Federation Way Broken Hill re-opens Saturday 27 December 2014

Federation Way in Broken Hill is the road that takes visitors and locals alike up the famous Line of Lode to the Miner's Memorial, Big Bench (and Broken Earth cafe complex-currently closed).

The road has been closed for seven months as it needed some major repairs. There were also issues with insurance to be sorted out.

Line of lode and miners memorial #brokenhill set to re-open to public after bring closed for months within days
— ABC Broken Hill (@ABCBrokenHill) December 23, 2014

Finally, it re-opened yesterday (well according to the local Barrier Daily Truth newspaper 25 December 2014 issue).

It's really great news for tourists and locals alike.

I was visiting the City earlier this month but unfortunately couldn't get up there, much to my disappointment. There was one way, but you had to pay for a tour around town to do it.

I believe the tour was a half day commitment - I guess you could always hop off after you'd been up there, but normally it's free access, so it was an expensive way to do it, and of course the time had to suit you too.

The Big Bench, Miner's Memorial (centre), Broken Earth
complex (left) and me. All on top of the Line of Lode and
all attractions accessed via Federation Way, Broken Hill

On this last trip to Broken Hill, a freelancer from the Lonely Planet was also in 'town'. We caught up several times. She's actually from Melbourne and it was her first trip to #BrokenHill.

She told me she thought of doing the tour, just to make the journey up the Line of Lode, but as mentioned, there were those restrictions so I'm not sure if she managed to visit in the end.

Anyhow, I'm very glad it has or will re-open any minute (as I'm not there, I'm not sure. Just reporting what the paper said).

Definitely it's a must for a visitor.

Enjoy the view as well.

Cheers, Jane Deany

Broken Hill visitor information recent snapshot + where it began for me

Snippet
The Big Chair / Bench / Seat in Broken Hill is 2.5 times bigger that your usual seat/park bench. It is painted red and lives on top of the Line of Lode. You can enjoy a great view across Broken Hill from up there. Check it out. It is also a good photo opportunity spot.

The "Big Bench" and me with part of Broken Earth Complex
(left) and Miner's Memorial (centre)

The "Big Bench" and me, yes it is 'big'

There are a couple of photos of me with it here from my visit earlier in the week. Two structures are visible behind me. The one on the far left is part of the Broken Earth Complex and the one to my immediate left is the Miner's Memorial. All three are worth checking out. The Bench was erected in September 2002 as part of the 'Landscapes and Backgrounds' exhibition*.
(*source wikipedia)

Review
I have written more than 100 articles over the last 13 months so there is a lot to look at if this is your first visit to www.ilovebrokenhill.com.

For this reason, I've put together some links to a few of the articles which are all relevant to what's on right now in Broken Hill. Even the final two links listed are, I believe, still useful and current, as they will give you a good feel of the city and surrounds to help you know what to expect when you arrive in Broken Hill (which I hope you do!).

Entertainment

Summer School Holidays in Broken Hill (posted 28 December 2012)

http://www.ilovebrokenhill.com/2012/12/summer-school-holidays-in-broken-hill.html

Enterprise
See It My Way App worth a look (posted 31 December 2012)

http://www.ilovebrokenhill.com/2012/12/see-it-my-way-app-for-broken-hill-worth.html

Tourism
Broken Hill Visitor Information new website launched 18.12.2012 (posted 21 December 2012)

http://www.ilovebrokenhill.com/2012/12/broken-hill-visitor-information-new.html

Reminder of big events still on this January 2013 (including one on until 3 February)

Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery

404-408 Argent Street, Broken Hill
Three Special Exhibitions now on a Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery

http://www.ilovebrokenhill.com/2012/11/three-special-exhibitions-now-on-at.html

Patton Village
Patton Street Park (opposite the shops), South Broken Hill
Summer VibesFestival 30.11.12-27.01.13 Sth Broken Hill

http://www.ilovebrokenhill.com/2012/11/patton-village-summer-vibes-festival.html

Albert Kersten Mining and Minerals Museum (GeoCentre)
Corner Crystal and Bromide Streets, Broken Hill

The Odditoreum exhibition now on in Broken Hill

http://www.ilovebrokenhill.com/2012/11/odd-in-broken-hill-powerhouse-museums.html

Broken Hill Station with Miner's Memorial, Broken Earth Complex and Line of Lode in background

Now, on a more personal note -

A little bit of shameless self promotion for this next article –

www.ilovebrokenhill.com blogger Jane Deany aka me makes the news! (posted 28 October 2012)

http://www.ilovebrokenhill.com/2012/10/wwwilovebrokenhillcom-blogger-jane.html

And finally,

My passion for Broken Hill, where it all began for me (links to the first two posts!)

Broken Hill or bust .. the first trip … 2002 (posted 8 December 2011)

http://www.ilovebrokenhill.com/2011/12/broken-hill-or-bust.html

2005 and I've returned to Broken Hill at last (posted 15 December 2011)
(this was my 2nd trip, more photos and more of a sense of Broken Hill with this, my 2nd post) -

http://www.ilovebrokenhill.com/2011/12/i-have-returned-to-hill-again-yeah.html

Okay, that’s enough reminiscing for today.

Cheers, Jane D