beloved artists. His paintings have won international acclaim with his creativity and individual style depicting scenes of the Australian outback. During this Off Train Experience, you will visit the Pro Hart Gallery for a ‘paint and sip’ activity, to create your own masterpiece in Pro’s original studio.

A member of Pro’s family will guide you through the art class, demonstrating different techniques. After the session, browse Pro Harts Gallery spread over several floors, viewing a wide range of pieces that capture the essence of Australian landscapes and culture.

After your Pro Hart experience, you will be delighted by Broken Hill’s much-loved attraction, the ‘Big Picture’, the world’s largest acrylic painting by a single artist housed in the Silver City Mint and Art Centre.

Conclude this Off Train Experience by returning to the Indian Pacific, enriched by the cultural and creative energy of the day – a blend of art, history and natural beauty.

Recommended Fitness level: Low – guests are required to climb coach stairs with walking and standing for short periods.

Turn back the clock and get a glimpse of what life was like for early miners in Broken Hill with a visit to the historic Day Dream Mine near Silverton. Step off the Indian Pacific and travel to Silverton learning insightful details about the region along the way. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by the friendly Day Deam Mine staff, before donning a miner’s helmet and head lamp for an above and below the ground mine tour.

Walk the same tunnels the Cornish silver miners did in the 1880s and visit a replica miner’s hut to learn about life in the mines and the harsh conditions the miners endured. Afterwards, enjoy light refreshments including freshly baked scones at the on-site tearoom, before making our way back to the Indian Pacific.

Recommended Fitness level:  High – the surface tour is on uneven, rocky terrain. The underground tour requires climbing down and back up steep steps on uneven surfaces with low overhead clearance.

PLEASE NOTE: This experience includes a 50-minute coach ride to and from the mine. Portions of the journey may involve travel on bumpy roads. The tour takes guests approximately 100m underground. This tour may not be suitable for guests who are uncomfortable in confined, underground spaces.

Travel to Living Desert State Park for a lesson in bush tucker. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by celebrated local Chef, Lee Cecchin, who’s knowledge and passion for local and native produce is unmatched. You’ll be introduced to native plants and learn how to identify them with the help of Chef Lee. The very same ingredients encountered will then play an integral role in your culinary experience to follow.

Then, enjoy some time wandering through the Broken Hill Sculpture Symposium, an outdoor gallery of sculptures created by artists from around the world. Conclude at the award-winning The Old Saltbush, where you’ll sip Mojito mocktails and sample a variety of native spices and fruits under the guidance of Chef Lee, who will explain their tastes, origins, flavour pairings, and traditional uses.

Recommended Fitness level: Low – guests are required to climb coach stairs with walking and standing for short periods. An optional walking incline of 500m to the sculptures.

When the world fell in love with the blockbuster movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Broken Hill suddenly had more than mining and famous painters to put it on the map – it had a faceful of fluttering fake lashes and pouting lips coated in lurid lipstick to back it up. Join the fun with a tour of the main drag with fabulous local Drag Queen sensation, Shelita Buffet.

This is a town tour with a difference, as Shelita educates and entertains on the mining history, iconic buildings, and art installations that represent the fascinating interfusion that makes up contemporary Broken Hill. Following a brief walking tour filled with historical and hysterical tales, you’ll embark on a dazzling bus tour like no other, with Shelita as the glamorous guide.

The adventure continues at the historic Old Brewery with a Main Drag performance and a lively game of Drag Bingo, expect plenty of laughs, and fantastic prizes as you dab your way to victory. Enjoy morning tea with local flavour before reboarding the coach back to the Indian Pacific for lunch onboard.

Recommended Fitness level: Moderate – guests are required to climb coach stairs with walking and standing throughout the town tour.