Unique Broken Hill Accommodation - Australian Traveller

Planning a trip to Broken Hill? There’s a stay to match all types of travellers that roll on into this town.

The outback town has attracted dreamers, miners and artists for decades. When it comes to Broken Hill, you better believe you’re going to want more than a night. From a desert church to a farm stay out at the station, we’ve put together the best Broken Hill accommodation below. And if you’d rather set up in the great outdoors, we’ve also rounded up the best Broken Hill caravan sites and camping spots.

Unusual Broken Hill stays

Broken Hill Outback Church Stay, Broken Hill

A luxury stay in a converted church that’s over a century old might not be what you pictured for your stay in the outback town of Broken Hill, but you won’t in any way regret making that booking.

Broken Hill Outback Church bedroom — It doesn’t get more unique than a stay here.

The Broken Hill Outback Church Stay is a charming mix of the old and new, with its Romanesque church fittings and the antique altar, paired with the ensuite limestone spa bathroom. Book this property or the associated Presbytery and Cottage properties.

Broken Hill Outback Church Stay bathroom — The converted church features a limestone spa bathroom.

Eldee Station

An eco-credentialled sheep and cattle farm just 25 kilometres from Broken Hill, Eldee Station is an award-winning farm stay out on the vast expanse of the Mundi Mundi Plains.

Eldee Station is located on the Mundi Mundi Plains. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s a desert accommodation with a more remote location that makes it ideal for those wanting to check out the magnificent Milky Way in the night sky, far from any city lights. Pick from their guest suites or their camping ground (swag hire available), before embarking on a 4WD adventure to the back of beyond.

Milky Way Broken Hill — Expect magnificent views of the Milky Way at night. (Image: Destination NSW)

Palace Hotel Broken Hill

Pack those heels for a stay at The Palace Hotel: famous for its starring role in The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

The deck of the Palace Hotel — Sit in the sun on the deck of the Palace Hotel.

Make like characters Bernadette, Adam and Tick and book in for a night among the fabulously kitsch Aussie landscape murals of The Palace.

Inside the rooms of Broken Hill Palace Hotel — Have an authentic Broken Hill experience with a stay at the renowned Palace Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, sashay on down for its Wednesday karaoke night or for a night on the town during the three-day Broken Heel Festival – a celebration of all things Priscilla.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Best self-contained Broken Hill stays

Emaroo Cottages

Emaroo Cottages are right in the centre of town and make for a pet-friendly accommodation choice. There are four cottages to choose from, with barbecues, a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry. Run by a local family, the accommodation options include a renovated miner’s cottage.

Worker’s Cottage, Fowlers Gap

Want more rustic than renovated? Get a taste of the lonely nature of mining life with a romantic stay at Worker’s Cottage, a Broken Hill Airbnb.

The trip out will take about half an hour, but believe us, it’s worth it. Arrive at an open-plan rustic cottage, perfect for couples looking to get away from it all among the red dirt.

Workers Cottage Fowlers Gap Bedroom — Sink into the comfy bed of an evening after a day of outback exploring.

By day, embark on a nearby gorge hike, and by night, sit back with a glass of wine to look at the light show above.

Broken Hill Outback Resort

Overlooking the rugged Barrier Ranges, this family and dog-friendly park and resort doesn’t just have spots for caravanning and camping but also has 24 self-contained cabins to choose from.

Options include cabins with deck barbecues and double spa baths, as well as kitchenettes and interconnection rooms.

If you don’t fancy cooking, the heritage-listed Mt Gipps Hotel is on the property and serves up pub food.

Best Broken Hill motels

Sturt Motel Broken Hill

If ever a town were built for road-tripping, Broken Hill would take the top prize. For an affordable night in a cosy bed, the Sturt Motel is a pet-friendly pick.

Options range from double to superior rooms that sleep three, and continental breakfast is available.

A massive bonus in the Broken Hill weather? Its alluring swimming pool, a dive in which is the best way to wind down after a hot, bothersome drive.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Red Earth Motel Broken Hill

If you’d rather choose a motel with apartment accommodation, look no further than the Red Earth Motel.

Red Earth Motel in Broken Hill — Make yourself at home in a cosy Studio Apartment.

With its mix of studios and multi-roomed apartments, Red Earth is a great choice for families or those travelling out west as a larger group. Each apartment has a full kitchen, with the three-bedroom even coming with laundry facilities.

Each guest can make use of the Red Earth pool, covered barbecue and 24-hour reception service.

Best Broken Hill hotels

The Imperial Fine Accommodation

Pick something a little bit special with a stay at this historical and heritage-renovated hotel. Lean into the old-world feel of The Imperial. Once you’ve checked in, challenge your travel companions to a game of billiards in the old front bar. Or (and we wouldn’t blame you if this was the case) go straight to their walled courtyard. There you will find a saltwater, solar-heated pool, as well as the shade of apricot trees under which you can settle with a good book.

The Astra Broken Hill

Dating back to the 1890s, The Astra has retained its heritage features and charms despite the passage of time (and the addition of an al fresco cocktail bar, and scrummy dessert bar). Book into one of its eight suites – or its historical two-bedroom cottage – to spend a night or two in this beautiful old building.

ibis Styles Broken Hill

While this is an affordable hotel that remains a favourite among business travellers and road trippers alike, it might be the ibis Styles’ S-Que Restaurant that first draws your attention. This hotel restaurant is one of the most popular places to eat in town. The S-Que serves up a wide range of dishes, including New Zealand oysters, scotch fillet steak and paella. Rooms at the ibis range from standard double to family.

For more insider tips, check out our ultimate guide to Broken Hill for the best things to do, restaurants and caravan parks in town.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery. Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda, and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines.

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk, one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines, where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala. Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie, right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk, an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park. Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast, a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery, where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm. Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal, which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores, between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch. Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong. A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery, which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen. It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

The best Broken Hill accommodation for every type of traveller

Planning a trip to Broken Hill? There’s a stay to match all types of travellers that roll on into this town.

Unusual Broken Hill stays