Photography | Outback Australia

Silverton

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Silverton is known to many as the most thriving and healthy looking ghost town in the world. It is one of those places in outback Australia that most people have heard of, thanks mostly to it being the location of many scenes of the cult classic Mad Max – as well as other well known Australian films.

During the 1880's, areas around the Barrier Ranges were bustling with activity as mining claims spread throughout the area as many sought their fortunes from mining. To service the needs of miners, the township of Silverton was established.

Originally called Umberumberka, Silverton came into existence in the early 1880's, proclaimed as a town in 1883, the same year it got a post office, and within a few years support a population of 3,000 people.

With the emergence of mining in Broken Hill in the late 1880's, the residents began to leave Silverton for the booming activity of Broken Hill – in fact many didn't just leave, they actually moved their houses as well to the new centre.

Silverton Images

Today, Silverton is the most lively ghost town there is... in fact, the Silverton Hotel at the Burke St corner has been used in films as diverse as Wake in Fright, Mad Max 2, A Town Like Alice, Hostage, Razorback , Journey into Darkness and Golden Soak. A drink at the historic pub is a must for any visit as is the Silverton Pioneer Museum, the Gaol and Court House and the various local galleries.

Film crews are drawn to the place due to its close proximity to Broken Hill, predicable weather and its iconic buildings and surrounding landscapes. Just beyond the town is Mundi Mundi Plain which provides an insight to the vast flatness of Outback Australia. The view is spectacular and one can see forever to the horizon. Some say that you can see so far that you can see tomorrow.

The area is truly remarkable and is a 'must-see' for travellers and located about 15km north-west of Broken Hill. 

Visiting Silverton