Historic Tribute to Afghan Cameleers Broken Hill NSW
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Broken Hill Mosque

4.6
·39 reviews·Broken Hill, Australia

Discover Australia's only surviving Afghan cameleer mosque, a heritage gem offering a unique window into multicultural outback history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

By Appointment

Essential for access & stories

CrowdLow
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Historic Tribute to Afghan Cameleers Broken Hill NSW

Broken Hill Mosque

Best Time

By Appointment

Essential for access & stories

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Australia's only surviving Afghan cameleer mosque, a heritage gem offering a unique window into multicultural outback history.

4.6
(39 reviews)

"A pleasure visiting this Mosque & meeting Bob. Highly recommend a visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

📞 Book Ahead for Entry

Always call to arrange a visit; it's often by appointment only to ensure access.

🗣️ Chat with the Caretaker

Bobby Shamroze, a descendant, shares incredible history. Don't miss his insights!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Mosque Structure

The Historic Mosque Structure

Broken Hill, NSW

Discover the only surviving mosque built by Afghan cameleers, a testament to early Australian multiculturalism.

Instagram
Stories from the Caretaker

Stories from the Caretaker

Inside the Mosque

Hear captivating tales of the past and future plans from Bobby Shamroze, a descendant of the cameleers.

Reddit
Afghan Cameleer Heritage

Afghan Cameleer Heritage

Broken Hill

Learn about the crucial role Afghan cameleers played in shaping Australia's interior transport.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit: Booking is Key

The Broken Hill Mosque is a significant heritage site, but access often requires advance booking. Contacting the caretaker, Bobby Shamroze, is recommended to arrange a visit and hear fascinating stories from a descendant of the cameleers. Reddit

A Glimpse into History

Built in 1887 by Afghan cameleers, this mosque is the only surviving one of its kind in Australia. It offers a unique window into the multicultural history of the Australian outback and the vital role of cameleers. Instagram

Best Times

When
By Appointment
Why
Essential for access & stories
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We were so lucky that this heritage listed mosque in Broken Hill was open at the time we were passing by. Normally by appointment only. The mosque was built by Afghan cameleers in 1887. It is now the only surviving mosque built by the cameleers in Australia. We were privileged to meet Bobby Shamroze, the caretaker, who was kind enough to share his personal life and his connection with the cameleer...
xplore_the_outdoors
22 likes • 170 views

📞 Book Ahead for Entry

Always call to arrange a visit; it's often by appointment only to ensure access. Reddit+1

🗣️ Chat with the Caretaker

Bobby Shamroze, a descendant, shares incredible history. Don't miss his insights! Reddit

📣 This Week on The Wrap: A Special Episode You Won't Want to Miss! 📣 Join us as His Excellency Mr Wahidullah Waissi, the Afghan Ambassador to Australia, pays a heartfelt visit to Broken Hill Mosque to honour the 163rd anniversary of Afghan cameleers' arrival in Broken Hill. ✨🕌 But that's not all! Aviation enthusiast Hayden McDonald also touches down in Broken Hill as part of his incredible solo fl...
thebarriertruth
8 likes • 244 views
Red Gum Caravanserai was made in response to the history of the Afghan Cameleers and the Ghantown mosque in Broken Hill. Wrapped in wallpaper and a projection created from my river red gum watercolour artwork. This artwork was commissioned by West Darling Arts for their Gawler Lane Art and Music Festival. Big thank you to all the sponsors and WDA awesome install crew.
najstudio
34 likes • 238 views

🇦🇫 Understand Cameleer History

This mosque is a key site for understanding the Afghan cameleers' impact on Australia. Instagram

📸 Respectful Photography

Capture the unique heritage, but be mindful of the sacred nature of the site. Instagram

Tips

from all over the internet

📞 Book Ahead for Entry

Always call to arrange a visit; it's often by appointment only to ensure access. Reddit+1

🗣️ Chat with the Caretaker

Bobby Shamroze, a descendant, shares incredible history. Don't miss his insights! Reddit

🇦🇫 Understand Cameleer History

This mosque is a key site for understanding the Afghan cameleers' impact on Australia. Instagram

📸 Respectful Photography

Capture the unique heritage, but be mindful of the sacred nature of the site. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(39 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Broken Hill Mosque as a historically significant and deeply moving site. The opportunity to hear stories from the caretaker, a descendant of the cameleers, is a highlight, offering a personal and enriching perspective. While access often requires advance booking, the experience is widely considered worthwhile for its unique insight into Australia's multicultural past.

"What a great historical mosque, standing proudly in memory of the early Afghan cameleers. It would be a mistake to just look at it from outside & leave. Ring Aminullah (also called Bob) and let him tell you of the past history and future plans for the mosque. It was a pleasure visiting this Mosque & meeting Bob. Highly recommend a visit."

Shireen Shoaib

"It was pleaser and worthy trip to the one of the 1st Mosque in NSW by the Afghan Cameleers which is full of history Australian outback."

Mohiuddin Kader

"Need Booking in advance to go in their."

Taimoor

What People Like

Fascinating history
Stories from caretaker
Unique heritage site

What People Dislike

Requires advance booking
Can be closed unexpectedly

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Broken Hill Mosque is located in Broken Hill, New South Wales. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's best accessed by car. Many visitors report driving to the location. Reddit

Information on dedicated parking is limited, but visitors typically find parking nearby when arriving by car. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, it is highly recommended and often necessary to book your visit in advance. Contacting the caretaker, Bobby Shamroze, is the best way to arrange a time. Reddit+1

The mosque is not always open to the public and often requires an appointment. It's best to call ahead to confirm availability and arrange your visit. Reddit+1

Information regarding entrance fees is not widely published. It's advisable to inquire about any potential costs when you contact the caretaker to arrange your visit. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic mosque, learn about its construction by Afghan cameleers, and hear fascinating stories from the caretaker, Bobby Shamroze, who is a descendant. InstagramReddit

Yes, the mosque is a significant historical landmark and offers unique photographic opportunities. Remember to be respectful of the site. Instagram

A visit can vary, but allowing at least an hour is recommended to fully appreciate the history and hear the stories shared by the caretaker. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Broken Hill offers various dining options. While there are no immediate dining facilities at the mosque itself, the town center has numerous cafes and restaurants. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the mosque itself is a primary subject. The surrounding outback landscape also offers a unique backdrop, capturing the mosque's historical context. Instagram

While generally permitted, it's always best to be respectful of the site's religious and historical significance. Inquire with the caretaker if you have specific photography plans. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting the Broken Hill Mosque can be an engaging educational experience for families. The stories of the Afghan cameleers and their role in Australian history are fascinating and can spark curiosity in children about different cultures and historical periods. Instagram Encourage your children to ask questions when you meet the caretaker; their personal connection to the site makes the history come alive. Reddit While there are no specific child-focused activities, the unique architecture and the tales of camels and desert journeys can capture young imaginations. Pack snacks and water, as amenities are limited, and ensure comfortable footwear for exploring the site. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Cultural Explorers

For those passionate about Australian history and multiculturalism, the Broken Hill Mosque is a must-visit. This site offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the Afghan cameleers, who were pivotal in the nation's early development. Instagram The opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from a descendant of these pioneers, like Bobby Shamroze, provides an unparalleled depth of understanding. Reddit Don't miss the chance to learn about the mosque's construction, its significance as the sole surviving cameleer mosque in Australia, and its place on the State Heritage Register. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of the Afghan Cameleers

The Broken Hill Mosque stands as a powerful reminder of the vital role played by Afghan cameleers in the development of Australia's interior during the 19th century. These resilient individuals, often from regions like present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, were instrumental in transporting goods and people across vast, arid landscapes where European methods failed. Their knowledge of desert survival and camel handling was unparalleled, opening up remote areas for exploration and settlement. The construction of mosques like the one in Broken Hill signifies not only their religious devotion but also their establishment of communities and cultural presence in a new land. InstagramReddit

These cameleers faced significant challenges, including prejudice and harsh working conditions. Despite this, they persevered, contributing immensely to the nation's infrastructure and economy. Their legacy is woven into the fabric of Australian history, and sites like the Broken Hill Mosque serve as tangible links to this often-overlooked chapter. Visiting the mosque offers a chance to connect with this rich multicultural heritage and understand the diverse origins of modern Australia. Instagram

Preserving a Unique Heritage



The Broken Hill Mosque is not just a historical building; it's a living testament to the enduring spirit of the cameleers. Its preservation is crucial for educating future generations about this unique aspect of Australian history. The efforts of caretakers like Bobby Shamroze, who is a descendant of these pioneers, are invaluable in keeping the stories alive and ensuring the mosque remains a place of historical significance and cultural pride. Reddit

Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Etiquette

To make the most of your visit to the Broken Hill Mosque, advance booking is essential. As it's often managed by a caretaker, contacting Bobby Shamroze to schedule your visit ensures you won't arrive to find it closed. This also allows Bobby to be present and share his extensive knowledge, which is a highlight for many visitors. Reddit+1 Be prepared for a personalized experience, as tours are typically one-on-one or for small groups. This intimate setting allows for deeper engagement with the history and personal anecdotes. Reddit

When visiting, remember that the mosque is a place of historical and cultural importance. While photography is generally welcomed, always be respectful of the site's significance. Consider the time of day for your visit; while specific hours are appointment-based, early mornings or late afternoons might offer softer light for photos and a more serene atmosphere. Instagram The journey to Broken Hill itself is part of the outback experience, so factor in travel time to fully enjoy the region. Reddit

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