Broken Hill Heritage Walk Tour

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One way to learn more about Broken Hill is to embark on a heritage walking tour with an expert volunteer guide. The tour takes approximately two hours and covers most of the places of interest within the town centre.



We met our guide for a brief introduction at the Visitor Information Centre before heading off to the nearby Kintore headframe which was relocated here in 1984. Constructed of oregon, the headframe enabled access to the mine as well as the extraction of ore.



Next stop was specifically for art lovers. Inspired by a Bible verse, Pro Hart made the ant sculpture to represent the dedication a miner has to his mate. Miners work closely together underground as a team for a common interest.



As we strolled along, we passed down streets named after metals, minerals and compounds. This reminded me of chemistry lessons back in high school! Broken Hill had obviously come into being because of the mining boom.



The historic facades of various buildings tell the story too. We stopped to admire the Barrier Truth, Town Hall, Trades Hall, Post Office and Palace Hotel among others.



Broken Hill Mining Company first pegged mining leases along the Line of Lode in 1883. This became one of the richest deposits of silver, lead and zinc in the world. Although operations eventually ceased, sculptures have been created to commemorate the seven original members of the company.



On a more sombre note, we discovered that an act of war occurred in Broken Hill when the 1915 New Year's Day Picnic Train came under fire. Two men carrying a Turkish flag shot and killed James Greig, William Shaw, Alfred Millard and 17-year-old Alma Cowie. This resulted in four casualties on Australian soil during World War I. A monument has been erected in memory of the tragedy.



In addition, we also visited three memorials. The first was dedicated to the local men who had lost their lives overseas during the war and the second was dedicated to the local women who had stood by their men during troubled industrial times.



As for the third, although nowhere near the location of the Titanic, Broken Hill is home to a memorial devoted to the ship's heroic bandsmen and their bravery. The bandsmen continued to play as the ship was going down. This reminds us that the role and significance of local bands should not be underestimated.



The tour departs from the Visitor Information Centre (corner of Blende and Bromide Streets) at 10am every weekday between March and November. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting 08 8080 3560. A donation is appreciated. For more information, check out their website at www.visitbrokenhill.com



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