Line of Lode Broken Hill: Exploring the Big Hill & Miner's Memorial
In the far west of New South Wales, the desert floor is interrupted by a jagged, man-made ridge of black rock. This is the Line of Lode. It sits on one of the richest silver-lead-zinc deposits ever found, a "boomerang" of ore that turned a remote outpost into one of the wealthiest mining cities on Earth. It's one of the places we cover in Hidden Gems NSW.
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Today the Line of Lode is a place of pilgrimage. Towering over the "Silver City," the structures here tell the story of the grit, the tragedy and the sheer scale of Australian mining.
Line of Lode: Quick Stats
- Access: Free. Visit the Miners Memorial and the designated lookouts only; much of the surrounding former mine land is unstable and restricted.
- Location: Federation Way (at the top of the hill), Broken Hill.
- Food: The Line of Lode café-restaurant is in the Broken Earth building at the top (hours vary).
- Best For: Photography, outback sunsets and mining history.
What to See on the Line of Lode
1. The Line of Lode Miners Memorial
Opened in 2001, this striking structure commemorates the more than 800 people who have lost their lives mining at Broken Hill. Each miner's name is etched into freestanding glass panels inside, creating a sombre, powerful atmosphere. The high rust-red steel walls echo the harshness of the work underground.
2. The Big Bench
For a bit of "Big Thing" kitsch, look for the Big Bench at the top. It's two and a half times the size of a normal park bench. Sitting on it makes you feel like a kid, and it's a great photo op with Broken Hill spread out behind you.
3. The "Mullock" Views
From the lookouts you can see the grid of Broken Hill's streets. From up here you really understand the scale of the operation: the city exists because of the rock beneath your feet.
How to Get to the Line of Lode
- By Car: Drive up Federation Way from the centre of town. The road winds up the side of the mullock heap to a large car park.
- On Foot: It's a steep walk up from town. Stick to the road and the designated paths, never cut across the mine land, and bring plenty of water. The outback sun is no joke.
Photography Tips: Outback Textures
- Blue Hour: Sunset is famous here, but just after the sun goes down the rusted steel of the memorial turns a deep, moody orange against a purple sky.
- Industrial Macro: Use a macro lens to capture the textures of the rusted steel, weathered stone and desert grit.
- The View West: Point your camera towards the Living Desert Sculptures in the distance for a wide shot across the Barrier Range.
Tips for Your Visit
- Café with a View: The Line of Lode café-restaurant at the top has some of the best views in the state. It's a great spot for a morning coffee while the town wakes up.
- Wind Safety: It's incredibly windy on top of the Line of Lode. Keep a firm grip on your hat and your tripod.
- Stay Off the Mine Land: Never enter shafts, workings or fenced areas. Stick to the memorial, lookouts and public paths.
- Respect the Memorial: The Big Bench is fun, but the memorial is a place of mourning for the local community. Keep noise down and stay on the paths.
Line of Lode FAQs
Is the Line of Lode Miners Memorial free?
Yes, there's no charge to visit the memorial and lookouts at the top of Federation Way.
How many miners are remembered at the memorial?
Mining has claimed more than 800 lives at Broken Hill, and each miner's name is etched into glass panels inside the memorial.
Can you walk around the Line of Lode?
Only at the memorial, lookouts and public paths. Much of the surrounding former mine land is unstable and restricted.
Where is the Big Bench in Broken Hill?
The Big Bench is at the top of the Line of Lode, near the Miners Memorial, with views over the city.
