Silverton

Silverton is a historic former silver-mining town in the Far West Unincorporated Area of New South Wales, about 25 km north-west of Broken Hill. Founded in 1880 after the discovery of silver, it was the original administrative centre before Broken Hill developed. Now a small community, it preserves heritage buildings and is notable for its arid desert setting, art galleries, museums and long association with Australian film locations.

Visitors can expect a small outback town with wide dirt streets, preserved stone and corrugated-iron heritage buildings, and open desert plains. Key sites include the Silverton Hotel, Silverton Gaol Museum, Mad Max 2 Museum, historic school and church, and numerous artist galleries and studios. The surrounding landscape offers expansive views, particularly from nearby Mundi Mundi Plains Lookout. Exploration is on foot within the village and by car for surrounding sites, with limited shops and services.

Silverton was established in 1880 following the discovery of silver by prospectors, leading to a mining rush. It served as the initial centre for the Barrier Ranges silver fields before the larger Broken Hill lode was developed in 1883-1885, after which population and administration shifted to Broken Hill. Many original stone buildings, the gaol (1889), school and churches remain as evidence of its 1880s mining boom era.

Silverton is significant as a preserved outback mining heritage village and as a centre for outback artists. It is internationally known as a filming location for Mad Max 2, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Razorback and other productions, celebrated at the Mad Max 2 Museum. The town maintains a small creative community with galleries and cultural events reflecting outback life.