COLOURS OF THE OUTBACK

AT DAWN AND DUSK, THE SPECTACULAR OUTLOOK OVER THE MUNDI MUNDI PLAINS OFFERS VIEWERS THE FULL PALLET OF OUTBACK HUES. COME WITH US AS WE ROAM THE RUINS OF A ONCE THRIVING MINING AREA

- DEAN MELLOR

THOSE who arrive in Silverton in the middle of the day and leave before the sun drops below the horizon will miss a spectacular sight. Scattered throughout the oft-called ghost town are several well-preserved stone buildings intermingled with crumbling ruins and, regardless of their state, in the harsh light of day they expose what must've been incredible hardship for those who called this place home when it was first settled in 1875 with the discovery of silver. But hang around in town as sunset approaches and you will witness that harsh light soften, and with it the intact buildings and the ruins begin to reflect a far gentler - and more colourful - side to life in the outback. In fact, so captivating is the pallette of sunset hues on offer that you might just be enticed to stay for a few days to see it over again. or even longer, as many resident artists have done so over the years.

Despite its ghost town moniker, there are several permanent residents in Silverton, and there is plenty to see and do both in and around the town. For those staying in Broken Hill, Silverton is an easy 25km drive away, but if you want to stay in Silverton itself, there are several accommodation options including the fabulous Silverton Hotel.

Run by Peter and Patsy Price, the Silverton Hotel is one of those terrific outback pubs that's jam-packed with character, with walls adorned with memorabilia including hats, guitars, and funny signs. It's a great spot to wash away the outback dust with a cold drink, and you won't go hungry here either, with plenty of tasty meals to choose from. The original Silverton pub was built in 1884 and this was later replaced by a two-storey building that burnt down in 1918, the year in which the hotel moved into what was once the town's post office, where it remains today.