Saturday 7 April 2012

The Silver City

Ah Broken Hill. How I'd never hoped or dreamed of visiting you, and yet couldn't have loved you more!

Looking over Broken Hill from the BIG Bench

The BIG Bench, Broken Hill

340kms north of Mildura is Broken Hill. The 'Silver City', the 'Gateway to the Outback'. Located in New South Wales, but in Sth Australia's timezone. It's predominantly a mining town, but has also hosted a number of film crews when movies including as Mad Max 2 and Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert were filmed in nearby Silverton. Broken Hill also seems to be home to a large number of artists.  The most famous of which would have to be Pro Hart, who died in 2006.


I first became aware of Pro Hart's work from when he did the stain master carpet ads, but to come and visit his gallery I saw how incredibly talented this man was, and so varied in his skill. Watch the ad by clicking HERE
He was also a deeply religious and generous man. If a local charity asked for a painting to auction or raffle, he would quite often grumble because he was so busy, but would never refuse.



The paint gun Pro Hart used for some of his work.

Pro Hart belted out the occasional tune on his own pipe organs.

Pro painted on all types of surfaces, including his own car.



The most impressive headstone I've seen!




A number of artists have their work featured on the walls of the Broken Hill airport.



Only about 30kms out of Broken Hill is the small town of Silverton, where you can still see many props, locations and sights from films & TV shows made out here. Including Mission Impossible 2, & the Flying Doctors.


Mad Max 2


So what CAN you do with used bottle caps?



Occupied



Ever wanted to step back in time a visit a 1950's milk bar? You'll feel like you're in an Archie comic, or on the set of Happy Days here!


Bells Milk Bar, Broken Hill, NSW

Thank you Broken Hill. I'll be back! Next time in an air-conditioned car though. Did I mention that this gateway to the outback is really hot? Who would have thought!



Simple Stats
Days since departure: 238
Distance travelled: 23,378km (+8701km for work)
Lizards run over: 12
Cane toads run over: 3
Cassowary spotted: 2
Snakes run over: 4
Portaloos towed: 2
Weeks worked as Runner on film: 10
Whale Sharks swum with: 2
Emergency mechanic stops: 4
Kangaroos hit: 0

Such is life

From Albury, I decided to follow the Murray River up toward Mildura, and along the way stopped to take in 'bushranger country' where Australia's most famous did his work. In Glenrowan there is, of course, a BIG Ned Kelly, plus a Ned Kelly's Last Stand theme park, and as much memorabilia as you could ever want.

The BIG Ned Kelly, Glenrowen Victoria

JC & the BIG Ned Kelly


It's beautiful country through here, such a shame to ruin the view with a takeaway joint.

The BIG Cherry

In season cherries straight from the farm....absolutely delicious! Apologies to all the cars driving behind me who may have had a pip or 20 clip their windscreen along the way.

Couldn't beat this for a camp spot

Porridge by the river at Cohuna

The BIG Cod, Swan Hill

The REALLY BIG Cod, Swan Hill

Oranges of Mildura

Houseboats on the bank of the Murray River, Mildura

The BIG Wine Cask, Mildura


Once I'd got to Mildura, I wasn't really sure which direction I might take. Back through some more of Victoria, Adelaide, or further north. I had a friend back in Brisbane recommend I definitely see Broken Hill, and after chatting with a Mildura local who was passionate about the place, my next destination was set.




Simple Stats
Days since departure: 235
Distance travelled: 23,038km (+8701km for work)
Lizards run over: 12
Cane toads run over: 3
Cassowary spotted: 2
Snakes run over: 4
Portaloos towed: 2
Weeks worked as Runner on film: 10
Whale Sharks swum with: 2
Emergency mechanic stops: 4
Kangaroos hit: 0