Starview Campsite

🏕️ Starview Campsite – Broken Hill, NSW 🏕️

📍 DESCRIPTION & LOCATION

Set on the edge of the spectacular Living Desert Reserve, Starview Campsite sits just 12 km from Broken Hill in far western New South Wales. Surrounded by low ridges, desert shrubs, and the distinct red soils of the Barrier Ranges, this campsite offers a peaceful, open setting for travellers looking to experience the outback sky in all its glory. Known for its stunning night skies and golden hour views, the site is especially popular with astrophotographers, artists, and hikers. It’s just a short walk from the iconic Living Desert Sculptures, perched on a hilltop overlooking the vast plains below.

🕰️ HISTORY

The land is part of the traditional Country of the Wiljali people, whose connection to this area dates back thousands of years. The Living Desert Reserve incorporates cultural walking trails that acknowledge Aboriginal heritage, with interpretive signs and artwork. The sculpture site was established in 1993 as part of an international symposium, with twelve artists contributing sandstone carvings that now stand as timeless sentinels of the desert.

🚿 FACILITIES AND AMENITIES

• Composting toilets in good condition

• Sheltered picnic areas with benches and roofs

• Gas or electric BBQs (no open fires)

• Walking access to sculpture hill via a marked trail

• Solar-powered lighting around facilities

• Water tank (non-potable – bring your own drinking water)

• No showers available

• Pets not allowed 🚫

• Interpretive signage on local flora and fauna

🚛 VEHICLE ACCESS

• Fully sealed access road from Broken Hill

• Suitable for all vehicles including 2WD and campervans

• Final stretch to sculpture site is foot access only

• No caravans permitted on narrow access trail

• Gently sloped terrain with compacted gravel base

• Can be exposed in high winds – use wheel chocks where needed

• Clearly marked signage from Silver City Highway

🛌 STAY INFORMATION (as at July 2025)

• Paid stay (source: official – City of Broken Hill)

  • Unpowered campsites only:

    • ~$10 per person/night (honesty box or visitor centre)

• Land type: Crown Reserve managed by Broken Hill City Council

• No fires or generators permitted due to wildlife and heritage zones

• Walk-in tent camping and rooftop setups welcome

• Booking via Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre or pay on-site

• Best suited for short stays (1–2 nights) due to limited facilities

🍻 PUBS & CLUBS NEARBY

• The Palace Hotel (Broken Hill, ~15 min drive): Famous for its colourful murals and role in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert; offers hearty pub meals and cold drinks

• The Astra (Broken Hill, ~15 min): Boutique bar and restaurant with an elegant 1920s vibe, fine dining options available

• Broken Hill Musicians Club (~17 min): Community-run RSL-style venue with casual meals, pokies, and local music events

⛺ NEARBY CAMPGROUNDS

• Broken Hill Tourist Park: Family-friendly park with powered sites, cabins, a pool, and laundry facilities

• Penrose Park, Silverton (~30 min): Historic recreational reserve with rustic charm, basic amenities, and shady sites for tents and vans

• Silverton Common (informal): Bush-style camping with wide open spaces and BYO everything (status varies – check locally)

🌄 NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

• Living Desert Sculptures: Hilltop sandstone artworks with panoramic sunset views – a short walk from camp

• Line of Lode Lookout & Miners’ Memorial: Dramatic tribute to Broken Hill’s mining past, perched atop a mine spoil

• Silverton Ghost Town: Explore historic ruins, quirky galleries, and outback film history in this charming old settlement

• Pro Hart Gallery: See the bold, colourful works of legendary outback painter Pro Hart in his own converted home-studio

• Mutawintji National Park (~2 hrs): Worth the detour for its stunning gorges, Aboriginal rock art, and hiking trails

🛒 NEAREST SUPPLIES

Broken Hill (~15 min):

• Groceries: Coles and Woolworths, both with extended hours

• Fuel: BP, Ampol, United, Shell (LPG available at most major stations)

• Pharmacy: Priceline Pharmacy and Broken Hill Pharmacy on Argent St

• Clinic/Medical: Broken Hill Base Hospital, GP clinics available

• Water refill: Public taps near Visitor Information Centre and some parks

• Outdoor gear & gas: Outback Wholesalers and camping supply stores in town

🗣️ REVIEWS SUMMARY

Loved for:

• Breathtaking desert sunsets and incredible stargazing

• Quiet, clean, and uncrowded location near a top local attraction

• Easy access and peaceful vibe

Watch-outs:

• No powered sites, showers, or caravans

• No shade in summer – best enjoyed in cooler seasons

• Limited privacy between sites (open layout)

🚨 BREAKDOWN & EMERGENCY INFO

• Emergency: 000

• Fuel/LPG: Broken Hill (~15 min) – multiple 24hr servos

• Auto repair: Several mechanics in Broken Hill including Repco, Tyrepower

• Nearest medical: Broken Hill Base Hospital (24hr emergency)

• Mobile signal: Reliable 4G (Telstra and Optus)

• CB UHF: Channel 40 (road traffic) | Channel 5 (emergency only)

• Additional safety: This is a semi-remote desert reserve. Carry extra drinking water, wear sun protection, and check park conditions in summer. For off-track exploration, consider a PLB or sat phone.

📝 FINAL NOTE

Starview Campsite is a jewel for slow travellers, nature photographers, and those drawn to desert landscapes. While minimalist in setup, its proximity to the Living Desert Sculptures makes it feel special and intentional—more than just a place to pitch a tent. It's best in cooler months or during crisp winter stargazing trips. Perfect for tent campers, swags, and rooftop rigs, but not ideal for those needing caravan services or long-stay comforts. Be self-reliant, bring your sense of wonder, and let the Milky Way be your ceiling.