Mutonia Sculpture Park

For miles in every direction in the midst of the South Australian desert, there is only sand, rocks, and desolate road. Yet in this flat, arid landscape is an oasis, made not of water and palms, but of unique and strangely industrial sculptures.

Emerging like a mirage, and just as unbelievable, is a gigantic metal dingo, affectionately known as “the big dog.” Standing on skinny rusting legs, the dingo immediately draws the eye with its thin tail and smiling open mouth made out of an old Chrysler. In the middle of the desert, the “big dog,” is a friendly face in a brutally hostile climate where average high temperatures soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Along with the dog, the site also features two upright plane-like sculptures, smaller robot figures and a few other sculptures made of recycled metals. Designed by Robin Cooke, this outsider art made out of useless waste products has wowed travelers on the desert roads since 1997. Before Cooke was creating his lonely sculpture park, he was a mechanic for over 20 years. Visitors on the sad and dusty road through the desert should remember to thank him for his career change.