The city of Broken Hill lies within these ranges.

It is an area of slightly higher ground lying between the lower lands along the Darling River, and lower ground in South Australia.

The Barrier Ranges contains a number of mineral deposits, most notably Broken Hill.

It was reported in October 1856 that, 'within the last year or two numerous sheep-stations have been opened in the Barrier Ranges, affording a reasonable prospect, not only of increased pastoral wealth, but also of the gradual development of the mineral resources of the district and its ultimate settlement.

In 1844, during his third and final expedition, Charles Sturt named the range Stanley's Barrier Range in honour of Lord Stanley.