Lake Ballard

Lake Ballard, located in the Shire of Menzies, Goldfields-Esperance area of Western Australia, is an ephemeral salt lake that only holds water for brief periods after major flood events.

It is situated approximately 18 kilometres (11 mi) north of Menzies.

The lake is home to the largest outdoor art gallery on earth. In 2003, Antony Gormley, a British artist and Turner Prize winner, was commissioned to create an exhibition called Inside Australia to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Perth International Arts Festival. This exhibition features 51 metal sculptures spread over an area of 10 square kilometres (4 sq mi). Each sculpture represents a local resident of Menzies and was derived from laser scans of the town's residents. Although the statues were initially meant to be removed after the festival, they have become a permanent tourist attraction.

Lake Ballard is also used as a breeding site for banded stilts following major flood events. These bird species nest in large colonies on low islands in ephemeral inland salt lakes like Lake Ballard. The last recorded nesting on the lake was in 1995 after Cyclone Bobby. BirdLife International has identified Lake Ballard, along with neighboring Lake Marmion, as an Important Bird Area due to its ability to support a high proportion of known banded stilt mass breeding events.

In conclusion, Lake Ballard offers a unique experience in Western Australia, combining natural wonder with contemporary art. It is sure to appeal to any visitor seeking a blend of both.