Broken Hill, Australia

Capital City

With a population of just 17,456, Broken Hill is a remote mining outpost in the Australian outback, far from the comforts of big cities. The harsh climate, with average summer highs of 33°C and dust storms, is a constant challenge, while the town's water supply has been known to run dry during droughts. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city's power grid suffering a major blackout in 2024 that took over a week to resolve. Yet Broken Hill has a rich cultural history, from its Afghan camel driver communities to the thriving arts scene that has emerged as the mining industry declines. For those drawn to the romance of the outback and willing to confront its hardships, Broken Hill may prove a rewarding, if rugged, place to call home.