🔍

Silverton

NSW 2880 • New South Wales

48
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1159.79 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricRuralAffordable

About Silverton

Silverton is a historic village in the far west of New South Wales, located 26 kilometres north-west of Broken Hill near the South Australian border. With a population of just 48 at the 2021 Census, it is one of the most sparsely populated localities in the state, falling within the Unincorporated Far West Region — an area not governed by a local council. Founded in the early 1880s following the discovery of rich silver deposits, Silverton once supported a population of around 3,000 and even boasted its own camel-drawn tram before being eclipsed by the richer ore body found at Broken Hill.

Today Silverton is a celebrated outback tourism destination and living museum of Australian colonial history. Its weathered pub, rustic buildings, and extraordinary desert landscape have made it a favourite location for filmmakers — most famously as a backdrop for Mad Max 2, A Town Like Alice, and numerous other productions. A small but tenacious community of artists, heritage enthusiasts, and hospitality operators keeps the village alive, and the Silverton Hotel remains a beloved icon of the far west. The surrounding Mundi Mundi Plains offer some of Australia's most dramatic outback scenery.

Silverton falls under postcode 2880 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barwon electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2880
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Parkes
State Electorate
Barwon
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.17°, 142.20°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1159.79 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
1172 km
By Train
No rail to Silverton; nearest station is Broken Hill (26km away) on the Indian Pacific transcontinental route
By Car (Peak)
13-14 hours to Sydney via Barrier Highway and Mitchell Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
12-13 hours

🛣️ Car essential for local travel; Broken Hill Airport handles regional and charter flights; Indian Pacific rail at Broken Hill for long-distance travel

Walkability Car-Dependent

Tiny outback village; walking possible within the village itself but car required for all practical needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
48
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
N/A
Personal Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Silverton NSW? +

Silverton is a small historic village in the far west of New South Wales, located 26 kilometres north-west of Broken Hill, near the South Australian border.

What is Silverton famous for? +

Silverton is famous for being a film location for iconic Australian productions including Mad Max 2 and A Town Like Alice. It is also known for its historic 19th-century silver mining heritage, the Silverton Hotel, and its extraordinary outback landscape on the Mundi Mundi Plains.

Is Silverton a ghost town? +

Silverton is often called a ghost town due to its tiny permanent population of around 48 people, but it remains an active tourism destination with a pub, galleries, and a small community of residents.

How do I get to Silverton from Broken Hill? +

Silverton is a 26-kilometre drive north-west of Broken Hill on the Silver City Highway. The drive takes about 20-25 minutes by car.

What LGA is Silverton in? +

Silverton falls within the Unincorporated Far West Region of New South Wales, which is administered by the NSW State Government rather than a local council.

What is the population of Silverton? +

Silverton had a population of 48 at the 2021 Census.