The best Broken Hill accommodation for every type of traveller

hero media
Planning a trip to Broken Hill? There’s a stay to match all types of travellers that roll on into this town.

The outback town has attracted dreamers, miners and artists for decades. When it comes to Broken Hill, you better believe you’re going to want more than a night. From a desert church to a farm stay out at the station, we’ve put together the best Broken Hill accommodation below. And if you’d rather set up in the great outdoors, we’ve also rounded up the best Broken Hill caravan sites and camping spots.

Unusual Broken Hill stays

Broken Hill Outback Church Stay, Broken Hill

A luxury stay in a converted church that’s over a century old might not be what you pictured for your stay in the outback town of Broken Hill, but you won’t in any way regret making that booking.

Broken Hill Outback Church bedroom
It doesn’t get more unique than a stay here.

The Broken Hill Outback Church Stay is a charming mix of the old and new, with its Romanesque church fittings and the antique altar, paired with the ensuite limestone spa bathroom. Book this property or the associated Presbytery and Cottage properties.

Broken Hill Outback Church Stay bathroom
The converted church features a limestone spa bathroom.

Eldee Station

An eco-credentialled sheep and cattle farm just 25 kilometres from Broken Hill, Eldee Station is an award-winning farm stay out on the vast expanse of the Mundi Mundi Plains.

Mundi Mundi Plains
Eldee Station is located on the Mundi Mundi Plains. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s a desert accommodation with a more remote location that makes it ideal for those wanting to check out the magnificent Milky Way in the night sky, far from any city lights. Pick from their guest suites or their camping ground (swag hire available), before embarking on a 4WD adventure to the back of beyond.

Milky Way Broken Hill
Expect magnificent views of the Milky Way at night. (Image: Destination NSW)

Palace Hotel Broken Hill

Pack those heels for a stay at The Palace Hotel: famous for its starring role in The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

The deck of the Palace Hotel
Sit in the sun on the deck of the Palace Hotel.

Make like characters Bernadette, Adam and Tick and book in for a night among the fabulously kitsch Aussie landscape murals of The Palace.

Inside the rooms of Broken Hill Palace Hotel
Have an authentic Broken Hill experience with a stay at the renowned Palace Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, sashay on down for its Wednesday karaoke night or for a night on the town during the three-day Broken Heel Festival – a celebration of all things Priscilla.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Best self-contained Broken Hill stays

Emaroo Cottages

Emaroo Cottages are right in the centre of town and make for a pet-friendly accommodation choice. There are four cottages to choose from, with barbecues, a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry. Run by a local family, the accommodation options include a renovated miner’s cottage.

Worker’s Cottage, Fowlers Gap

Want more rustic than renovated? Get a taste of the lonely nature of mining life with a romantic stay at Worker’s Cottage, a Broken Hill Airbnb.

Workers Cottage Fowlers Gap
Opt for a remote stay with unrivalled outback views.

The trip out will take about half an hour, but believe us, it’s worth it. Arrive at an open-plan rustic cottage, perfect for couples looking to get away from it all among the red dirt.

Workers Cottage Fowlers Gap Bedroom
Sink into the comfy bed of an evening after a day of outback exploring.

By day, embark on a nearby gorge hike, and by night, sit back with a glass of wine to look at the light show above.

Broken Hill Outback Resort

Overlooking the rugged Barrier Ranges, this family and dog-friendly park and resort doesn’t just have spots for caravanning and camping but also has 24 self-contained cabins to choose from.

Broken Hill Outback Resort
Broken Hill Outback Resort is pet-friendly.

Options include cabins with deck barbecues and double spa baths, as well as kitchenettes and interconnection rooms.

Broken Hill Outback Resort
Enjoy a barbecue on the deck with expansive red-dirt views.

If you don’t fancy cooking, the heritage-listed Mt Gipps Hotel is on the property and serves up pub food. 

Broken Hill Outback Resort
Choose between 24 self-contained cabins.

Best Broken Hill motels

Sturt Motel Broken Hill

If ever a town were built for road-tripping, Broken Hill would take the top prize. For an affordable night in a cosy bed, the Sturt Motel is a pet-friendly pick.

Options range from double to superior rooms that sleep three, and continental breakfast is available.

A massive bonus in the Broken Hill weather? Its alluring swimming pool, a dive in which is the best way to wind down after a hot, bothersome drive.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Red Earth Motel Broken Hill

If you’d rather choose a motel with apartment accommodation, look no further than the Red Earth Motel.

Red Earth Motel in Broken Hill
Make yourself at home in a cosy Studio Apartment.

With its mix of studios and multi-roomed apartments, Red Earth is a great choice for families or those travelling out west as a larger group. Each apartment has a full kitchen, with the three-bedroom even coming with laundry facilities.

Red Earth Motel in Broken Hill
Guests will feel at home in the spacious rooms with full kitchens.

Each guest can make use of the Red Earth pool, covered barbecue and 24-hour reception service.

Red Earth Motel in Broken Hill
Escape the heat with a dip in the pool.

Best Broken Hill hotels

The Imperial Fine Accommodation

Pick something a little bit special with a stay at this historical and heritage-renovated hotel. Lean into the old-world feel of The Imperial. Once you’ve checked in, challenge your travel companions to a game of billiards in the old front bar. Or (and we wouldn’t blame you if this was the case) go straight to their walled courtyard. There you will find a saltwater, solar-heated pool, as well as the shade of apricot trees under which you can settle with a good book.

The Astra Broken Hill

Dating back to the 1890s, The Astra has retained its heritage features and charms despite the passage of time (and the addition of an al fresco cocktail bar, and scrummy dessert bar). Book into one of its eight suites – or its historical two-bedroom cottage – to spend a night or two in this beautiful old building.

ibis Styles Broken Hill

While this is an affordable hotel that remains a favourite among business travellers and road trippers alike, it might be the ibis Styles’ S-Que Restaurant that first draws your attention. This hotel restaurant is one of the most popular places to eat in town. The S-Que serves up a wide range of dishes, including New Zealand oysters, scotch fillet steak and paella. Rooms at the ibis range from standard double to family.

For more insider tips, check out our ultimate guide to Broken Hill for the best things to do, restaurants and caravan parks in town.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Kate Bettes
Kate Bettes is a freelance travel writer. Whether having a picnic in Vietnamese jungle with new friends, or partying in the back of a limousine in Hollywood, Kate’s experiences have left her with the sneaking suspicion that the best travel memories happen when you least expect. It’s this feeling - and how to get it - that she loves to write about.
View profile and articles
hero media

7 great day trips from your Coffs Coast homebase

    Meredith Bryan Meredith Bryan
    Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

    Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour, your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

    1. Southern Beaches

    The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village. Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

    Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

    family eating lunch in sawtell
    Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

    2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

    The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

    Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park, a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

    A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail.
    Explore the green heart of Coffs.

    3. Dorrigo National Park

    Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen.

    Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout.
    Wander the Skywalk.

    4. Northern Beaches

    For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

    Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views.
    Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

    5. Jetty precinct

    You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op, before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

    Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island, a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

    Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion, a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

    walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour
    Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

    6. Grafton

    Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures.

    woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton
    Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

    7. Nambucca

    Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca.

    a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads
    Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

    Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.