Broken Hill has several nicknames. Often, it is called Silver City because of amount of silver that has been mined there. It is also called the "Capital of the Outback" because of its relatively large population and importance. The locals jokingly refer to their city as the "biggest city in the middle of nowhere." Actually, that is a good description and is one of Broken Hill’s most alluring attractions.

When you arrive in Broken Hill, don’t be surprised if you exclaim, "I’ve seen this place before!". You will look at the landscape or down the main street of town and get that feeling of déjà vu, as if you have been there before. In a way, you probably have, since the town and its surrounds have been shown in well over a hundred feature films, including classics like Mad Max II and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Because the mining industry is so big in Broken Hill, you might get the mistaken feeling that it is a "Wild West" style outback town. If that’s what you think, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that the town is home to many of Australia’s finest artists. The spectacular landscape has attracted and inspired artists for generations and their works are on display throughout the city. Once you have been to Broken Hill, you will understand why so many artists come there to stay.

Many visitors remark that there seems to be something mystical about the outback around Broken Hill May be its because the vast, primeval landscape defies our concepts of time and space. As you watch a kangaroo hop in the distance, you could easily be an aboriginal looking at the same thing, some 40,000 years ago. At the same time that time vanishes, the vastness of the landscape and the brilliance of the colours seems to transport you through space.

In order to really appreciate Broken Hill, you have to go to the Living Desert Reserve. When this reserve was established in 1992, it was intended to be a way for everyone to be able to experience the grandeur of the outback and to help protect the local wildlife from the predators that were threatening some of them with extinction. The 2400 hectare reserve has succeeded marvelously with both of these ambitions.

Also within the Living Desert Reserve is the Sculpture Symposium. Situated on the top of a hill in the middle of the reserve, it features 12 magnificent contemporary sculptures carved out of the natural stone on the hill. No one comes back from a day on the Cultural Walk Trail without feeling a sense of upliftment and inspiration.

You may become so enamoured of the outback in Broken Hill, you will want to sleep under the stars rather than indoors. This is easily done. One very popular campground is located in Mutawintiji National Park, where you can see some amazing 8000 year old examples of aboriginal rock art. If you prefer to stay at an indoor Broken Hill accommodation, you can do so in style, so there’s no excuse for not visiting "the biggest city in the middle of nowhere."