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Living Desert Sculptures: Art in the Outback

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Discover striking sandstone sculptures in Broken Hill's Living Desert Reserve, offering panoramic outback views and a unique artistic experience.

The Living Desert Sculptures, located in the Living Desert Reserve near Broken Hill, NSW, are a collection of 12 striking sandstone artworks created in 1993 by artists from around the world. Set atop Sundown Hill, these sculptures offer stunning views of the surrounding outback landscape and are a testament to human creativity in harmony with nature.

A brief summary to Living Desert Sculptures

  • Monday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Living Desert Sculptures.

  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most magical lighting and photo opportunities.
  • Allow at least 2 hours to fully explore the sculptures, walking trails, and Flora and Fauna Sanctuary.
  • Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, as the desert environment can be harsh.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Broken Hill's city center, head north on Nine Mile Road. The Living Desert Reserve is approximately 12 km from the city center. Follow Nine Mile Road until you reach the entrance of the Living Desert Reserve. There is a pay bay at the entrance where you can pay the entry fee. Payment can be made with coins or credit card. Once inside the reserve, follow the signs to the Sculpture Site. You can either park at the Flora and Fauna Sanctuary car park and walk 1km to the sculptures or drive directly to the sculpture site.

Discover more about Living Desert Sculptures

The Living Desert Sculptures are situated within the Living Desert Reserve, approximately 12 kilometers from Broken Hill, a city recognized as Australia's first Heritage City. This unique 2400-hectare reserve showcases the natural and artistic beauty of the region. In 1993, artist Lawrence Beck organized a symposium that brought together sculptors from various countries to transform massive sandstone blocks into works of art. These 12 sculptures, each with its own story, now stand as a major attraction, highlighting the skyline and offering panoramic views of the outback. The sculptures can be accessed via a 1 km walking trail from the Flora and Fauna Sanctuary car park, or by vehicle. Besides the sculptures, the Living Desert Reserve also features the John Simons Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, a 180-hectare area enclosed by a predator-proof fence. This sanctuary provides a safe environment for native plants and animals, offering visitors a chance to connect with the region's natural heritage. The reserve also includes walking trails, picnic areas with free gas barbecues, shade shelters, and toilet facilities, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. The reserve is open from 8:30 AM until 30 minutes after sunset, except during summer (Dec-Feb) when it opens at 6:00 AM.
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