On the morning after your Outback Astronomy sky show, if you’re keen to experience the outback before breakfast here’s our pick of the top three. We’ve gone for wide open spaces, panoramic views and a mining history gem.

If you’re a city traveller getting your first taste of the semi-arid landscape, or a seasoned explorer eager to stretch your legs, these low-cost, self-drive activities allow you to experience the outback before hitting the highway. Here is our selection of how to make the most of your morning in Broken Hill – no shop hours required.

Driving times are from the Broken Hill post office in Argent Street.

1. Line of Lode Miners Memorial & Lookout

• Distance: ~5 min drive (or a moderate walk uphill from the city centre)
• Why it’s special: Offers a commanding view over Broken Hill and the surrounding plains to the south, west and north (from the big chair or the memorial platform). The striking memorial commemorates more than 800 miners who lost their lives working in the mines. A powerful reminder of the town’s rich mining history.
• Ideal for: Mining history buffs and those seeking reflective moments paired with sweeping views. If you know anyone working in the mining industry, you may find this memorial especially sombre – a reminder of the very high price paid by many families who lost a loved while working in the local mines.
• Bonus: Walk up the Line of Lode road for some exercise before hitting the highway (when you can allow your calf muscles to recover). Moderate fitness is requires though.
• Image: The stunning memorial.

2. The Living Desert & Sculptures

• Distance: ~15 min drive north of Broken Hill
• Why it’s special: A stunning blend of panoramic desert landscapes and cultural heritage. This fresh outdoors experience feature close up views and photography opportunities of large sandstone sculptures atop a hill with sweeping views of the surrounding hills and plains.
• Ideal for: Active travellers who enjoy short hikes, photography, and connecting with art in nature.
• Bonus: Arrive early to experience the morning light casting long shadows across the desert.

3. The Mundi Mundi Plains Lookout (stretch goal)

• Distance: ~30 min west (via Silverton Road). You do need to drive through Silverton as the lookout is nestled on top of hills a few kilometres on the western to north western side the village.
• Why it’s special: If you’re up for an early adventure, this spot offers classic outback views of vast, seemingly endless plains where the earth meets the sky. It’s a horizon-stretching view not expected until you drive up the hill. Some people will find the view jaw-dropping.
• Ideal for: Early risers and landscape photographers. You may even catch wildlife like kangaroos along the way. Take a thermos, tripod and fold-up chair if you have time to linger.
• Images: See our images from dry times (brown) and the once-a-decade wet times (green).

Why These Top Three?

• No reliance on shop hours: Ideal for early risers.
• Open spaces and views: True outback landscapes perfect for active guests.
• Mining history & scenery, close and far: From miner tributes to city-wide views.
• Proximity: All within a comfortable morning outing radius from central Broken Hill.