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