Expert: Ian Smith - 6/7/2004

Question
We are a family of 4 (kids are 12 and 16). I have been to Aus. before but my husband and kids have not. Too experience the OUtback without going to the Rock it was suggested to take train from Sydney to broken Hill. A company called goanna Safari appealed and was mentioned in Frommers. have emailed 3 x with no answer. Just wondering if Broken HIll is worth it or not for 2 nts. (one night in the underground motel) The tours with some companies look more adult and Iwould like th kids to expereince sleeping/eating in the outback. Campfire under the stars etc. rather then opal mines etc. What do you think. The  area is not familiar to me at all and I wonder if it is worth it.we are going august of this year. After broken hill I was looking at flying to Adelaide and doing wine area for a couple of days and then on the Cairns (cape tribulation) rain forest and then Whitsundays on a boat for 5 days (it is booked)...any help would be appreciated...Thanks Sharon

Answer
To experience the outback Broken Hill is an excellent destination.  You might just try contacting the State Rail authority to get your tickets to Broken Hill.  I have done the trip three times and wholly recommend it.  
Two days is inadequte for Broken Hill.  I would suggest three be the minimum.  You won't believe the art till you see it.  I've seen some of the great galleries of the world (Prado, Uffizi, National in London etc) and Broken Hill rates.  The colours are glorious and there's so many different ones.
Silverton (about 25 kms north) is a must-see.  Several films and scores of ads have been filmed there.
Underground mine tours are another must, the kids will love that.  If you get time, Menindee Lakes is a wonderful wildlife experience and I found Mutawinjee interesting.
I have a web site with "virtualtourist".  If you go there, click on "members" and type in "iandsmith".  That will get you to my pages and you will find Broken Hill in there with lots of info and pictures.
If you go to Adelaide, stay in Glenelg as there's plenty there for the kids.  The main vineyards, such as the Barossa, are a bit out of Adelaide but O.K. for day trips.
If you need any more info, feel free to contact me again.
Cheers, Ian