Discover Silverton: local history, film and the Heritage Trail

Discover Silverton through several distinct themes: traces of the early settlement, the history of its school and community, and film and art. The Silverton Heritage Walking Trail adds a route through the Barrier Ranges and views across the Mundi Mundi Plains to the town’s history. The options range from a walk of around two hours to a variety of historic collections.

On the Silverton Heritage Walking Trail

The trail passes the ruins of long-abandoned homes and shops. The route also leads into the Barrier Ranges, where a rest stop offers views across the Mundi Mundi Plains. If you’d like to learn about Silverton’s past through more than its buildings and collections, the landscape offers another connection to its history. Allow around two hours when planning your walk.

School and local history

The history of the Silverton School Educational Museum began in 1884 in a tent. In 1888, the tent was replaced by the stone building that stands today. Inside, the museum is set up as a classroom and illustrates education in earlier eras. The two dates mark distinct stages: the beginning in a tent and the later move to a stone building.

Silverton Gaol was built in 1889. The Silverton Gaol Museum focuses its collections on the history of the settlers, including mining and the Silverton Tramway. Alongside the building itself, the history of the settlement is a key focus.

The Silverton Municipal Chambers were completed in October 1889. The Silverton Historic Cemetery offers a personal connection to the town’s early history: it is the burial place of several Silverton pioneers, including John Stokie, and recalls the harsh living conditions in the settlement’s early years. Together, these places reveal different aspects of the past—from public buildings and settlement history to the people who lived here.

Film history and art

The Mad Max 2 Museum is in Silverton, where Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, the second film in the series, was shot. Exhibits include photographs, life-size figures in full costume, and original and replica vehicles. The juxtaposition of originals and replicas gives the film collection a tangible connection to the objects on display.

At the John Dynon Gallery, art is closely connected to the painter’s studio: the gallery also serves as his studio. Visitors can view his artworks, watch him work and talk with him. This direct connection to the artistic process sets the gallery visit apart from the historic collections and film exhibits.

Another way to experience Silverton is with Silverton Outback Camels on a camel sunset tour around the historic settlement. The tour offers a different focus from the Heritage Trail: it centres on a ride at sunset, while the trail follows a walking route past ruins and a lookout.

Discover more destinations: Moorland, Murrumburrah, Junee, Orange City, Sutherland, Cobar, Tyalgum, Kincumber

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.