on course tours broken hill

Start Booking Now

Please enable cookies in your browser to place a booking how do I enable cookies?

Enter Number of Guests *

Choose a date *, choose a time *.

Tours & Day Trips

Experience Broken Hill with Away Tours

Explore Broken Hill like a local with an entertaining and informative tour with Away Tours our sister tour company. 

Away Tours works closely with various community members to produce a highly informative, fun tour of the highlights of Broken Hill - Australia's first Heritage listed town. We'll give you a snapshot of our colourful city so you can choose where you'd like to revisitat your own pace.

Tour options include:

• Half Day City Heritage Explorer - Visit sites of historical and social importance and hear the inside story
• Cemetery Tour - A not so spooky tour of the iconic Broken Hill cemetery - the final resting place of many famous and infamous Broken Hill and Australian characters
• Pub Tour - A visit to Broken Hill is not complete with a tour of our famous hotels. Marvel at the beautiful Colonial architecture, fascinating history and stories of colourful characters

Find out more here

If you'd like to explore further afield, check out these sugguested Day Trips. Ask us at reception for maps and insider top tips to make the most of your day.

Silverton (20 minutes drive)

One of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Broken Hill is to Silverton, a little more than 20 minutes drive from Broken Hill Tourist Park.

A classic outback town, Silverton and its spectacular surrounds offer an array of unique finds. Behind the sleepy streets and heritage stone buildings is a swag-full of art galleries, artist studios, museums, a famous pub and an atmospheric cafe.

Nestled in the arid landscape of the western Barrier Ranges, Silverton is spectacular in a classic outback sense. No wonder the town is more famous as a film location than most places in Australia. The historic Silverton Hotel has featured in more than 100 films and commercials.

Daydream Mine (under 40 mnutes drive)

No trip to outback NSW is complete without a visit to Day Dream Mine. It descends deep into the earth and gives visitors a real sense of what it must have once been like wielding a pick and shovel in such challenging conditions. Find out more here

Menindee Lakes ( under one and half hours drive)

Enjoy a relaxing day exploring this outback oasis abundant with spectacular native birds and wildlife. Guests have been known to enjoy a swim and catch a fish or two!  Boat, fish, swim and even waterski. Be sure to make time for lunch at the historic Maidens Hotel where tragic early explorers Burke and Wills camped in 1860.

Museums & History , Tours & Day Trips

A not so spooky tour of the iconic Broken Hill cemetery...the final resting place of many famous and infamous Broken Hill locals and other Australians.

Just 20 minutes from Broken Hill in Far West Outback New South Wales, Silverton, is the personification of Australia's outback history and a ‘must do’ day trip. Silverton has starred in countless films, television shows and commercials as the ‘classic Australian outback town’.

Nature & Wildlife , Tours & Day Trips

Price : FREE

The explorer Major Thomas Mitchell followed the Bogan and Darling Rivers down to this area in 1835 and came across the naturally formed Lakes which he named 'Laidley's Chain of Ponds', the Barkindji people referred to these as 'Wontanella' meaning 'Many Waters'.

Experience More

Newsletter signup.

• +61 1300 763 188 or 0417 244 600

Tours from Broken Hill

Tours from Broken Hill by Spirit Safaris are genuine small groups (2-4 people per luxury 4WD) and include Cameron Corner, the Dingo Fence, Milparinka, Tibooburra, Innaminka and the Burke & Wills Dig Tree , Lake Eyre, Arkaroola, Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges. Also, t ours from Broken Hill or Sydney include NSW Corner Country, Mungo, Mootwingee and Gundabooka National Park with unique Aboriginal Rock Art, Bourke, Darling River, Macquarie Marshes, Broken Hill and amazing icons on the way.

Tours from Broken Hill include Silverton and the movie sets where Mad Max and other Aussie icons were made, is on the list, and guests can dine at Mario’s Palace Hotel, still with its incredible artworks as revealed in the movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame.

Travellers can now have an exciting adventure closer to home in New South Wales, reaching some of these unique places in our very capable and comfortable off-road 4WD vehicles. Tours really take in the best of Outback NSW

Travel in outback Australia is our speciality, and our new Covid ready tours in NSW, VIC and SA from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane mean you don’t have to fly in a plane. When we commence we will ensure strict hygiene protocols are in place, including Covid clear health checks.

People can travel as a couple or bring one or two of their friend s and know that they are avoiding the crowds in buses or larger groups. As a small or private group, stops can be at the customers’ convenience or their places of special interest.

Tours explore the real Australian Outback including NSW Corner Country, Mungo and Gundabooka National Park with unique Aboriginal Rock Art, Bourke, Darling River, Macquarie Marshes, Broken Hill and amazing icons on the way from Sydney, Broken Hill or Adelaide and return over 3-14 days.

Broken Hill, which once had its own stock exchange, is a tour highlight. Guests visit the original BHP mine site, the Line of Lode memorial , Pro Harts Gallery, the Living Outback Sculptures and marvel at the history and size of the birthplace of the “Big Australian”, BHP. Shorter tours are also available that meet the train service to Sydney, and tour to Camerons Corner, Innamincka, Lake Eyre, Flinders Ranges and Coongie Lakes .

Our very small group (2-4 people per 4WD) tours from Broken Hill are connecting people to each other and unique nature and the extraordinary beauty and history in our own backyard.

The Silo Art Trail is part of the 12 day tour, and is a new phenomenon of massive and beautiful artworks on outback grain silos in remote country towns. The artworks are a photographers delight, with such uniquely Australian images.

The 12 day tour from Broken Hill and Sydney includes visiting such sites as the Siding Springs Observatory in the Warrumbungle Ranges near Coonabarabran, Mungo National Park, Broken Hill, and the Darling River Run, Burke and Wills camp o n the banks of Menindee Lakes . People can take a cruise on the Jandra paddleboat from Bourke and revisit the ancient Aboriginal fish traps in Brewarrina that are more than 40,000 years old.

Tours from Broken Hill or via Broken Hill

You can reserve your interest in any of these tours with a $100 fully-refundable deposit in case Covid-19 limits travel

• Silo Art Trail Tours – h ttps://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/catalog/397896/silo-art-trail-tours
• Outback NSW, Mungo National Park, Broken Hill and Darling River Run – – see calendar below
• Channel & Corner Country – https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/catalog/319986/corner-channel-country
• Kangaroo Island & Flinders Ranges – https://www.spiritsafaris.com/kangaroo-island-tours-5-days/
• Dig Tree Innamincka & Coongie Lakes + much more – see calendar below

These NSW tours can take you to Broken Hill – and includes Macquarie Marshes – and could link Coongie Lakes with one of these …

• Silo Art Trail Tour NSW Victoria South Australia Sydney Adelaide – https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/388291/silo-art-trail-tour-nsw-victoria-south-australia-sydney-adelaide
• Mungo National Park Tours Sydney to Adelaide 5 days- https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/286361/mungo-national-park-tours-sydney-to-adelaide-5-days
• Silo Art Trail Mungo NSW Outback Tours Sydney to Broken Hill 6 days – https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/391238/silo-art-trail-mungo-nsw-outback-tours-sydney-to-broken-hill-6-days
• NSW Outback Explorer Silo Art Corner Country Mungo Broken Hill Darling River Bourke Sydney Return 12 or 14 days includes Macquarie Marshes – https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/391372/nsw-outback-explorer-silo-art-corner-country-mungo-broken-hill-darling-river-bourke-sydney-return-12-days
• NSW Outback Warrumbungles Silo Art Corner Country Mungo Broken Hill Darling River Bourke Sydney Return 14 days includes Siding Springs, Mudgee overnight & Macquarie Marshes – https://www.spiritsafaris.com/nsw-outback-warrumbungles-silo-art-corner-country-mungo-broken-hill-tour-14-days/

Tours are summarised with the calendar here – https://www.spiritsafaris.com/nsw-outback-tours/

Feel Free to Email or Call for more details of tours from Broken hill on 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188 if you have any questions

Share this:

• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Things to Do in Broken Hill (Australia)

15 Best Things to Do in Broken Hill (Australia)

The modern story of this city set deep in the NSW Outback begins in 1883 with the discovery of the world’s largest deposit of silver, zinc and lead.

That vast orebody is so integral to Broken Hill’s identity that there’s a towering mullock heap in the middle of the city, and even the streets are named after minerals, metals and compounds.

Beyond Broken Hill is the kind of romantic desolation that always springs to mind when you think of the Outback.

So it’s no wonder that generations of artists have chosen Broken Hill in their quest to capture the spirit of this harsh but captivating land.

Among them have been plenty of filmmakers too, and both Mad Max 2 and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert were filmed around Broken Hill.

1. The Living Desert and Sculptures

Couched in the Barrier Ranges just out of town is a 2,400-hectare reserve encompassing some inspiring desert scenery with panoramas that reach out for many miles.

You can traverse this patch of Outback on walking trails, and there are a few remarkable things to get up to while you’re here.

One is the John Simons Flora & Fauna Sanctuary, with free-roaming kangaroos and wallaroos, geological interpretation, a wildflower display, an arboretum with native plants and pieces of Aboriginal heritage.

And in keeping with Broken Hill’s high reputation for art, there’s the hilltop Sunset Sculptures, which were carved during a symposium in 1993. Now a symbol for Broken Hill, these 12 abstract forms were hewn from 53 tonnes of sandstone and take on a certain magic when the sun is low.

2. Line of Lode Memorial

Broken Hill’s townscape is interrupted by a mountain-like mullock heap, crowned with a lookout.

This is an appropriate place to remember the mining industry’s staggering human toll, which was especially dramatic at the turn of the 20th century.

More than 800 miners have had their lives cut short in Broken Hill since 1883, and in remembrance a monument was inaugurated at the Line of Lode Lookout in 2001. This was designed by Angus Barry, Steve Kelly and Dario Palumbo, with names etched on glass panels under a structure designed to evoke the claustrophobic conditions of a mining tunnel.

You can read accompanying information plaques, while a few steps away there’s a staggering view of Broken Hill and the endless desert beyond.

3. Albert Kersten Mining and Minerals Museum (Geocentre)

Broken Hill’s historic Bond Store now houses a superb museum digging up the region’s mineral heritage.

You’ll find out about Earth’s tumultuous early history and discover how the largest deposit of zinc and silver was formed under the surface in Broken Hill.

There are scores of world-class specimens illuminated in specially designed cabinets, although only a fraction of the vast inventory can be shown at one time.

One showpiece is the Silver Tree, made from 8.5kg of silver, once belonging to Charles Rasp, the boundary rider who delineated the first mining lease in Broken Hill.

Also special is a single nugget of silver weighing 42kg, while presentations at the Crystal Theatre answer the big questions about Broken Hill’s orebody and the forces that created it.

4. Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery

The oldest art gallery in regional New South Wales is in Broken Hill and dates back to 1904. The location is a carefully restored emporium, raised in 1885 and linked to two important families from Broken Hill’s past, the Sullys and the Sweetapples.

The gallery has put together a complete survey of Australian art from the colonial to the modern and contemporary periods.

For a just a snapshot of the artists represented in the collection there’s George Lambert, Arthur Streeton, John Olsen, Noel Counihan and Rupert Bunny.

The permanent collection is combined with a vibrant program of exhibitions by national, state and local artists, as well as landmark touring shows.

This is also the venue for the annual acquisitive award, The Pro Hart Outback Art Prize.

5. Pro Hart Gallery

If you had to pick just one artist of European heritage to do justice to the Outback it might be the ever-creative Kevin Charles “Pro” Hart (1928-2006) who was born and died in Broken Hill.

Pro Hart’s work achieved huge popularity, capturing the scale and palette of the desert and scenes from everyday life in rural towns.

Later he was known for his sense of spectacle, working with metal and stone, using balloons and cannons in his process, and even signing his work with his own DNA to prevent forgery.

You can get to know this fascinating character at the Pro Hart Gallery, filled with dozens of his paintings and sculptures and with a documentary about his life on a loop.

6. Royal Flying Doctor Service, The Bruce Langford Visitors Centre

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a crucial lifeline for Australia’s most remote communities, and this visitor centre at Broken Hill Airport grants a privileged insight into this heroic organisation.

On a tour you’ll get the rare chance to see a working RFDS base in action.

The Mantle of Safety Museum meanwhile recounts almost 100 years of RFDS history, describes some of the service’s most amazing feats of heroism and offers a glimpse of the daily routine of its small army of nurses, doctors and pilots.

There’s an operational aircraft to check out in the hangar, a theatre screening educational films and a gift shop with proceeds going back into the organisation.

7. Sulphide Street Railway & Historical Museum

This station, rebuilt in 1905, was the terminus for the now defunct Silverton Tramway, serving Broken Hill’s mines for 58 kilometres.

It’s a lovely Federation-style building with delicate ironwork on its verandah and a picket fence in front.

The station reopened as a museum in the 1970s, preserving the Silverton Tramway’s locomotives, as well as its big collection of memorabilia.

This includes signs, lamps, tools, captivating old documents, tickets, stamps, as well as a power van and carriages from the old Silver City Comet.

The discoveries continue in the museum grounds are the Hospital Museum, Tess Alfonsi Mineral Collection, Migrant Heritage Collection and the Ron Carter Transport Pavilion.

8. Jack Absalom Gallery

The adventurer, author and artist Jack Absalom (1927-2019) was a self-taught artist, becoming a member of the Brushmen of the Bush group in the 1970s.

Down the years their exhibitions travelled across Australia and raised millions of dollars for good causes like the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Every year Absalom would head off into the Outback for two months to paint.

And in 1997 his romantic depictions of this desertscape found a permanent home with the inauguration of his gallery.

On permanent display are 11 of Absalom’s oil paintings, on 8′ x 3′ canvases, depicting the places in Australia that most captured his imagination.

There are books and limited edition prints on sale, and you can view the extensive collection of opal that Absalom amassed on his travels.

9. Mad Max 2 Museum

We’ve seen that Broken Hill’s stark Outback has been a backdrop to several major films, from the arty psychological thriller Wake in Fright (1971) to The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994). In 1981 George Miller chose Broken Hill’s dusty desertscape as the location for the seminal Mad Max 2, and fans continue to make the pilgrimage to the region for a dose of the post-apocalypse.

One such fan is Adrian Bennett, whose ardour for Mad Max 2 has brought him all the way from Northern England to Silverton, where he has opened a suitably ramshackle museum filled with artefacts from production.

From customised vehicles to costumes and myriad props, this memorabilia has been amassed by donations but also by rummaging around the abandoned filming locations.

10. Mundi Mundi Lookout

Fans of Mad Max 2 will instantly recognise the scenery from this rise a few kilometres north-west of Silverton.

But more than that, the lookout over the Mundi Mundi Plains gives you one of Australia’s great views.

From here, the Outback seems to continue forever and lies before you in vivid detail, to the point where you can trace the ridges of the alluvial fans in the distance.

When the sky is clear you can sense the curvature of the earth, while the colours are breathtaking as they change through the day.

The sunsets are dreamlike, when the low sun gives the desert a deep red glow, and then after dark the plains are lit up by a brilliant night sky.

11. Mutawintji National Park

At 130 kilometres, Broken Hill is the closest large settlement to this timeless landscape imbued with Aboriginal heritage.

Mutawintji National Park is all arid saltbush, reddish desert vistas and rocky gorges, against the gold tones of the Byngnano Ranges.

One of the state’s great displays of Aboriginal art awaits you at the park, comprising paintings, stencils and engravings, and you can pick up fascinating insights on a guided Aboriginal heritage tour.

For a self-guided walk, check out the art on the Rockholes Loop or take the Homestead Gorge Walking Track, where you may be greeted by emus and wallabies.

The Mutawintji Gorge Walking Track is an adventure through a rocky canyon ending at a hidden pool below massive red cliffs.

12. Silver City Mint & Art Centre

This multifaceted attraction is a sales point for locally crafted silver jewellery, art and handmade confectionery at the Mint & Art Centre’s own chocolate factory.

But maybe the biggest reason to swing by is for the Big Picture panorama, which is officially the world’s largest acrylic painting by a single artist.

This work, by local painter “Ando”, depicts an Outback landscape and is 100 metres long and 12 metres high.

You can easily lose yourself in the detail of this piece, and its 20,000 trees, 3,000 clouds, 1,500 hills and 1,000 large rocks.

13. Broken Hill Heritage Walk Tour

A fine way to get the lowdown on Broken Hill is to join this two-hour guided walking tour around the CBD, departing from the visitor information centre.

Beginning at 10:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the volunteer-led tour shows off this unique townscape, punctuated by that barren mullock heap.

There’s a lot of heritage architecture to admire as you go, like the Palace Hotel from 1889, the Broken Hill Post Office (1892), the Broken Hill Trades Hall (1905) and the Wesley Uniting Church (1888).

14. Day Dream Mine Tour

To show how fast things moved in the pioneer days, a town was born and died at this place in the space of a decade.

Silver-bearing ore was found here, 20 kilometres north-west of Broken Hill in 1882. Within two years there was a settlement of 500 people at the Day Dream Smelter, but by the 1890s everybody had left.

With all the reusable materials from the settlement long salvaged, there’s now no sign that anybody ever lived here.

But you can enter the mine for an hour-long tour (be sure to wear sturdy shoes). The tour begins with a walk around the place where the township used to be, and you’ll see the crumbling remnants of the smelter.

Then you’ll put on a helmet and lamp to go into the mine, where men and boys as you as eight worked in candlelight using primitive methods.

Finish up with a civilised cream tea at the Daydream Tea Rooms.

15. Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre

You better be prepared if you’re taking on the Outback, so a place like this will come in handy.

The Broken Hill Visitor Centre is in a modern building and has amenities that go way beyond a simple information point.

It’s all part of the Tourist & Travellers Centre, so there’s ample RV parking, toilets and showers and a dump point if you need to fill up on potable water.

Inside is a large branch of Gloria Jean’s Coffee Shop, together with a gift shop where you can browse handmade gifts and a wide range of local produce.

And of course, all the services you’d want from an information point are at your disposal, like friendly travel advice, maps, brochures, free Wi-Fi and a booking facility.

15 Best Things to Do in Broken Hill (Australia):

• The Living Desert and Sculptures
• Line of Lode Memorial
• Albert Kersten Mining and Minerals Museum (Geocentre)
• Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery
• Pro Hart Gallery
• Royal Flying Doctor Service, The Bruce Langford Visitors Centre
• Sulphide Street Railway & Historical Museum
• Jack Absalom Gallery
• Mad Max 2 Museum
• Mundi Mundi Lookout
• Mutawintji National Park
• Silver City Mint & Art Centre
• Broken Hill Heritage Walk Tour
• Day Dream Mine Tour
• Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre

• Onboard Experience
• Train Journeys
• Holiday Packages
• Train & Cruise
• Train Journey
• Before You Go
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Stations & Terminals
• Travel Update
• Special Offers
• Join The Travel Club
• Newsletter Sign-Up
• Rail Holiday Brochures
• Journey Beyond Group
• Gift Vouchers

Broken Hill

United we stand and miners memorial, included in fare.

Broken Hill was borne of the richness that lies beneath it and, in this far-flung region of Australia, mining was a tough and often dangerous business. Visit the Broken hill Trades Hall, a heritage-listed building home to the city’s first labour movement. Enjoy a live performance by local actors showcasing the early mining story and life in Broken Hill. Under the ‘United we stand’ banner, the Union successfully championed the 35- hour working week and created safer and fairer working conditions that Australian workers enjoy today,

The striking Miners Memorial that stands over the town is a constant and powerful salute to the more than 800 miners who’ve lost their lives working here. Fittingly, the towering 54 metre structure dominates the city’s highest point on the Line of Lode remnant mullock dumps that traverse the city, and its east-west axis track the path of the rising and setting sun.

From your vantage on the lookout above the city, you’ll also enjoy the sweeping outback vistas and a unique view of the Indian Pacific stretched out below you.

Recommended Fitness Level: Low – coach tour with short walks required. No wheelchair access.

Living Desert

Included in fare*.

On the western extremity of New South Wales, remote Broken Hill is an unlikely hotspot for creatives but this plucky township certainly has its place on the global art scene. So much so, it attracted international artists to create a defining and permanent installation that beautifully blends its unique environment with its artistic legacy.

From October to March, guests can take a self-guided walk around the captivating Living Desert Sculpture site. The 12 imposing sandstone artworks, each with their own story to tell, sit on a majestic hilltop within The Living Desert Reserve that houses a 180-hectare flora and fauna sanctuary.

The Living Desert Sculpture site is a self-guided walk offering breathtaking views of the NSW outback, and is the perfect location to capture some stunning photos.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – includes a short approx. 1 kilometre walk on sealed pathway and some rocky ground.

*This tour operates October to March

THE REGIONAL ART GALLERY

Included in fare.

Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery  is the oldest regional art gallery in New South Wales holding an important cultural position and role in the broader western New South Wales region.

The Emporium was associated with two well-known Broken Hill families, the Sullys (1885-1925) and the Sweetapples (1924-1985), and had its own livery stable and blacksmiths in the yard at the rear of the buildings. In 1998 the Broken Hill City Council purchased the building to provide a permanent home for Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery and the city’s art collection.

The Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery provides an annual program of locally curated exhibitions along with touring exhibitions from major cultural institutions. A selection of works from the collection is on permanent display in the upstairs gallery whilst the touring exhibitions fill the lower floor.

On display is an extensive collection of Australian colonial works including James Coutts Michie and James Ashton along with several important Victorian painters such as Arthur Hacker RA. The gallery also has a nationally recognised collection of early 20th century Australian paintings including works by Margaret Preston and Arthur Streeton through to contemporary works by Rick Amor, Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, Lloyd Rees, Barbara Hanrahan, Mandy Martin, Clifton Pugh, Tim Storrier, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Emily Kane Kngwarreye, David Malangi and many other fine Australian artists including Pro Hart.

Enjoy strolling the gallery and immersing yourself in this historic building and cultural art works.

Recommended Fitness Level: Low mobility – short walks are required to view artwork throughout the Gallery.

MAIN DRAG WALKING TOUR WITH SHELITA BUFFET

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. From the Town Hall to the Police Station and the Palace Hotel to the Giant Ant Sculpture, you’ll catch all the highlights, presented with Shelita’s inimitable flair.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – walking tour of approx 2 km.

Bells Milk Bar

Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Coach with short walks at Bells.

Sign up to receive the latest news and offers

Ready to book.

To see all available options for The Overland, please press the button below to be redirected to our online booking engine.

Great Southern Rail Journeys are only available in January and December

To book this package please call or email [email protected] .

Subscribe to Journey Beyond Rail

Sign up to receive the latest news, exclusive offers and much more from Journey Beyond Rail and the Journey Beyond Travel Club.

City Bus Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off and amazing local tours

Broken Hill bus tours

Welcome to Broken Hill, a unique outback destination like no other! Here’s why you should add Broken Hill to your travel itinerary:

• Rich Mining History : Step back in time and explore the fascinating mining heritage of Broken Hill, known as the “Silver City.” Discover the story of the iconic Line of Lode and the massive ore deposits that once fueled Australia’s mining industry. Visit the Broken Hill Mining and Minerals Museum to learn about the city’s rich mining history through interactive exhibits and displays.
• Stunning Outback Landscapes : Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Australian Outback as you explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Broken Hill. Marvel at the vast expanses of red earth, rocky escarpments, and ancient rock formations that define the outback terrain. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness breathtaking sunsets over the desert horizon, painting the sky in a kaleidoscope of colors.
• Artistic Oasis : Experience the vibrant arts scene that thrives amidst the outback landscape of Broken Hill. Discover the city’s artistic soul at the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, home to an impressive collection of Australian paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. Explore the vibrant street art adorning the walls of buildings throughout the city, showcasing the creativity and spirit of Broken Hill’s local artists.
• Quirky Attractions : Prepare to be delighted by the quirky attractions and unique landmarks that make Broken Hill a one-of-a-kind destination. Visit the eccentric Palace Hotel, famous for its colorful murals and starring role in the iconic film “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” Explore the living desert sculptures of the Sculpture Symposium, where artists from around the world have transformed the landscape with their imaginative creations.
• Cultural Experiences : Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Broken Hill and discover the traditions and stories of the local Indigenous communities. Learn about the ancient Dreamtime legends and Aboriginal heritage of the region through guided tours, cultural performances, and visits to sacred sites.
• Gateway to the Outback : Use Broken Hill as your base to explore the vast and diverse outback regions of New South Wales and beyond. Embark on epic road trips to iconic outback destinations such as the Mundi Mundi Plains, the Menindee Lakes, and the remote wilderness of the Corner Country.

With its rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and unique attractions, Broken Hill offers a truly unforgettable outback adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking to experience the beauty and solitude of the Australian Outback, Broken Hill has something for everyone to enjoy. So why wait? Come and discover the magic of Broken Hill for yourself and create memories that will last a lifetime! If you’re looking to explore Broken Hill, a unique and historic mining town in New South Wales, Australia, there are several bus tours that can offer you insights into the area’s history and natural beauty. Here are some options:

• Take a guided bus tour of Broken Hill to explore the city’s historic landmarks, mining heritage, and cultural sites. Learn about the significance of mining in the region and visit iconic locations.
• Delve into Broken Hill’s mining history with a bus tour that takes you to active and historic mining sites. Learn about the mining industry’s impact on the town and its evolution over the years.
• Visit the Living Desert Sculptures located on a hill near Broken Hill. A bus tour can take you to this outdoor art gallery featuring large sandstone sculptures and provide information about the artists and their works.
• Explore the work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service with a bus tour that includes a visit to the Broken Hill base. Learn about the vital medical services they provide to remote areas.
• Take a bus tour to Silverton, a nearby outback town famous for its artistic community and the iconic Silverton Hotel. Explore the unique landscapes and visit locations used in various films and TV shows.
• If you’re a fan of the Mad Max film series, consider a bus tour that visits the filming locations of Mad Max 2 (The Road Warrior), which were largely shot in the Broken Hill area.
• Learn about the indigenous history and culture of the region with a bus tour that includes visits to sites of cultural significance. Gain insights into the rich heritage of the local Aboriginal communities.

Before booking, check with local tour operators for the availability, schedules, and details of the tours. Consider your interests and the places you’d like to visit to find a tour that aligns with your preferences in Broken Hill.

5 nights accommodation

5 Light Breakfasts

Broken Hill Experience.

In Broken Hill you will truly discover a lost world with its historic mines, captivating landscapes, grand old pubs and simple miner's cottages - every sight has a tale to tell.

And few can tell them better than Silver City Tours.

As the longest serving tour operator in the Far West Region of NSW, our philosophy of sit back, relax and enjoy best sums up the most compelling reason for booking an organised tour.

Broken Hill has become the first Australian city to be included on the National Heritage List, that in itself is great reason to pop out and visit with us.

Request More Information

Arrive in Broken Hill

Day 1 Monday

You will be met by your Host from Silver City Tours and escorted to accommodation.

Day 2 Tuesday (LB, D)

City Sights, Heritage Tour, Geo Centre and Sunset Sculptures Symposium

Take a step back in time and explore Australia's First Heritage Listed City on our Heritage Tour, showcasing Broken Hill's rich history. We’ll visit the Miner’s Memorial, located at the highest point of the Line of Lode. From there, you’ll be able to see the city’s unique architecture. Next, we’ll visit the Geo Centre, where you can see a 42kg silver nugget and learn about the importance of mining to the town. After that, we’ll take a break before heading to the famous Sculpture Symposium to watch the sunset.

Day 3 Wednesday (LB, L, D)

Menindee & Kinchega National Park

Enjoy a leisurely tour around the Menindee Lakes scheme. Travel to Menindee and on to Kinchega National Park (Roads Permitting). Enjoy a Wetlands Cruise on the “River Lady”.

Day 4 Thursday (LB, D)

Silverton Ghost Town, Taste of the Artback.

After breakfast, we'll head off to Australia's liveliest ghost town. This is a must-see destination for any movie buff or history lover. You'll be able to explore craft centres, galleries, and museums, as well as the iconic Silverton Hotel, with time for a bite to eat (own expense). In the afternoon, we'll take a tour of some of the local art galleries. Broken Hill is famous for its vibrant art scene, and you'll be able to see firsthand what all the fuss is about. You'll be blown away by the talent and creativity on display here.

Day 5 Friday (LB, D)

Sulphide St Railway & Historical Center, Royal Flying Doctor Service and Palace Hotel

This morning we discover the importance of the cultural diversity that helped form the foundation of Broken Hill. We also see mineral & hospital collections and play with trains. After lunch we visit the RFDS, where we'll learn about the important work they do in providing medical care to remote communities. We then step back in time with a visit to Bell's 1950's Milk Bar where you can explore the city's fascinating social history and experience a rare insight into Australia’s unique milk bar and cafe culture, then we'll finish up with a meal at the iconic Palace Hotel, made famous by the film Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and for those who are feeling lucky, you will have the chance to try your luck at a game of two-up Broken Hill is the only place where you can play two-up legally on a regular basis. So, join the locals and come in spinner!!

Day 6 Saturday (LB)

You will be transferred for your departure.      

2024 Prices from - per person

Silver Haven Motor Inn 

Old Willyama Motor Inn

$1590 Twin Share

$1800 Single

Ibis Styles Broken Hill

$1665 Twin Share

$1950 Single

Below are the confirmed departures for 2024

18 March 2024

01 April 2024

22 April 2024

06 May 2024

20 May 2024

17 June 2024

22 July 2024

19 August 2024

02 September 2024

16 September 2024

30 September 2024

14 October 2024

28 October 2024

11 November 2024

What our guests say

I am a member of the Chermside Bowls Club in Queensland and organised a trip for 22 of our members through Silver City Tours. We chose to do the Outback Adventure tour. We travelled overnight on the train and were met early next morning by coach which took us to our motel for the start of a fantastic 5 days. The tours around Broken Hill and surrounding areas were enjoyed by all members, who found the whole trip to be very interesting - lots to see. The coach drivers were excellent and knew the areas we passed through very well. Our accommodation was great, with the friendly staff looking after our every need. I would have no hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone.

I am a member of the Chermside Bowls Club in Queensland and organised a trip for 22 of our members through Silver City Tours.  We chose to do the Outback Adventure tour.  We travelled overnight on the train and were met early next morning by coach which took us to our motel for the start of a fantastic 5 days.  The tours around Broken Hill and surrounding areas were enjoyed by all members, who found the whole trip to be very interesting - lots to see.  The coach drivers were excellent and knew the areas we passed through very well.  Our accommodation was great, with the friendly staff looking after our every need. I would have no hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone.

“Amazing service. Can’t wait to find out what’s next!”

The "Outback Wanderer" package catered for the mature age of our Probus Group with a good balance of touring and free time. As a longtime, world wide "package deal" traveller I must rate this as one of the best I have ever experienced for value , variety and service.                                

“Not sure what I did before discovering this Product. It’s super!”

On behalf of the 16 of us who visited Broken Hill just a word of thanks for a wonderful, well organised "Outback Break" tour. As some of us were seasoned caravaners, this was our first "organised" tour and we were a little apprehensive as to what to expect. As it turned out we could not have asked for more. A very special thanks to Roger, our tour guide and driver.                     

Slide title

Just a few words to thank you for setting up a really good trip for us "The Darling River Run". It all worked out very well, it was a happy group, and Chris looked after us beautifully. I hope you gave him a few days off!

The Harry Nanja guy at Mungo was a great entertainer, and very good value.The girl at the Back o' Bourke centre was excellent. The guide at the Dubbo Zoo was excellent, and it was really very worthwhile to have the guide there - we saw the maximum  amount possible in the time available, whereas we would have seen hardly anything left to our own devices. Liz Murray at Trilby was really excellent, but you don't need me to tell you that!  The chocolate slice lasted until morning tea at White Cliffs! 

Best regards, and thanks again,   

Our members who participated in the recent "Outback Adventure" tour of Broken Hill were absolutely delighted with your company's service. The tours were memorable for the interesting sights, the pleasantness of your coach drivers and the fun. I am sure they will have no trouble in recommending your service to others, particularly other Probus club members.                         

As organiser of our Club's Away Trip to Broken Hill, I would sincerely like to thank you for all the arrangements you made for us. You were always courteous, most helpful, you kept us fully informed, which we appreciated. Please pass on our appreciation to Cheryl and to John, our coach driver, who really looked after us. The accommodation at the Silver Haven Motor Inn was excellent. Everyone in the group assured me they enjoyed the trip. 

My sincere thanks once again. 

I am writing to thank you for your effort in arranging the  itinerary, accommodation and the guide/coach driver for our recent visit to your city. We were kept busy at all times with little being  heard from anybody in our group after 09:30 p.m.

A special mention must be made for Les our coach driver/tour guide. Les was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his city and other parts of the country and at all times was most courteous to our group as well as other road users. He would go out of his way to make our understanding of your city and environs complete and should he not know the answer to questions raised he would come back with an answer the next time we met him.  

Our accommodation was good with again the proprietors Michael and Dana going out of their way to make our stay a most enjoyable one.

All went well and again I thank you for your assistance in making it happen.

We would like to thank you for making our Broken Hill trip that much more interesting. We were with the group from Merewether Ladies Probus and your drivers on all the tours were first rate, their knowledge of the region and how they presented it was great, it was obvious to us all that these people love Broken Hill.

I have just returned from the "Outback Adventure" in Broken Hill and its surrounds. I didn't know what to expect, and had no idea what it would be like, but my expectations were met and exceeded. Broken Hill is a fascinating place with so much to see and learn. The tours were well organised and most interesting. Your drivers(Les, Roger and Eric) were helpful, knowledgeable, courteous and friendly in addition to being excellent drivers of course.

The motel (Silver Haven Motor Inn) provided excellent accommodation, and meals, the manager taking the time each evening at dinner to speak to those of us on the tour and enquire to our day.

My personal thanks to you and your team for everything.

We just had a six day holiday in Broken Hill. We had the most memorable time in Broken Hill and we will recommend it to anyone. Thank you for the best budget holiday ever. All of the arrangements were perfect. Our bus driver Chris was an excellent tour guide, he was very informative. The motel was very good and the food was excellent.  Regards.

380 Argent Street Broken Hill NSW 2880

+61 8 8087 6956 [email protected].

• Accommodation
• Travel Inspiration

• things to do

Silver City Tours

Silver City Tours presents curated tour packages that capture the rich tapestry of experiences in the diverse region of Outback NSW. Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and the captivating stories of the outback, each professionally designed tour emanates a sense of wonder. A diverse range of packages spanning five to eight nights, explore options such as the Broken Hill Experience, Broken Hill Wanderer, Tibooburra and Cameron Corner, and The Darling River Run.

Embark on a journey from the heritage-listed city of Broken Hill, as each tour unfolds through an array of iconic destinations, weaving together local histories, cultures, and landmarks. Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes and historical narratives embedded in every package, with ample opportunities for exploration.

What sets these tours apart is the inclusion of accommodation, most meals, tours and other hands-on experiences, meticulously designed to amplify the authenticity of the journey. Travelers can actively engage with the region, fostering a deeper connection with its unique charm and character.

Broken Hill Wanderer

Broken Hill Experience

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Stay connected to Visit NSW for all the latest news, stories, upcoming events and travel inspiration.

Discover Somewhere New

All the insider news, tips and inspiration you need to plan your next trip, delivered straight to your inbox.

Destination NSW acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state’s first people and nations and recognises Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners and occupants of New South Wales land and water.

• NSW Government
• Destination New South Wales (Corporate site)

VisitNSW.com is the official tourism site for Destination NSW. © Copyright 2024 Destination NSW. All rights reserved

• FIND REALTORS ®
• NEWS & INSIGHTS

60 Beryl Street, Broken Hill, NSW 2880

UPDATED TWO BEDROOM HOME

Property details, floorplans and tours.

Contact Agent

Email enquiry to Century 21 McLeods - Broken Hill

Property ID : 145242492

Similar Properties

U.S. Open: Nine things to know about Pinehurst No. 2

14 Min Read

Need to Know

The U.S. Open visits a historic venue that still provides a unique challenge

Change Text Size

Few courses in this country can match the pedigree of North Carolina’s famed Pinehurst No. 2, the Donald Ross gem that will host this week’s U.S. Open.

Home of the North & South Men’s Amateur since 1901 and the North & South Women’s Amateur since 1903, Pinehurst has also been the site of the North & South Open Championship (1901-1951), the U.S. Amateur (1962, 2008, 2019) and the U.S. Women’s Amateur (1989). Pinehurst No. 2 also was home to the PGA Championship in 1936.

The 1951 Ryder Cup was played there, as was the PGA TOUR’s Hall of Fame Classic/World Open (1973-1982) and the TOUR Championship (1991, 1997). This year’s U.S. Open follows previous incarnations of that event in 1999, 2005 and 2014, the latter year when No. 2 also staged the U.S. Women’s Open a week after the men’s.

That most recent U.S. Open at No. 2 also was the debut of a new look for Ross’ gem, with the Bermudagrass rough replaced by sandy waste areas that gave the course a more rustic feel. This will be the second time the U.S. Open has been played under those conditions. Before play gets underway Thursday, here are nine things to know about this historic venue:

1. Fantastic finishes

Though tournaments have been played at Pinehurst No. 2 since the start of the 20th century, it wasn’t until the end of it that the U.S. Open arrived. The first U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 also produced one of the most famous finishes in the tournament’s history, one that is still memorialized in a statue that stands behind the 18th green (though the statue will be moved during the tournament so that it is more accessible to fans).

Payne Stewart holed an 18-foot par putt on 18 to win the 1999 U.S. Open by one over Phil Mickelson and finish two shots ahead of Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh. It was a memorable finish, immortalized by the tragedy that followed shortly after. Stewart died in a plane crash just four months after winning his third major championship.

Payne Stewart celebrates victory after sinking his final putt during the last day of the 1999 US Open at Pinehurst No. 2. (Tom Able-Green /Allsport)

Woods came close at Pinehurst again six years later. He finished two shots behind New Zealand’s Michael Campbell, however. The 2005 U.S. Open at Pinehurst was Campbell’s lone PGA TOUR victory. Campbell’s final-round 69, which Woods matched, allowed him to pass an eclectic trio that held the 54-hole lead. Retief Goosen, winner of the 2001 and 2004 U.S. Opens, was atop the leaderboard entering Sunday alongside two players who had to go through Final Qualifying, Olin Browne and Jason Gore.

Goosen played in Sunday’s final group alongside Gore, who was on the Korn Ferry Tour at the time. Goosen and Gore were a combined 25 over par Sunday, clearing the way for Campbell. Gore would win three consecutive starts on the Korn Ferry Tour (and shoot a 59), then win his lone PGA TOUR title later that year.

Ten years ago, the USGA broke new ground by holding the men’s and women’s U.S. Opens on back-to-back weeks at Pinehurst No. 2. First, Martin Kaymer rode a hot putter to separate from the field as Erik Compton and Rickie Fowler tied for second, eight back. They were the only three players to finish under par.

Michelle Wie then broke through as a major winner by recovering from a double-bogey on the 16th hole Sunday with a birdie on 17 to secure a two-shot victory over Stacy Lewis.

2. More than 'turtle backs'

You’ll often hear the putting surfaces at Pinehurst No. 2 referred to as ‘turtle-backs.’ This is an oversimplification and not Ross’ original intent. There is good reason to believe that the centers and some of the edges of Pinehurst’s greens have risen over time through aggressive top-dressing, sand splash from greenside bunkers, and some aggressive reconstruction work in the late 20th century. The results have been greens with more of that domed, convex, turtleback effect than is evident in the early photography – and more than Ross intended. This has contributed to the myth that those turtle-back greens are either the products of Ross’ design or characteristic of his work elsewhere. In both cases, they are not.

A view of the ninth hole at Pinehurst No. 2. (David Cannon/Getty Images)

Ross took pains to build green with rolling contours and did not rely only on simple convex, turtle-back shapes.

3. Ross' writings

Ross may have been a Scotsman, but he transformed the American golf landscape. He’s credited with more than 400 course designs, expansions and renovations starting in 1900. The North Carolina sandhills were especially important to him. He wintered at Pinehurst, where he expanded the resort to four courses. Pinehurst No. 2 evolved slowly, not reaching its current routing until the run-up to the 1936 PGA Championship when its sand greens were converted to grass. It achieved its current routing when Ross created the current fourth and fifth holes, replacing two others that were taken out of rotation.

In the 1936 PGA Championship program, Ross wrote one of his rare, detailed analyses of his own designs. The essay, “Architectural Features of the Championship Course,” highlights four elements of play that have stood the test of time.

Ross focuses first on the importance of “long and accurate tee shots.” He believed there should be a penalty for straying from the short grass and an advantage for properly positioning. “The landing area should be more exacting for a longer hitter,” Ross wrote. That means narrowing down fairways or cutting off the preferred landing zone with bunkers or rough.

Secondly, Ross declared the pre-eminence of “accurate iron play” as the ideal measure of shot-making. By that, he specifically said, “I consider long iron play to be the ultimate test of a player’s skill.” In those days (1936), players generally faced approach shots on par-3s and par-4s of 180-220 yards, which would have meant anything from a 5-iron and longer. Second shots on par-5s would have been at least as long to leave one in a proper position for a short-iron third.

Ross’ third point focused on putting strategy. He gave players a “good opportunity on shorter putts” by having simple contours closer to the holes. Longer lag putts would face “complex, vexing problems” by forcing players to go up, over and around sweeping slopes. Ross took particular pains to build interesting green contours and did not rely on anything as simple as the convex, turtle-back shape that is sometimes compared to an upside-down saucer.

Finally, Ross believed in “interesting greenside contours, especially for shorter holes.” He believed the recovery from a missed approach should require precision. As someone who had grown up and apprenticed on the classic Scottish links of Dornoch, St. Andrews and Carnoustie, Ross appreciated how Pinehurst’s sandy soil could be shaped to replicate the “humps and hollows of Scottish seaside courses.”

4. A new look

The Pinehurst No. 2 of the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Opens is no longer.

In the run-up to the 2014 U.S. Open, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw undertook a meticulous restoration of Pinehurst No. 2. They brought back a scruffier, tawnier look, feel and playability that Pinehurst had before becoming lush, soft and green in the 1970s. In the absence of Ross’ own design plans they had to rely upon photographic evidence and the occasional map – like the one showing the old, single line of steel irrigation pipe. That unlocked the key to the restored irrigation plan, which entailed reducing the number of sprinklers in use from 1,100 to 450. The fairways became defined by the reach of the sprinklers. The areas outside of their spray returned to nature, featuring the sandy soil and native plants of the region.

A view from tee on the17th hole at Pinehurst No. 2. (David Cannon/Getty Images)

Tree management and the removal of 20 acres of bermudagrass rough led to widened fairways and extensive areas of sandy, wiregrass native areas lining the holes. This led to greater uncertainty -- and sometimes stiffer penalties -- after wayward drives.

Since 2014, the native wire grass areas have filled in, producing even more hazardous unpredictability. Competitors at this year’s U.S. Open will see more wiregrass around the landing areas than a decade ago and the additional growth of local plants, adding even more penalty for those who miss the fairway.

The greens have also been converted from bentgrass to Champion Ultradwarf Bermudagrass, a species more tolerant of warm weather.

Pinehurst No. 2 does not look like your standard lush resort layout. It now sports a classic Sandhill look because it is not overseeded in winter and looks semi-dormant: frittery at the edges in season and firm and fast year-round.

5. Firm, fast and shorter?

Pinehurst No. 2 will have a scorecard yardage of 7,550 yards, though it will likely play shorter because of the firm conditions, allowing extensive roll-out of tee shots that hit the fairway. Relative to today’s distances, Pinehurst will actually play shorter than it did in its U.S. Open debut a quarter-century ago.

The average drive on the PGA TOUR through this year’s PGA Championship was 297.1 yards. Twenty-five years ago, Pinehurst measured 7,175 yards, and the average drive was 271.6 yards.

In other words, the golf course is 5% longer while drives are traveling 11 percent longer.

At the 1936 PGA, the course measured 6,879 yards and had a par of 72, two strokes higher than today. We can safely estimate that the average drive went about 240 yards – certainly no farther. When we measure 1936 against 2024, we come up with some interesting data.

Best shots from waste area and pine straw, featuring Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas and others

The course is now 10% longer, while PGA TOUR drives are traveling 24% longer. If we take the total percentage of course yardage covered by an average of 14 drives played per round, we find that in 1936, the driver comprised 49% of all distance traversed; today the driver accounts for 55%.

Even with today’s length, players will be hitting more short irons into greens, not the long irons Ross so admired.

6. Three holes that typify the test

The beauty of Pinehurst No. 2 is that every hole is interesting and demanding. This is not the kind of course where obvious disaster looms; water is not in play, and out-of-bounds does not loom. And yet, you can quickly look foolish around the greens after a wayward approach. Here are three dramatic examples of the test that makes Pinehurst No. 2 unique.

No. 3: This short par-4 is listed at 387 yards, but if previous form is any guide, it will be made drivable at least one day. A deep, punitive bunker extends out into the fairway on the right at the far end of the waste area ranging at 305 yards to carry and to be avoided at all cost. The green here is perched up dramatically over a trio of protecting front bunkers and falls off steeply behind. It does not make for a receptive target.

A view from the tee on the par 4, third hole at Pinehurst No. 2. (David Cannon/Getty Images)

Unless it’s within drivable range, the likely play is to lay up to the fairway and, from there, hit a very precise wedge. On the left, just beyond a boundary fence, is the stylish two-story cottage where Ross lived from 1925 until he died in 1948. Local lore has it that the third green’s proximity to his yard led him to spend a lot of time there, making this a particularly devilish putting surface.

No. 5: There might be something to that tale about Ross’ continued tinkering with the third green because Pinehurst’s other extremely vexing green, on the 588-yard fifth hole, sits next to No. 3 and thus also near Ross’ cottage.

A view from behind the green of the par 5, fifth hole on Pinehurst No. 2. (David Cannon/Getty Images)

The left side of the putting surface seems to collapse into the native wiregrass area. A ridge down the middle creates a divide such that any right-to-left approach may slingshot across the green and down the steep slope on the left. Compounding the difficulty on approach is a slight fall-off toward the back of the green that makes it hard to stop a shot struck with too much velocity or too little spin.

The shape of the green and hole location require care in the angle of approach and, to set that up, the angle of the tee shot. The ideal entry line is from the left side of the fairway; this maximizes the width of approach and creates a better incline to support the shot. But the fairway canters from right to left, and the low left side kicks steeply into a long sandy waste area. It’s a classic example of the ideal line of approach bringing a player closest to significant trouble.

No. 16: This is the longest par 4 at Pinehurst, measuring 536 yards. While it plays slightly downhill from tee to green, the putting surface is propped up modestly and is extremely well bunkered on the sides and behind. Along the way, this hole is classic Ross, requiring a variety of shot shapes.

Throughout the course, players will find situations calling for a right-to-left tee shot followed by a left-to-right approach shot — and vice versa on the next par 4 or 5. The sequence can change depending on which side of the green the hole is cut on that day.

A view from behind the green on the par-4 16th hole with the par-3 17th hole at Pinehurst No. 2. (David Cannon/Getty Images)

On the 16th hole, the ideal drive is a right-handed player’s draw to make use of the natural fairway slope, followed by a left-to-right iron shot into the convex putting surface. There’s little point to flag-hunting on this hole, as throughout No. 2, a smart player who aims for the center of the green will continually face manageable putts while reducing exposure to trouble at the margins. That means playing more for pars than for birdies. At U.S. Opens at Pinehurst, par is always a good score.

7. Lessons for your own game

Folks spectating on-site or watching from home can learn a lot from observing play at Pinehurst No.2, starting with creativity around the greens.

Sole reliance on a lofted wedge will not suffice around the greens; players will have a variety of options for their short-game shots.

Historically, Pinehurst has not been a bomber’s paradise, serving as a reminder that there are many ways to excel. Yes, length is an asset, but only length with accuracy. Seeing how relatively short hitters and classic shot-makers can fare against the power players will be fascinating.

Finally, the aesthetics of the course remind that the ultra-green look of a course doesn’t always translate to the best test of shot-making. The turfgrass coverage of Pinehurst No. 2 is healthy, dense and ideal for providing tight lies that truly test the crispness of a player’s contact with the ball.

8. There are no design plans

Ross started his career in the early 1900s and became known for meticulous documentation of full routings and hole-by-hole elements. Yet for all the time Ross pored over the evolution of Pinehurst No. 2, much of it with longtime Pinehurst superintendent Frank Maples — Ross’ construction coordinator in and around the Carolinas — there are no surviving drawings or plans for the course, if they were ever drawn up at all.

An aerial view of the par-4 eighth hole (L) with the par-4 16th hole (center) and the par-3 17th hole (R) at Pinehurst No. 2. (David Cannon/Getty Images)

We have pretty good photography of the course from the 1930s, plus basic two-dimensional look-down schematics of the holes from that 1936 PGA Championship program. But otherwise, there are no scaled drawings showing bunker depths, green heights or slope percentages.

9. Agronomic advantages

Now a second home to the USGA, Pinehurst has long been a catalyst for agronomic advancement. In the 1920s, Ross set up test plots throughout the resort in his search for a suitable turfgrass to thrive in that warm climate – including a multi-species plot just outside the front steps of the downtown Holly Inn.

The basic tool for the 1999 U.S. Open was the Stimpmeter. A prototype firmness meter was used at the 2005 U.S. Open. Moisture meters to probe below the surface were introduced in 2014. The technology in beta-testing this year is the G-3 golf ball.

The G-3 is a dimple-less ball that doubles as a digital information storage unit, measuring the greens' smoothness, speed and firmness.

That information is then fed into the USGA’s proprietary Deacon software to help create a comprehensive database. The database will, among other things, help superintendents monitor how aerification and top-dressing programs impact putting surfaces.

It helps to have a new operations building near the parking lot where the old tennis courts stood. USGA Golf House Pinehurst now houses the USGA Green Section, the Research and Test Center, and the Word Golf Hall of Fame. An outdoor testing range and pavilion are now under construction to facilitate more accurate equipment research.

As for tending to Pinehurst No. 2, the course will be in the very capable hands of veteran superintendent John Jeffreys (16 years at Pinehurst), golf course maintenance operations manager Kevin Robinson (27 years) and director of course and grounds management Bob Farren, CGCS (44 years). They are aided by a staff of 40 full- and part-time employees, 30 volunteers from other Pinehurst-area courses, and another 30 volunteers from a wider net of courses, as well as alumni employees and industry partners.

Bradley S. Klein is a veteran golf writer and author of 10 books on course design. A former PGA TOUR caddie, he was architecture editor of Golfweek for over two decades and is now a freelance journalist and course design consultant. Follow Bradley S. Klein on Twitter .

• Science & Environment

History & Culture

• Opinion & Analysis
• Destinations
• Activity Central
• Creature Features
• Earth Heroes
• Survival Guides
• Travel with AG
• Travel Articles
• About the Australian Geographic Society
• AG Society News
• Sponsorship
• Fundraising
• Australian Geographic Society Expeditions
• Sponsorship news
• Our Country Immersive Experience
• AG Nature Photographer of the Year
• Web Stories
• Adventure Instagram

Outback starman

It was the early 2000s, and Trevor Barry had just enrolled in a graduate certificate of science in astronomy at Swinburne University of Technology. The fact he hadn’t completed high school, let alone a university degree, proved only a minor impediment to enrolment for the already accomplished amateur astronomer. 

The only caveat the university imposed was that he had to achieve at least credits in all subjects. No problem. “I’m an enthusiastic person,” Trevor explains. It’s an understatement that’s clearly evident after only an hour’s conversation with the lifelong resident of Broken Hill. 

That trademark enthusiasm did waver slightly, however, at the beginning of the course, when he had to introduce himself to his fellow students from around the world. “There was a guy in the USA and he commissioned nuclear submarines for the US Navy, and there was a guy in the UK who was an ex-British Airways captain; he’d flown the Concorde,” Trevor recalls. “And I said, ‘Well, I’m Trev, and I’m an ex-miner from Broken Hill.’”

Trevor frequently describes himself as such. It’s as if he’s reminding himself that, even though he receives international astronomy accolades and personal invitations to visit NASA, has had multiple co-authorships of papers in the most prestigious scientific journals, and is on a first-name basis with some of Australia’s – and the world’s – leading astronomers, he’s still also Trevor Barry, a fitter/machinist from the mines of outback New South Wales.

From mineworker to stargazer

Traditionally, a story like this would tell of a child captivated by the stars from an early age, and for whom fate had other ideas. But that’s not how Trevor tells it. 

“I wasn’t interested in astronomy at all,” he says. “Most of the population doesn’t look up.” The child of a mining father – a former Rat of Tobruk – and a housewife mother grew up in Broken Hill, but left high school after four years to become an apprentice machinist in a zinc mine, because “that’s what young people in Broken Hill did”.

For the next 34 years, he worked in the mines, making good use of the diversity of skills he’d learnt as an apprentice on rotation around the mine’s power station, engineering design office, and maintenance departments on the surface, underground and in the mills. The career taught him to be resourceful. 

“Often when something broke down, we wouldn’t have the specific necessary spare parts, but that machine had to work,” Trevor says. “There’s always a solution to just about any problem, but you have to think outside the square.”

One day, an apprentice in Trevor’s department asked him to take a look at a telescope he’d built from scratch. Trevor took some persuading – “why would I want to look at or through a telescope?” – but eventually, one cold winter night, he made his way to the apprentice’s house. The 1.5m long, 8″/203mm-aperture Newtonian telescope, set on a German equatorial mount, was on the back lawn. 

“He pointed out this nondescript star-like point of light, and said, ‘That’s what we’re going to look at’,” Trevor recalls. He looked through the telescope, and saw Saturn, its ring system and atmospheric banding, in full splendour. It was love at first sight, both with the planet and the idea that a homemade telescope could bring this celestial wonder into sharp focus. “I had to do something about that,” Trevor says. 

Armed with a book from Broken Hill City Library on how to build Newtonian telescopes, Trevor constructed a 10″/254mm-aperture telescope, with an equatorial mount – complete with counterweights – anchored to three concrete-filled holes in the back lawn carefully maintained by his wife, Cheryl (“I got in a bother with the missus over that,” he admits). 

A pair of lawnmower wheels enabled him to move and store the mount under the back veranda, while the telescope itself was deposited in a spare bedroom. That was all fine until one day, while extracting the mount from under the verandah, Trevor lifted one of the mount’s legs too high and, in accordance with the laws of physics, the counterweights did the rest. “Pulled me straight over the top and landed me in the ‘gorgeous-and -adorable’s’ rose garden,” he says.

With nothing seriously wounded except his pride, he set about building a permanent observatory and bigger telescope made from – among other items – a water tank, washing machine parts and a wire from Trevor’s catamaran. 

Taking on university study

When economics and a back injury brought his career in the mines to a close, Trevor was finally able to focus entirely on astronomy. He signed up for the Swinburne course, with encouragement from luminaries Fred Watson, AG’s longtime space writer, and British/Australian astronomer David Malin, who’d visited Trevor’s outback observatory a year or so earlier. 

Much to Trevor’s own surprise, he not only graduated from the course with straight high distinctions, but was awarded the prize for top student in the year. He’d loved the study, absorbing every bit of information “like a sponge”. So when a strange white spot appeared travelling across the vast swirling face of Saturn, Trevor recognised it from one of his textbooks as a rare electrical storm. 

At the time, NASA’s Cassini probe was orbiting Saturn, sharing the wonders of the ringed planet and its family of icy moons. However the probe had only limited ability to photograph and track the storm. 

With help from Watson and Malin, Trevor managed to get his telescope image in front of Georg Fischer, part of the radio- and plasma-wave science team with the Cassini mission…and thereby launched his second career as an astronomer.

Joining a worldwide network

Trevor is now an integral part of a global network of amateur-run observatories that regularly supply visual information to the world’s space agencies to help guide their missions and observations. 

His personal beat is Saturn, which was particularly handy for the Cassini team. “Whenever his [Georg Fischer’s] RPWS instrument detected [what] he called SEDs – Saturn Electrostatic Discharges – he’d contact our team, sending an email with the challenge to hunt down the optical counterpart to his radio source,” Trevor says. 

Since the planned demise of the Cassini probe in September 2017 – an event Trevor also managed to capture with his telescope – the outback starman has continued his observations of the ringed gas giant, working with astrophysicist Agustín Sánchez-Lavega, who heads up the planetary science and applied physics groups at at the University of the Basque Country in Spain. 

“Whenever I think I’ve found something new, I fire right up and I harass the crap out of Agustín,” Trevor says. Agustín is the settling influence to Trevor’s excitable enthusiasm, right up until Trevor discovers something new, “then look out when you’ve got an excited Spanish astronomer”.

One of four scientific papers that Trevor has co-authored with Agustín describes an enduring storm in Saturn’s incredibly turbulent equatorial zone (see    nature.com/articles/ncomms13262 ), which Trevor first imaged as an odd white spot and brought to Agustín’s attention. It was so unusual that both the Calar Alto Observatory in Spain and the Hubble Space Telescope were used to take a closer look. The findings resulted in one of Trevor and Agustin’s co-authored Nature papers, coincidentally published on Trevor’s birthday. 

Another project used Trevor’s 3115 Earth-days-long study of Saturn’s ‘hexagon’ – the spinning six-sided jet-stream phenomenon around the planet’s north pole – and suggested the rotation rate of the hexagon might be connected to Saturn’s interior rotation .

Trevor’s extraordinary contributions were recognised in 2022 with the Astronomical Society of Australia’s Berenice and Arthur Page Medal for excellence in amateur astronomy ), for which he was a joint award winner, then internationally in 2023 with the Walter H. Haas Observer’s Award from the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers. “How was that?” Trevor exclaims. “A mineworker from Broken Hill!”

Despite being in his 70s, Trevor shows no signs of slowing down in his new career. He’s feeding images of Jupiter to NASA’s Juno mission, helping the team to decide at where to point the spacecraft’s imaging equipment each time it does a flyby of the planet. He has also directed his telescopes at Mars and Venus.

When not tending to the grounds at his local lawn bowls club – Trevor is also an award-winning lawn bowler – he’s revisiting his fitter/machinist roots, and tweaking his telescopic set-up to improve its function and capture regime. “I’ve always been a tinkerer, but I took that to another level with astronomy,” he says. “I do nothing in half-measures.”

In the name of the great-great-grandfather

The legacy of the famed architect of the theory of evolution, Charles Darwin, is profoundly in evidence through his Aussie-based descendant, Chris Darwin.

Sex, stress and fertility in Australian wildlife

Hormones are driving a radical new approach to fighting the country’s extinction crisis.

100-million-year-old fossil find reveals huge flying reptile that patrolled Australia’s inland sea

Haliskia peterseni is only the second partial pterosaur skeleton ever found in Australia.

Watch Latest Web Stories

Birds of Stewart Island / Rakiura

Endangered fairy-wrens survive Kimberley floods

Australia’s sleepiest species