Australian outback towns hold a special unique atmosphere - to the naked eye, it seems there is not much to do or see but all it takes is a shift in mindset, slowing down the pace and realising there is much to be discovered, explored and enjoyed in these places.
Quite often when visiting such towns, days are finished by a local pub, where one can enjoy the local hospitality and a big meal and drink.
Palace Hotel in Broken Hill is a perfect iconic pub, not only for having that very Australian feel but also for being the film set to one of Australia's most popular movies -
Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
Nostalgic murals cover the pub's walls.
The original building was opened in 1889 as a dining and coffee place designed by Melbourne architect Alfred Dunn and commissioned by the Temperance Movement (a group that believes in non-licensed venues). The group wanted something different for Broken Hill as there were already plenty of licensed venues.
The venue was not profitable as an unlicensed venue and finally became a licensed venue in 1892.
Nearby mine facility.
A guy called Mario painted a copy of Botticelli's Venus on the ceiling in the main foyer. The painting is still a feature at the hotel. He then offered £1000 to anyone who could match his painting in the blank space next to his.
An indigenous artist from Port Augusta named Gordon Waye came into the hotel and was asked by Mario to paint a wall by the front bar. Gordon completed the task in 8 hours.
The result must have been a success as over the coming years Gordon painted all other murals in the hotel, most of them landscapes.
The only condition stipulated by the hotel was that all paintings had to contain water as a theme or feature in the painting to make the hotel feel like an oasis in the middle of the hot Australian outback.
Mario painted all the hand-stencilled wallpaper and the area next to his replica painting is still blank.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert prop.
This iconic film features many areas of the Palace Hotel and Broken Hill. In this funny drama, Priscilla travels to the desert with her close friends in a rattling bus to perform drag queen shows at different venues. The Palace Hotel Broken Hill is used as a stopover for the characters in the movie.
To this day, visitors can admire the abundant murals decorating every inch of the hotel as well as stay in the Priscilla Suite (the room which was used in the film).
It is no wonder this pub was chosen for a film set as it is quirky, nostalgic and the perfect eccentric spot for a film like
Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
Food and drink
The hotel features a front bar with plenty of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to refresh and catch up. This area also features a simple yet hearty menu to enjoy a meal.
Click here to view the front bar menu.
The hotel also hosts a side bar and casual restaurant (both with lots of murals too) These are the perfect spots for larger groups or a nice sit down meal after a day exploring the outback.
Click here to view the restaurant menu.
There is also a large balcony which is regularly open for meals and open to book for functions.
Click here to read more about the balcony.
The Palace Hotel Broken Hill also offers function bookings. Imagine hosting your special occasion in this quirky historical film set.
Click here to read more about functions.
Broken Hill buildings.
This historical hotel offers 48 modern rooms, ranging from deluxe suites to pub-style rooms with shared bathrooms, as well as backpacker sleeping dormitories. All rooms are located upstairs for more privacy and are accessible by stairs, however, there is an elevator for luggage.
The Priscilla Suite is, of course, the most popular and luxurious room in the hotel.
Click here if you wish to view photos of the rooms and make a booking.
Murals featuring water themes.
