[2] The first official postal service in Australia was established in April 1809, when the Sydney merchant Isaac Nichols was appointed as the first Postmaster in the colony of NSW.

The post offices constructed during this period were designed in a variety of architectural styles, as Barnet argued that the local parliamentary representatives always preferred "different patterns".

The Broken Hill office was run by Marie Wilson from a small building attached to Walter Sully's general store in Argent Street.

By the end of 1886, Broken Hill's population had risen to 3,000, and the post office building was deemed no longer adequate for the bustling mining town.

Initially, the PMG Department was reluctant to approve the erection of a large office due to the uncertainty of Broken Hill settlement being permanent.

Between August and November 1979 a major refurbishment and renovation program was undertaken in the post office, during which time the service operated out of temporary accommodation.

[1] Broken Hill Post Office is a two-storey, Flemish bond, red-brick corner building in the Federation Free Style with Arts and Crafts influence.

The balcony has a non-original, intrusive asbestos sheet and batten balustrade, and flooring comprises exposed timber joists and temporary covering.

There are red pavers to the verandah footpath, modern square tiles to the main entries and concrete paving to the rear yard, with a bitumen surface to the laneway to the southwest.

[1] First-floor fenestration appears to be original to the street facades, retaining uniformly distributed, two pane upper and lower sash timber-framed windows and French doors to the balcony.

The original corner building ground-floor windows have recent glazing in timber frames, and the ground floor has later doors, sidelights and later banks of post boxes to the northern facade.

[1] The ground floor interior of Broken Hill Post Office is divided into four main areas, comprising a carpeted retail area to the eastern corner, carpeted timber and glass partitioned offices adjacent at centre, sheet vinyl floored mail sorting and storage and staff amenities.

It divides at the first landing, separate stairs leading up to the female bathroom on the return to the south, and up to the main body of the first floor to the east.

[1] Ceilings to the first floor are painted, wide, beaded boards, with a raked section to the western corner bathrooms where it appears a verandah has been infilled, and there is a narrow coved cornice.

The intrusive Telstra building to the northwest, fronting Chloride Street and telecommunications tower to the rear, detract from the appearance of the Post Office.

[1] Vegetation within the site is limited to a young tree located within the footpath to the eastern facade and landscaped beds either side of the driveway on Chloride Street.

There is an early brick outbuilding to the western corner of the site, possibly a former stables, that has been converted to a cycle shed and garage for postal vehicles.

[1] As at 5 July 2000, Broken Hill Post Office was reported to be generally in very good condition, excepting a few minor interior elements, even retaining the original clock and bell mechanisms in situ, now fitted with an electric motor.

The post office retains the features which make it culturally significant, including architectural details such as the imposing square corner clock tower, verandahs and decorative mansard roof, and its overall form, scale and style.

[1] Broken Hill Post Office is significant at a State level for its historical associations, aesthetic qualities and social meaning.

Broken Hill Post Office also provides evidence of the changing nature of postal and telecommunications practices in NSW, particularly in servicing an isolated regional community.

Broken Hill Post Office also provides important information on the changing requirements and standards in working conditions in NSW.

[1] Broken Hill Post Office was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 December 2000 having satisfied the following criteria.

[1] The provision of a double residence for the postmaster and postal assistant provides an important insight into the changing requirements and standards in working conditions in NSW.

[1] Broken Hill Post Office also provides evidence of the changing nature of postal and telecommunications practices in NSW, particularly in servicing an isolated regional community.

[1] Broken Hill Post Office is a key building in an important group including the town hall, court house, police station and technical college.

The architectural style and location of the building, along with the monumental square clock tower, also make it a focal point defining the centre of the civic precinct of Broken Hill, endowing it with landmark qualities.

Broken Hill Post Office is a prominent civic building and a local landmark, and has been the centre of communications for the region for over a century.

[1] The earlier provision of a double residence for the postmaster and postal assistant also appears to be a rare aspect of post offices in NSW.

The 1900 additions and alterations provide good evidence of the portfolio of work were designed by the NSW Government Architect's office under Walter Liberty Vernon.