The Living Desert and Sculptures

On April 1, 1993, artists from around the world began work on 12 sandstone sculptures in the middle of the desert outside Broken Hill. Giant sandstone blocks weighing more than 50 tonnes had been shipped in from the Wilcannia region for the sculpture symposium, organised by artist Lawrence Beck. Six weeks later, the artists unveiled their creations, and today, this is one of the most photographed sites in the Australian outback. The sculptures can be found on Sundown Hill, in the Living Desert Reserve, a 15-minute drive north of the city. It’s a magical spot with sweeping views of the outback landscape and can be accessed by road or a 900m walking trail from the Living Desert Picnic Area. The inspiring works are worth experiencing at all different times of the day for their changing moods. Sunset, however, is pretty hard to beat. The other must-see attraction is the flora and fauna sanctuary, comprising an area of 180 hectares bordered by an electric predator-proof fence. This sanctuary has been planned and designed carefully to provide visitors with a unique insight into flora, fauna and the Aboriginal culture of the region.