Broken Hill
Days:
9 Days
Activity:
3. Active Moderate
Transport:
Drive
$3,995.00
Tour description
Tour dates: 19th April – 27th April 2026
Venture into the heart of Australia’s inspiring outback with a journey to Broken Hill — a vibrant, culturally rich city where sweeping red landscapes, big skies and magical desert light have long captivated artists, filmmakers and travellers. Known as the birthplace of Australia’s mining industry, the city’s history is woven through its heritage buildings, galleries, museums and world-class mining attractions. With three full days to explore, travellers can enjoy Broken Hill at a relaxed pace, learning about its silver, lead and zinc legacy while taking in unforgettable desert vistas, stunning sunsets and the uniquely creative character that defines this remarkable inland city.
The journey to and from Broken Hill is just as rewarding. A two-night stay in Dubbo offers time to enjoy the acclaimed Western Plains Zoo, where knowledgeable guides share insights into the zoo’s conservation and breeding programs. After exploring Broken Hill, the tour continues to Wentworth — where the mighty Darling and Murray rivers meet — before travelling through Mildura, the Sunraysia and the Riverina, finishing with an overnight stay in Wagga Wagga. With thoughtfully planned two- and three-night stays throughout, this tour minimises packing and unpacking while showcasing the landscapes, history and people that make inland New South Wales and Victoria so memorable.
Tour Departure Location = Sydney
Travelling from somewhere else? Return flight quotes are available on request. Please contact our team to join the tour.
Itinerary
Our journey begins as we depart Sydney, travelling west along the spectacular Bells Line of Road. We pause mid-morning to enjoy a relaxing morning tea surrounded by the serene beauty of the Blue Mountains. Continuing on, we arrive in Bathurst for lunch, followed by a short town tour that includes a thrilling drive around the iconic Mount Panorama racing circuit.
In the afternoon, we travel through the charming regional city of Orange, taking time to wander through the lush and historic Cook Park, known for its heritage gardens and seasonal blooms. As the day draws to a close, we make our way to Dubbo and settle into our comfortable accommodation. This evening, we come together to share a delicious two-course welcome dinner and get to know our fellow travellers.
Overnight: Cattleman’s Country Motor Inn Dubbo
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Lunch & Dinner
This morning we set out to explore the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where a guided tour introduces us to incredible wildlife roaming across open-range habitats. After lunch, we continue with a town tour of Dubbo, admiring its handsome heritage buildings and broad country streets that reflect the character of the west. Later, we visit the Western Plains Cultural Centre, discovering regional art and stories of local history before returning to our hotel for dinner together this evening.
Overnight: Cattleman’s Country Motor Inn Dubbo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Dubbo and journey west across the wide-open plains. We travel through Narromine and Trangie, pausing in the friendly town of Nyngan to enjoy morning tea. Continuing our journey, we stop at the Cobar Outback Heritage Centre, where we explore the region’s fascinating mining history and vibrant outback character.
In the afternoon, we take a short break in Wilcannia, a historic riverside town that offers a glimpse into life in the remote outback. After a full day of travel, we arrive in Broken Hill, the celebrated Silver City, where we settle into our comfortable accommodation. This evening, we come together to share a hearty dinner and relax after our day’s adventure.
Overnight: Red Earth Motel, Broken Hill
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch & Dinner
Today we begin with a guided tour of Broken Hill, uncovering its fascinating history and proud mining heritage. We pause for morning tea before visiting Whites Mining Gallery, where imaginative artworks celebrate life deep underground. After time for lunch, we step into the colourful world of Pro Hart’s Gallery, admiring the vibrant works of this beloved Australian artist. The afternoon takes us to Silverton, exploring its old gaol, museum, and famous hotel, before ending the day at the Mundi Mundi Lookout, gazing across sweeping outback views.
Overnight: Red Earth Motel, Broken Hill
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea & Dinner
This morning, we begin our day with a visit to the Line of Lode Centre and Miners Memorial, a powerful tribute to the more than 700 miners who lost their lives working beneath Broken Hill. Perched atop the Mullock Heap, this striking site offers sweeping views across the Silver City and the surrounding outback landscape.
We then make our way to the Silver City Mint and Art Centre, home to the extraordinary Big Picture Mural. Measuring an impressive 12 metres high and 100 metres long, this breathtaking panorama—painted by local artist Peter Anderson—beautifully captures the spirit and vastness of the outback. The centre also showcases a wide collection of paintings, sculptures, handcrafted jewellery, and even a charming chocolate factory.
This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take time to explore the unique character of Broken Hill, with its vibrant art scene, fascinating galleries, and heritage streetscapes. Be sure to visit the Palace Hotel, one of the town’s most iconic landmarks and a filming location for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
As the sun begins to set, we visit the Sculpture Symposium in the Living Desert Reserve. The desert sky transforms into a canvas of colour as you wander among the remarkable sandstone sculptures created by artists from around the world.
Overnight: Red Earth Motel, Broken Hill
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea & Dinner
This morning we begin with a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base where we will learn about the invaluable work co-ordinated here, tour the base and perhaps meet some of the team. After lunch we head down to Wentworth through the red scrub plains on the Silver City Highway. We will check into the lovely Wentworth Grande Hotel on the banks of the Darling with dinner tonight at 7.00pm.
Overnight: Wentworth Grande
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning we visit the junction of the Darling with the Murray – or if you prefer, the confluence. After a brief tour of the town we travel into Victoria to the major regional centre of Mildura. We will be joined by a knowledgeable local guide who will showcase the best of this fine city and explain the history of the irrigation scheme in this area. We will also have a little time for some retail therapy and lunch at one of the many cafes in this vibrant city.
This afternoon we will enjoy a river cruise on the paddle steamer Melbourne. We will travel downstream on our 2-hour cruise through Lock 11 past many beautiful old river gums and impressive houseboats. We will also visit historic Rio Vista and the Mildura Art Gallery before we return to Wentworth.
Overnight: Wentworth Grande
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Travelling east along the Sturt Highway we will pause for morning tea at Balranald before continuing on to Hay and the Shearers Hall of Fame which presents the history of Australia’s wool industry. We will enjoy lunch here along with shearing demonstrations and their excellent museum.
After a short tour through this lovely heritage town we will continue east pausing briefly at Narrandera, nestled between the Murrumbidgee and Lake Talbot. The town has lovely tree lined streets and beautiful parks and gardens. During the war many pilots trained here and there is a memorial which includes a Tiger Moth and photographic displays of the training school. The final leg of the journey sees us follow the Murrumbidgee to Wagga Wagga.
Overnight: Quality Hotel Rules, Wagga Wagga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch & Dinner
Our final day begins with a Wagga Wagga town tour and a visit to the Botanic Gardens and Zoo, where morning tea is enjoyed among the landscaped grounds. We then travel via Gundagai and Yass to Goulburn, with lunch included. We continue toward Sydney, pausing at Pheasants Nest before concluding our outback discovery with wonderful memories of the Silver City and beyond.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea & Lunch
Activity Levels
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1. Easy
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2. Moderate
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3. Active Moderate
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4. Adventurous
Testimonials
Hi I would just like to say what a wonderful Australian Open tour Kevin and I had with On Course. We think Hans and Debbie were fantastic. Everything was so clearly explained every step of the way and they were so patient with all of us (especially considering the age group). We will definitely be keen to go again on the 2025 AO tour.
Many thanks, Andrea & Kevin
Dear Debbie, I’m writing to say what a wonderful time we had on the Toowoomba festival of flowers tour and to thank you for all your work associated with Gloria and my booking. All aspects of the tour were superb: – the flowers in Queens Park and the flowers in all the suburban gardens in Toowoomba. – Whale watching. – The wonderful care and attention of John, not only to me, but to all of us. – The motel accommodation. – The meals, including the picnic lunch Dave put on for us on our last day; superb oysters and prawns! – Friendly companionship from all on board. – Your boss, getting me a taxi at the airport. All wonderful from On Course Tours and Travel.
