Grey nomads arriving in the remote New South Wales town of Silverton for the first time can be forgiven for feeling an unexpected sense of familiarity.
This is the ‘Hollywood of the Outback’ and the historic buildings, atmospheric streets, and dusty surrounds have featured in numerous movies including: Wake in Fright; the Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert; and Mad Max II.
Silverton’s first brush with fame though came back in the 1880s when rich silver deposits were discovered here. Word spread quickly and, within a few years, some 3,000 people called this place home and a post office, churches, and municipal offices had been built, and a rail line began operating to nearby Cockburn.
An aerial overview of the Outback town of Silverton. PIC: Destination NSW
However, Silverton’s time in the sun was short and sweet as an even richer silver-lead-zinc ore body was found in Broken Hill and a mass exodus began.
By 1901 the town and immediate area was home to less than 300 people. While the town’s population has now shrunk to just 50, this iconic location is not quite as quiet as you might expect. Indeed, some 150,000 tourists reputedly come for a look on any normal year.
Besides its movie associations, history is the major drawcard for visitors. The streets are lined with impressive colonial buildings, and a visit to the Silverton Gaol Museum, which was built in 1889, is a must to fully understand how this area grew.
Similarly, a guided underground tour of the former silver mine at historic Day Dream Mine, 18 kilometres out of town, shows just how tough life back in those days could be.
A windmill near a historic church in Silverton. PIC: Destination NSW
Another good way for visitors to get their bearings, both historically and geographically, is to take the Heritage Walking Trail which runs past ruins of long-abandoned homes and businesses to the Silverton wind farm, and then to the top of the magnificent Barrier Ranges where there are stunning views over the Mundi Mundi Plains.
If that stroll gives energetic grey nomads a thirst, then a visit to the Silverton Hotel could be the go. The original pub was destroyed by fire in 1918 and was later replaced by the current character-filled hostelry. Nearby is the unmissable Mad Max Museum. With an exterior covered in corrugated iron, tyres and barbed wire, the museum contains costumes, props, and vehicles from the movie, as well as behind-the-scenes photos.
Not surprising the apocalyptic landscape in this part of the world has attracted and inspired some highly talented artists. There are some fascinating galleries to browse, including the John Dynon Art Gallery and Cowz Art Gallery. Visiting grey nomads have some great camping options at Penrose Park just out of town; and the working sheep and cattle property at Eldee Station, a little further out.
The movie moguls worked it out pretty well. For a tiny town, this place has some serious star power!
