The Ultimate Adelaide to Broken Hill Road Trip

There’s nothing like a road trip that starts in a bustling city and ends somewhere remote. The drive from Adelaide to Broken Hill is a prime example, sending you along red dirt roads through time-honoured towns, leaving you with a full spectrum of unforgettable moments. In a Thrifty rental car, you’ll be riding low-cost, low-fuss, with a full appetite for adventure. Let’s dive into this epic road trip and see what comes out at the other end! 

Adelaide to Burra

Distance: 165 km / 2 hours 

Kickstart your outback adventure with a stop in Burra, a historic mining town. Stop and stretch your legs with a walk amongst the stone cottages, duck into the Burra & Goyder Visitor Information Centre and pick up a Burra Heritage Passport. This ‘passport’ will give you access to 11 National Heritage-listed sites, including the Monster Mine Site, Redruth Gaol and the Unicorn Brewery Cellars.  

Burra to Peterborough (via Terowie)

Distance: 120 km / 1.5 hours 

Now, it’s time to visit some characterful towns. Drop by Terowie, the quiet, quirky, near-ghost town full of crumbling stone buildings, railway relics and history panels.  

Next stop: Peterborough, a charming railway town. Pay a visit to the Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre for a slice of industrial history before continuing to Broken hill—with one more stop along the way. 

Peterborough to Broken Hill (via Silverton)

Distance: 250 km / 3 hours 

It’s time to cross the border and head to a destination so perfectly outback-like, it’s been the filming location for many blockbuster films. Silverton is where the likes of Mad Max, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and Mission: Impossible have taken place—and one step into this desert town, you’ll understand why! Wander past the crumbling stone buildings, check out the Mad Max Museum, and don’t miss the iconic Silverton Hotel—another destination that’s been home to many great movies. 

Next stop, Broken Hill, where wide streets, heritage buildings and the eerie desert atmosphere awaits. Once you’re here, it’s time to explore! Check out the Living Desert Sculptures for sunset views over red hills and big skies, explore local galleries like Pro Hart or Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, Stop by the Line of Lode Miner’s Memorial for panoramic views and history, and have a cold one at the Palace Hotel, made famous by Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (remembering to have a designated driver if you plan on using the car from here). 

The Thrifty Road to Broken Hill 

And that’s it! Your drive from Adelaide to Broken hill is no longer just about hopping in the car and going. It’s now a journey rich with twists and turns, taking through some beautiful and sometimes unexpected experiences. And with a Thrifty rental car, you’ve got yourself a super-simple, super-affordable way of doing this road trip the right way.