Living Desert Sculptures Broken Hill
The Living Desert sculptures are a group of 12 large sandstone works on Sundown (Sculpture) Hill inside the Living Desert Reserve north of Broken Hill in New South Wales, Australia. They were created as the result of a month-long sculpture symposium held in 1993 to add a permanent outdoor sculpture element to Broken Hill’s strong visual-arts culture and to help create an iconic attraction for the town. The event was organised and directed by sculptor Lawrence Beck; huge sandstone blocks were brought to the site and carved on location.
Work began in early April 1993 and after several weeks of on-site carving by visiting and local sculptors the finished pieces were unveiled in May 1993. The project was run as a symposium: artists lived and worked on the hill, often camping nearby. The community provided strong practical and financial support to complete the works. The Living Desert Reserve itself was also developed to protect local flora and fauna.
While viewing the sculptures, don’t forget to admire the sweeping scenery. The top of the hill overlooks the surrounding outback landscape, giving a perspective on how dry and desolate the area is.
How to Get There
Located roughly 13 km north of Broken Hill (about a 15-minute drive), on a sealed road. Being a major attraction, it is well signposted and easy to find. Once you reach the park, the internal roads are unsealed but well maintained. There are two carparks. One is adjacent to the sculptures while the other is at the start of a 900m walk leading to the sculptures.
A small entry fee is payable at the Living Desert pay bay at the Reserve entrance.
Particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset when the sandstone catches warm light they have become one of Broken Hill’s most photographed attractions.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
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