Height
8 meters
Year Built
1975
Address
Argent Street, Broken Hill, NSW 2880
The Lowdown
The Big Wheel in Broken Hill stands as a powerful tribute to the mining industry that built this legendary outback city. This enormous winding wheel, salvaged from one of the many mines that honeycombed the ground beneath Broken Hill, represents over 140 years of extracting silver, lead, and zinc from one of the world's largest ore deposits. Broken Hill's mines created Australia's largest company (BHP), powered the nation's industrialization, and built a city of surprising culture and sophistication in the midst of the outback. The Big Wheel invites visitors to explore a city where miners' cottages rub shoulders with art galleries, and the red earth meets a community rich in history, resilience, and creativity.
Did you know?
"The Broken Hill ore body is 7km long and still being mined"
History
The Big Wheel was installed in 1975 as part of Broken Hill's centenary celebrations. Silver was discovered here in 1883, and within years Broken Hill became one of the world's great mining centers. The Broken Hill Proprietary Company (BHP), founded here, grew to become Australia's largest company. Mining continues today, making Broken Hill one of the longest continuously operating mining cities in the world.
More Fun Facts
- •BHP, Australia's largest company, was founded in Broken Hill in 1885
- •The Broken Hill ore body is 7km long and still being mined
- •Broken Hill is in NSW but operates on South Australian time
- •The city has been the filming location for Mad Max 2, Priscilla, and more
- •Broken Hill has a thriving arts scene and is nicknamed the 'Capital of the Outback'
Visiting Tips
- 💡Take an underground mine tour for the full Broken Hill experience
- 💡Visit the Sculpture Symposium on the outskirts - incredible at sunset
- 💡The Palace Hotel (from Priscilla) still has its original murals
- 💡Broken Hill's gallery scene rivals many capital cities
- 💡Book accommodation ahead - it's remote and options are limited
Opening Hours
The Big Wheel can be viewed at any time.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Golden Guitar
A 12-meter tall fibreglass guitar monument celebrating Tamworth's status as Australia's Country Music Capital, opened by Slim Dusty in 1988.
Big Lizzie
Australia's largest traction engine at Red Cliffs, VIC, a working piece of pioneering history.
Big Potato
A 10-metre fibreglass potato built in 1977, modelled on a Sebago potato, sitting in a field in Robertson.