Mavis had always dreamed of seeing the outback, but she never thought she’d find herself on a bus in Broken Hill, laughing so hard her ribs ached. Yet, there she was, escaping the hustle and bustle of Sydney, travelling to the Silver City on the Outback Explorer. She used her pensioner’s rail pass making the journey to Broken Hill for free. As she stepped off the XPT train, a pleasant gust of desert air greeted her, along with two unforgettable characters—Irving and Donald, her tour guides for the next seven days.
Now, Donald—well, he had the mannerisms of a true-blue miner and Irving had a laugh so contagious you’d swear he was born to entertain. They weren’t just bus drivers; they were storytellers, comedians, and living, breathing pieces of Broken Hill’s history. As Mavis climbed aboard the Silver City Tours bus, she had no idea she was in for the adventure of a lifetime.
Their first stop was the Line of Lode Miner’s Memorial, standing high above the town like a silent guardian. Donald pointed out the best view of Broken Hill’s heritage-listed streets, sneaking in a yarn about the time he nearly got stuck in an old mine shaft— “nearly,” he grinned. Irving, not to be outdone, told of the day he had a full conversation with a museum mannequin before realising his mistake. Mavis hadn’t laughed that hard in years.
Later she watched the desert glow gold and crimson at the Sculpture Symposium, listening to Irving’s latest tall tale with a cup of tea in hand. The days unfolded like a well-loved book. Menindee and Kinchega National Park brought glimpses of wild emus and a peaceful boat ride on the “River Lady.” Silverton, the so-called ghost town, was anything but quiet, with its vibrant art galleries and a cheeky sip of local brew at the Silverton Hotel—Donald swore it was the secret to eternal youth.
Back in Broken Hill, they visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a true lifeline for remote communities. Who knew the art scene was so extensive, from the Brushmen of the Bush, the quirky Howard Steer to the Iconic Pro Hart! Then came the Palace Hotel, famous for its painted ceilings and its role in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. “Fancy a game of two-up?” Donald asked with a grin. Mavis hesitated, but as she watched the coins flip, she felt part of something uniquely Australian.
By the time the week came to an end, Mavis knew she’d never forget this journey. The mines, the history, the endless horizon—but most of all, the people. Irving and Donald weren’t just guides; they were the heart and soul of the trip. As she boarded the train home, she found herself smiling at the thought of their stories, their laughter, and the way they made the outback come alive.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of discovering the Silver City, let Silver City Tours take you there. You’ll see historic mines, grand old pubs, and landscapes that will take your breath away—but more than that, you’ll find yourself in the company of the best characters in the business. And who knows? You might even end up with a yarn or two of your own to tell. Enquire now: https://www.silvercitytours.com.au/
