Silverton, Outback NSW

While not actually on the Darling River Run, Silverton is one destination that should be included when travelling the Darling River Run! Few outback localities are as iconic and attract visitors from far and wide to this little town on the edge of the real outback.

Silverton, outback NSW, is a place that few outback localities are as iconic and attract visitors from far and wide to this little town on the edge of the real outback.

Visitors come to experience what was once a thriving mining town, which later becomes a ghost town, only to be currently re-inventing itself as the lively destination of museums, art galleries and unique cafes and gift shops.

Add to that a VERY iconic pub adorned with images of films made in the area, including Mad Max with Mel Gibson.

While not actually on the Darling River, it is one destination that should be included when travelling the Darling River Run!

Silverton is known to many as the most thriving and healthy-looking ghost town in the world. It is one of those places in outback Australia that most people have heard of, thanks mostly to it being the location of many scenes of the cult classic Mad Max – as well as other well known Australian films.

During the 1880s, areas around the Barrier Ranges were bustling with activity as mining claims spread throughout the area as many sought their fortunes from mining. To service the needs of miners, the township of Silverton was established.

Originally called Umberumberka, Silverton came into existence in the early 1880s, proclaimed as a town in 1883, the same year it got a post office, and within a few years support a population of 3,000 people. With the emergence of mining in Broken Hill in the late 1880s, the residents began to leave Silverton for the booming activity of Broken Hill – in fact, many didn't just leave, they actually moved their houses as well to the new centre.

Drive to Broken Hill

• Drive Melbourne to Broken Hill
• Drive Sydney to Broken Hill
• Drive Brisbane to Broken Hill

Today, Silverton is the most lively ghost town there is... in fact, the Silverton Hotel at the Burke St corner has been used in films as diverse as Wake in Fright, Mad Max 2, A Town Like Alice, Hostage, Razorback, Journey into Darkness and Golden Soak. A drink at the historic pub is a must for any visit as is the Silverton Pioneer Museum, the Gaol and Court House and the various local galleries.

Film crews are drawn to the place due to its close proximity to Broken Hill, predictable weather and iconic buildings and surrounding landscapes. Just beyond the town is Mundi Mundi Plain which provides an insight into the vast flatness of Outback Australia. The view is spectacular and one can see forever to the horizon. Some say that you can see so far that you can see tomorrow.

The area is truly remarkable and is a 'must-see' for travellers and is located about 15km northwest of Broken Hill.

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