Outback art
by iandsmith
For first timers you should be aiming at the art galleries and an underground tour, the latter to pick up on the area's history which is more interesting than you might think.
The art galleries are without peer anywhere in the world. A huge statement but don't think I'm comparing them to Michaelangelo or such, I'm talking about the fantastic colours inspired by the Aussie outback.
The artists hit the big time when five of them, including world famous Pro Hart, Jack Absolom, Eric Minchin, John W. Pickup and Hugh Schulz and titled "The Brushmen of The Bush" were presented to HRH Queen Elizabeth in London and the whole thing was the subject of a nationwide T.V. documentary. Since then others have benefitted and some of my personal favourites are Albert Woodroffe, Howard William Steer, Wendy Martin, Denise Schinella, the special Peter Browne and the outstanding Peter Anderson. This list ignores over 20 other top line artists, each with their own individuality, who have galleries in the area.
I've been to the National Gallery in London, the Uffizi in Firenze, the Prado in Madrid and seen work from the Hermitage and I'm saying right now that most of the artists in Broken Hill would lose nothing by comparison to the works I saw there. The vivid colours in the art galleries and the high quality artists who paint them.
Home style
by iandsmith
Without mining, Broken Hill would not exist. Recently they've discovered more minerals than originally thought and it appears as though Broken Hill will again have mining as a major component of its survival.
As such, miners' cottages form a large part of the architecture and, while not so historical or interesting as European homes, they do have a charm of their own and, with the artistic community taking over many of them, they are guaranteed preservation. Just wandering around the streets, though to be avoided around midday in summer, you can come across many quaint examples of the genre, such as shown here.
Sculpture Park
by CandS
Make sure you visit the Sculpture Park (also known as the "Living Desert and Sculpture Symposium")...it's about 9 kms out of Broken Hill and definitely worth a visit. Sunset or sunrise (which is less busy) makes the sculptures even more beautiful. :)
In this photo the sculpture on the left is Bajo El Sol Jaguar (Under the Jaguar Sun) and the one on the right is Angels of the Sun and Moon.
It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk to the sculptures from the car park or you can borrow a key from the Visitor Information Centre for a small deposit.
Entry is free. (No dogs are allowed in the grounds)
It's hot during the day!
by CandS
Take some clothes for warm weather during the day but at night it does get cool, in winter at least... Also take good walking boots because you will be sure to do lots of walking... Take lots of film ready for all those photos. You can buy film in town but it is probably more expensive than buying it elsewhere.
River gums
by iandsmith
One of the delights of outback travel is the trees. Unique is something they certainly are, especially the river gums. Situated in dried up river beds (except on the rare occasions when it does rain) they reflect a tortured history of searing heat, insect attacks, floods and lightning strikes and will be homes for birds of many varieties and lizards.
I spent heaps of time during my trips trying to get a decent shot but it was only the last time I got a couple I'm partly happy with.
If you're in the outback, make the time to stop, walk up a dried up creek to one and really have a good look at it. They really are a work of art. The late Albert Namitjira spent his lifetime painting them.
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Old Miner's cottage
Signs of the times
What tales it could tell
New reataurant on the slag heap
