Broken Hill
This famous mining town was my base for 2 days. Although in the same state, it is 715 miles from Sydney and definitely in a different world. Many minerals were mined here, but the chief was lead. The tailings pile from the main mine is in view from nearly everywhere in town. But, Broken Hill is very different. Look below at the pile and note the 2 futuristic structures perched on the rim. On the left is a very moving memorial to all of the over 800 people that have died working in the mine. On the right is a café and wine bar.
Mine tailings are never pretty. But Broken Hill at least put some worthy structures on them.
The memorial to the over 800 killed in the mine since the late 1800’s. Sorted by year, with each name and cause of death. Explosion, crushed, lead poisoning, heart attack. Each and every one.
The elaborate union hall, still functioning to this day. Broken Hill was a key place in the development of Australian unions and was known for many strikes and riots.
Coming out as a gay male at mid life, many others told me to be sure to watch “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” a campy gay classic. Much of it was filmed here at the Palace Hotel, where I stayed on this trip. The Palace, dating from 1889 still basks in the notoriety, and has the Priscilla suite available. (it was used in the movie and was already booked when I made my plans.) It is also the base for an annual 3 day drag queen event, the Broken Heel Festival.
I had a great room on the second floor with access to the full deck. Note the gay flag. In the middle of the Outback!
Yes, that is a giant shoe in the lobby. And the poster from the recently completed 2018 festival. The slogan: “Life in the Outback is never a drag.”
The entire interior of the hotel was painted with surreal scenes that always had a water feature. In the desert. Done by an aboriginal man who would come by periodically, do a mural, and depart until the next time. For years this went on until all were done.
Broken Hill has a history of art and artists resulting in a very well renowned art museum. (It was home to Pro Hart, one of the most famous Australian artists.)
The art Gallery. Really well done in a beautiful 1885 building.
Along the way, a citizen noted that they needed more sculpture art, so they developed a wonderful sculpture garden on a hill outside of town. All in all, a very special town, and a total surprise to find well into the far remote Outback.
And, being Christmas time, Saturday night was the big parade. Quite the event for the locals, trust me. One told me that it was one of the best versions this year.
