Great Australian Adventure

Silo Art Calendar - A Tapestry of Art and Community Spirit

australiansiloarttrail@gmail.com (Annette Green) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 00:36:39 GMT

Silo Art Calendar - A Tapestry of Art and Community Spirit

In the enchanting world of the Australian Silo Art Trail, where colossal murals breathe life into rustic silos and transform rural landscapes into awe-inspiring artscapes, a new gem has emerged - The Silo Art Calendar.

Now in its 4th edition for 2024, this calendar isn’t just a collection of exquisite art; it’s a testament to the profound connection between art, community, and generosity.

The conception of the Silo Art Calendar was as organic as the artworks it so beautifully encapsulates. As the pandemic unfurled its clutches, halting the beautiful dance of travellers across the Australian outback, a longing echoed in the virtual spaces where the admirers of silo art convened. They yearned to carry a piece of this artistic grandeur into their homes, to experience the mesmerizing artwork not just during their sojourns but every day.

In 2019, amidst the myriad of accolades and reflections shared online, a consistent sentiment emerged – the desire for a calendar adorned with these magnificent artworks. A reminder of the timeless beauty nestled in Australia’s heartlands and the unforgettable journeys that led to their discovery. Damian and Annette, the team behind the Australian Silo Art Trail heeded the call.

Crafting the calendar was a journey steeped in respect and collaboration. Every artwork is a soulful expression of the artist, and their consent was paramount. Their gracious nod was not just an approval but a harmonious extension of the community spirit that the silo art embodies. Each artist agreed to feature their artwork, anchored by the noble cause that 50% of the profits would flow back into the regional communities that host these artistic treasures.

The inception of the calendar, thus, wasn’t merely a commercial endeavour but a heartfelt response. It was a bridge connecting the art enthusiasts to the soul-stirring silo art during a time when physical journeys were paused, and a conduit channelling resources back to the communities, fostering growth, support, and resilience.

Till date, the first three editions of the Silo Art Calendar have generated over $217,000 donated, a testament to the universal appeal of the silo artworks and the collective ethos of giving back. Every page turned, every month that unfolds, carries with it not just the visual spectacle of art but the silent echo of contribution, of being part of a movement that transcends geographical boundaries and unites hearts.

As you journey through the months with the 2024 Silo Art Calendar in hand, remember, each artwork is not just a visual feast but a chapter of a larger narrative. A narrative of art fostering community, of distant admirers becoming integral contributors, and of the indomitable spirit of unity that not even a pandemic could quell.

Every calendar purchased is a step closer to the rustic silos adorned with breathtaking art, a gesture of support to the regional communities, and an embrace of the harmonious dance between art, nature, and humanity.

Join us in turning the pages, each echoing the silent yet potent anthem - we are together in this journey, every day of the year.

From Retirement to Curating Australia's Premier Art Trail

australiansiloarttrail@gmail.com (Annette Green) — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 23:49:13 GMT

From Retirement to Curating Australia's Premier Art Trail

In March 2018, Annette and Eric Green embarked on what was meant to be a typical Australian road trip. Little did they know, it would evolve into a fascinating journey of art discovery that has since enchanted millions.

While travelling through Western Australia’s picturesque Wheatbelt, the retired couple encountered their first gem - a vibrant, geometric banksia mural by Dutch street artist Amok Island, adorning the grand silos of Ravensthorpe. This mesmerising art piece sparked a newfound passion in the Greens, transforming their leisurely trip into a quest to uncover the hidden tapestry of silo artworks sprinkled across the Australian outback.

Navigating the expansive terrains in their trusty Toyota Coaster minibus, Annette and Eric quickly discerned the challenge - there was no comprehensive resource to locate these mesmerising artworks. With the same spirit that ignited their unexpected journey, they rose to the occasion.

Annette initiated a Facebook page, a platform for fellow travellers to exchange insights, images, and the awe that encapsulated each discovery. The page's soaring popularity was a testament to the collective allure of these artworks and underscored the need for a consolidated guide.

Thus, the Australian Silo Art Trail (ASAT) website was born in 2019. It is not just a website but a treasure trove, documenting the intricate tales and vivid imagery of every known silo artwork in Australia. It has become the solitary beacon guiding art enthusiasts and tourists on a journey through the lush Australian landscapes, unveiling the serene beauty of rural mega murals and more.

With over 2.7 million views, Annette’s interactive online map delineates over 250 art listings, transcending silo art murals to include water towers, street art towns, and myriad tourist attractions. Each art piece is complemented with its unique backstory and radiant visuals, inviting travellers into a world where art and nature converge.

What commenced as a modest endeavour to assist fellow travellers has blossomed into a thriving business.

Today, the Greens are not just retired wanderers but revered curators of a national art expedition, with a dedicated team ensuring that the enchanting dance between art and the Australian landscape is accessible to all.

Join us in this enthralling journey - a symphony of art and nature, waiting to be explored, appreciated, and cherished.

How Did The Silo Art Movement Begin?

australiansiloarttrail@gmail.com (Annette Green) — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 07:14:56 GMT

The Beginning of the Silo Art Movement!

The very first silo art mural was a pilot project in March 2015 by a cultural non-profit called FORM who wanted to bring art to rural communities. Together with the CBH grain handler two internationally renowned street artists Phlegm & HENSE were engaged to paint the grain silos in Northam, in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt.

It was such a great hit that a full trail of 6 silos were planned. The Public Silo Trail of Western Australia was a three year project that brought this permanent, open-air, truly PUBLIC ‘gallery’ linking rural and coastal towns across Western Australia’s southern regions. A game changer for bringing renewed emphasis to the positive perceptions of the regions, their people and industries, and the unique canvas they provide.

In Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region, a similar idea was conceived in 2016 after the success of the first silo artwork in Brim. What started as a small community project by the Brim Active Community Group, GrainCorp, Juddy Roller and artist, Guido van Helten resulted in widespread international media attention. The Wimmera Mallee Silo Art Trail was created as a partnership between Yarriambiack Shire Council, international street art agency Juddy Roller, Victorian Government, Australian Government and GrainCorp, who donated the silos as canvases for the artists’ work.

This project saw a team of renowned artists from Australia and across the world visit the region, meet the locals and transform each grain silo into an epic work of art; each one telling a unique story about the host town.

Soon, many other regional towns across the country were angling for their own silo to be beautified, and for the visitors and rural revitalisation it would bring.

Brushstrokes of Renewal: The Impact of the Silo Art Movement

australiansiloarttrail@gmail.com (Annette Green) — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:31:47 GMT

Brushstrokes of Renewal: The Impact of the Silo Art Movement

The Silo Art Movement is more than a visual spectacle; it is a dynamic force of transformation and rejuvenation.

In its majestic strokes and grandeur lie the seeds of renewal for many towns and communities that once teetered on the brink of obscurity. It is not just art; it is a resurrection, a new dawn that ushers in hope, economic vitality, and social resurgence.

Every mural, every painted silo is a testament to the unwavering spirit of Regional Australia. The movement transcends the boundaries of art, becoming a robust engine that drives tourism, invigorates local economies, and rekindles the social fabric of communities. Each artwork is not just a visual narrative but a catalyst that propels these towns into a realm of economic prosperity and social cohesion.

Imagine a journey where art and humanity converge, where every visit, every gaze upon these awe-inspiring silos, translates into a lifeline for the inhabitants of Regional Australia. Each sojourn is a step towards an economic and social renaissance, where communities are not just revived but thrive, echoing the vibrancy and resilience depicted on the silos.

Joining this transformative journey isn’t just an experience; it is a contribution to a legacy. The Australian Silo Art Trail isn’t just a spectacle of art; it is a movement of change, renewal, and hope. Your participation breathes life, not just into the towns hosting these majestic silos, but into the very soul of a nation. Together, we don’t just witness art; we become part of a powerful narrative of resurrection and resurgence that echoes through the annals of time.

In the grandeur of the silo art, we find more than aesthetic pleasure; we encounter a silent yet potent revolution that shapes economies, defines societies, and carves pathways of hope, one majestic mural at a time.

This is the spirit of the Silo Art Movement - a journey where art, economy, and community converge to script a tale of inspiration, resilience, and unyielding hope.

An Artist’s Eye View of Silo Art

australiansiloarttrail@gmail.com (Annette Green) — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 23:22:46 GMT

An Artist’s Eye View of Silo Art

If you’ve ever stood in awe at the foot of one of Australia’s painted silos and wondered just how on earth an artist is capable of painting on these 30 metre tall canvases, then read on to get one artist’s eye view on the incredible process.

The town of Eudunda in South Australia is fortunate enough to have silos painted by Adelaide artist Sam Brooks. The town, just over 100 kilometres north east of Adelaide, was the birthplace of renowned Australian author Colin Thiele, and one of his beloved children’s stories forms the basis of the silo art.

While this mural reflects much of Sam’s other works in telling a story of place, people and culture it is unique in being the first silo art in Australia which highlights two cultures coming together and sharing stories and histories.

Planning

As with most silo art, the process involved consulting with the local community to discover what they wanted to have represented on their town silo, and Sam was able to encourage the townspeople to trust in his imaginative design.

Instead of a typical farming or rural image, Sam was keen for the silo’s artwork to tell a unique story and motivate people to choose to travel to Eudunda to see something different to anywhere else. His theme over two silos includes a European perspective with Colin Thiele’s book ‘The Sun on the Stubble’, and local farming history references and the second silo showing the local indigenous history and stories.

On each silo, a child is featured and they are connected to each other by a red string they are holding to signify learning about each other’s histories, cultures and stories. One silo features the story by Colin Thiele, and shows farming images as well as local industries, while the other has the Ngadjuri indigenous perspective and dreaming stories.

Linked together with the red string line, the silos represent the artist’s impression of the innocence of children learning about each other’s history and culture with open minds, through exploration and play.

From Design to Execution

Prior to painting these silos, they had to be cleaned which Sam did himself using a pressure hose from a boom lift. Not the easiest of jobs when there were freezing temperatures and a crumbling façade to contend with.

After cleaning the structures, Sam then painted random marks and words all over the silos to act as grid enabling him to get proportions correct. It was at this stage of the process that he drew more than a few worried looks from locals wondering what they were in for, but he was able to reassure people that it was merely a process to help him to paint in smaller sections. He did this by using an iPad which had the completed design overlaid in a semi-transparency over the top of his grid markings.

Another aspect of the clever design is having the spines of the books incorporated in the curves of the silos making the finished result something special to see and challenging to photograph. There are many different angles to capture and small details and symbolism to find in the overall painting.

Every part of the design and overall effect is in the artist’s thought process including the choice of bright colours used to make the silos easy to spot from afar and impossible to pass by. Make sure when visiting these silos to take the time to look for the smaller details, including hidden dreaming stories in the stars of the painting, which glow in the dark and match the night sky.

Further information:

For guides and maps on where to see more silo art, and for year round viewing at home, you can buy the Australian Silo Art calendar from our online store. Our calendars are designed and printed in Australia, and your purchase will help regional communities, with 50% of the profits donated back to the 12 communities featured.

Travellers list - Things to See and Do

australiansiloarttrail@gmail.com (Annette Green) — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 00:29:25 GMT

Travellers list - Things to see and do by Kaylene Kirkpatrick

Kaylene Kirkpatrick has compiled an extensive list of things to see-and-do and points-of-interest around this vast country and is happy to share her hard work with fellow travellers.

Listed state-by-state, the lists include silo art, water tank art, tourist attractions large and small, lots of icons and also the Royal Hotels and towns in the song 'Ive been everywhere'.

Its by no means a complete list, but its a good place to start planning your next trip.

Kaylene researched and compiled this list from various resources found on the internet and tourism guides.

Kaylene produced this for her parents recently who have been all over Australia over the past 20 years and going back over it again to do the Silo's/Towers, hence adding things in to see along the way. Kaylene's Dad plots the trip out after she get all the info for him (he gets the kms)

The list is great for people who are not tech savvy and dont like using apps like Wikicamps.

Download the lists below and start planning.

Kaylene would like to grow the list and correcting any mistakes, so please get in touch to make suggestions of things to add. Kaylene can be contacted d irect on email or direct message through Facebook

Port Gemein - Home of the Longest Wooden Jetty in South Australia

australiansiloarttrail@gmail.com (Annette Green) — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 05:32:33 GMT

Port Germein - Home of South Australia's Longest Wooden Jetty

We approached Port Germein via the very spectacular and winding Port Germein Gorge Road.

We were so glad we were going down hill rather than up, as for over 20 km it twists and turns, travelling past epic scenery of deep ravines and eucalyptus lined roads. We also came across this very unique sign of a kangaroo falling from a cliff. Finally as you reach its base, before you spreads the valley floor of the Flinders Rangers and the sea of the Spencer Gulf beyond.

Port Germein

Fun Facts

The jetty was built by John Wishart using local sugar and red gum trees.
The stones and red bricks strewn along the sides of the jetty are the remains of ballast discarded by ships loading at the port.
A small locomotive engine was used to haul heavy loads out to waiting ships.
In 1939 the Admiral Karpfanger visited Port Germein flying the German swastika, the only place in Australia where that occurred!!.

Attractions on South Australia's Longest Wooden Jetty

Rare Maritime Clock

Metal Sculptures and Mosaics

There are four metal sculptures at the beginning of the jetty, sculptured by Max Newbery . They are of a shipwreck, cormorant, blue swimmer craps and a fish and reef system.

In the main BBQ area opposite the caravan park are four mosaic pieces of art. Two are table tops, while the other two are benches.

The Lighthouse

Streaky Bay - Why We Keep Coming Back

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 04:01:04 GMT

Streaky Bay - Why We Keep Coming Back

Streaky Bay is on the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and in our opinion is a 'bucket list' destination for all Australians wishing to experience natures best. The area offers spectacular coastline, countless fishing opportunities, beautiful white sandy beaches and picturesque wonders formed by nature.

Although there are many great reasons to visit Streaky Bay, here are our top four that keeps us coming back to this destination year after year, after year.

The Town

Two Caravan Parks

Streaky Bay now boasts two caravan parks to meet the growing number of tourists engulfing the area during the summer and fishing seasons. We have stayed at both and like them both equally, as each one has something different to offer a passing traveller.

Streaky Bay Foreshore Caravan Park

The Islands Caravan Park

Fishing

We love coming to Streaky Bay to fish. There is such a huge variety in the bay, but by far the most popular and most sort after fish by travellers is the King George Whiting. They like to hang around the 'sandy' spots and can be found out at the 'Bushes', in the 'Bay', up the 'Creek' or out at 'Eba Anchorage' which is just a few kilometres out of town on the road to Ceduna.

Squid is also in abundance and can be caught from just about anywhere in the area but there are certain spots where they lurk in greater numbers too.

We have caught Snapper, Skippy, Snook, Garfish, Herring, Flathead, Salmon, Blue Swimmer Crabs and oh yes, plenty of those very annoying Trumpeters as well!!!

Razor Fish

Points of Interest

Not interested in fishing? Then why don’t you jump into the car and go on a day trip instead!

Cape Bauer Loop Drive

Westall Way Loop Drive

Murphy's Hay Stacks

Murphy’s Hay Stacks are an Inselberg rock formation located at Mortana approximately 40 kilometres south east from Streaky Bay. They say that the formations were weathered and sculptured into their present form about 100,000 years ago and are made of pink granite. Their shape may also have been formed by underground rainwater, then wind once they were exposed to the surface.

It’s believed they were given their name between 1902 and 1914. A traveller passing in a coach saw the formations in the distance and believed them to be giant hay stacks and could not understand how a farmer could produce so much hay! As the farm was owned by a man named Murphy at the time, they were hence given the name of Murphy’s Hay Stacks.

However they were made, they are awesome to see and definitely a 'Bucket List' destination in our opinion. You can also camp there over night for a small fee as well.

Source of information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy%27s_Haystacks

Point Labatt Conservation Park and Sea Lion Colony

Helpful Information

Best time of year for fishing is between January and May

Streaky Bay Foreshore Caravan Park - http://streakybayftpark.com.au/

Streaky Bay Islands Caravan Park - http://streakybayislandscaravanpark.com.au/

Smoky Bay - A Relaxed Seaside Town

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 02:41:55 GMT

Smoky Bay - A Relaxed Seaside Town

Smoky Bay is a relaxed seaside town approximately 40 kilometres South-East of Ceduna. Access into this wonderful little town is via short eight kilometre bitumen road which leads directly to the Smoky Bay Caravan Park. The park is located right on the beach and within very easy walking distance to the jetty. The current caravan park owners are to be credited for the parks cleanliness and neat and tidy appearance; it a true credit to them.

The Town

The Fishing

Day Trips

If you are up to a little site seeing, then Point Brown is well worth a visit. When Eric suggested the trip, I anticipated a journey of jaw clenching corrugations, but I was pleasantly surprised to find this was not the case. You don’t need a 4WD to reach Point Brown, but to follow some of the other tracks in the area you definitely will.

One such place was called the Rock Pool. Breath taking scenery and a great fishing spot as well.

The History

Helpful Information

Smokey Bay Caravan Park - http://webshouse.com.au/CARAVAN/

Haslam - A small coastal hamlet in South Australia

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 08:52:36 GMT

Haslam - A small coastal hamlet in South Australia

Haslam is a beautiful, small coastal hamlet in South Australia. It's situated approximately 32 km West of Streaky Bay and 31 km South-East of Smoky Bay, effectively right in the middle of both towns. Perfect for an overnight stop-over for those making their way east or west along the Flinders Highway on the Eyre Peninsula.

Access into Haslam is via the Haslam Highway, approximately two kilometres long and bitumen all the way. It boasts a wonderful history and a 251 metre long jetty, which is ideal for fishing and catching squid.

Camping

The Jetty

Town History

The state of South Australia was colonised by free settlers, but not as punishment for misdemeanours, these settlers were offered an opportunity to make something of themselves, to accumulate wealth and social status.

Sailing ships were chartered to transport the growing number of willing adventures prepared to endure the journey. Settlers were eager to reach the promised land.

The explorer Edward John Eyre passed through this area in 1840 on his way to King George Sound. He was followed by Stephen Hack and John McDouall Stewart in 1858.

Point Brown

The Nullarbor - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 08:08:26 GMT

The Nullarbor - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Despite the seemingly long endless stretch of road ahead, crossing the Nullarbor is something that we have both always enjoyed each time we have needed to venture from one side of the country to the other. Even though it seems to be a wide open space of nothing, there is an incredible amount of beauty and possible danger be experienced on the Nullarbor.

The Good

Bunda Cliffs

Before you realise it you are only 100 km from the Bunda Cliffs. There are four main lookout points and they are all well worth pulling over to take a look at. A perfect photo opportunity that comes along only on a trip such as this, but by far lookout number one and two are the best.

The Nullarbor Roadhouse appears just after that at 905 km and is also the beginning of the true treeless plain where the Nullarbor actually gets its name from, meaning Nullus (no) Arbor (tree)'. Just endless kilometres of low scrub for as far as the eye can see.

Then at a mere 230 km later, you have arrived in Penong.

The Bad

The Distance and Fuel Cost

The Ugly

No Water

THERE IS NO WATER!!

Shouty capitals for that one, so if you intend to free camp your Nullarbor Crossing be very prepared and have a backup water supply in case your tank is ruptured, then a backup water supply for your backup water supply too!!

Don’t just assume you can get bulk water by just checking into a caravan park either as none currently offer this service. Always phone ahead as from year to year things do change.

West of Ciaguna there is a rain water tank, although we have never had the need to test it, I would definitely not be relying on this as a water supply as it would be just my luck that it would be foul or simply dry as a bone. There is another one just west of Mundrabilla as well.

The Litter

The Accidents

Daintree Village - World Heritage Experience

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 07:13:08 GMT

Daintree Village - World Heritage Experience

Daintree Village Attractions

Daintree River View Lodges and Van Park

Local Restaurants, take-a-ways & Ice Cream Shop

Tourist Information

Local Arts & Crafts

Timber Gallery & Museum

Eliza's Gallery

Crocodile Express Daintree River Cruise

Explore Cape Tribulation

Tranquillity Falls & Walking Trail

Crocodile Express Daintree River Cruise

What a great little cruse the Daintree Crocodile Express is! According to the owners, it was the first wildlife cruise operator on the river and was established in 1979 . The cruise covers a 12 kilometre stretch of the spectacular Daintree River and also includes a naturalist guide. With a trained eye, they will point out hopefully crocodiles lurking on the river bank and other wildlife and flora in the surrounding trees. During my time I was lucky enough to see several crocodiles, snakes in the trees, beautiful flowers and many many birds. The cruise duration is approximately one hour.

Once a ticket is purchased you have the choice of two different departure points. There is one right at the Daintree Village Caravan Park boat ramp and the other is just before the ferry to Cape Tribulation. Both locations are just as spectacular as each other.

Tranquillity Falls Walking Trail

These little known falls are no more than a 20 minutes drive from the Daintree Village. Take the Upper Daintree Road and travel a good gravel road following the Daintree River through open pastures, rolling hills and a magnificent view of Mount Alexandria.

Tranquillity Falls is a very easy two out five walking trail in my opinion and would take no longer than 30 minutes return from the car park. It's very well shaded, but take mozzie spray as we were inundated at times close to the stream.

The start of the trail is a little hidden also. It's right beside the very narrow road that goes over the stream at the base of the car park. The honour box where you place your $10 visiting fee is at the begging of the trail as well.

Helpful Information

Daintree Rainforest Village Caravan Park - https://daintreerainforestvillage.com.au/

8 Queensland Waterfalls in 8 hours

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 06:02:56 GMT

How to see eight waterfalls in under eight hours on the Atherton Tableland

Today I'm going to tell you how to see eight epic waterfalls in less than eight hours and on a route of less than 150 kms in total return. The waterfalls I have chosen are on the Atherton Tableland in Queensland.

Waterfall 1. Dinner Falls

Waterfall 2 - Millstream Falls - Big

Waterfall 3 - Pepina Falls

Waterfall 4 - Souita Falls

Waterfall 5 - Millaa Millaa Falls

Waterfall 6 - Zillie Falls

Waterfall 7 - Ellinjaa Falls

Waterfall 8 - Malanda Falls

Five top attractions in Elliston, South Australia

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 04:59:23 GMT

5 Top Attractions in Elliston South Australia

1. Anxious Bay Cliff Top Drive

Make sure you take a full roll of film and your camera is fully charged because you are going to need it! This clifftop drive has so many photo opportunities that we found our selves getting in and out of the car every few hundred metres. Sculptures dotted along the drive seem to pop out of nowhere and are perched right on the cliff edge like long lost beacons from an ancient time.

The scenery is just amazing with stunning clifftop views that rivals Victoria's Great Ocean Road. Located also along this drive is the famous 'Black Fellows' surfing spot which is said to be the best left-hander on the coast. It’s a long paddle out and in my opinion for the fit, courageous and those with a death wish only!

2. Little Bay Cliff Top Drive

3. Murals at the Town Community and Visitor Centre

The town community and visitor centre was painted by the community under the guidance of Siv Grava and John Turpie and shows the life of early settlers in intricate detail. It covers an area of 500 square meters and took three weeks to complete in 1992. In 2014 it was repainted and was reputed as being one of the largest single murals in Australia.

4. Little Coastal Walking Trail

5. Locks Well

Locks Well is located 16 km south of Elliston and is reputed to be one of the most reliable locations for catching Australian salmon in South Australia.

Views from the lower car park are pretty impressive and the round suspended platform at the top of the cliff overlooking the ocean is breathtaking . There is a staircase to the beach, which is not for the faint hearted and is reputed to have 283 steps! This has now made access to the beach much safer for those chasing the big catch.

There are two car parks at Locks Well, upper and lower. If you are travelling you can park your caravan in the upper car park, but not the lower. The drive down to the lower is very steep and if full of cars offers no where to turn around. After parking at the top, the walk down is steep and at a guess 200 metres long.

New South Wales Silo Art Trail

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 04:17:42 GMT

New South Wales Silo Art Trail

Day 1 - Lightning Ridge

As you approach Lightning Ridge the first thing you see is Stanley the Emu. Stanley is an 18 meter sculpture made by artist John Murray and he has been made entirely from scrap metal from a VW Beetle. His light-hearted depiction gives you some foresight into the art you will see with in the town.

John Murray is an outback artist that now calls Lightning Ridge his home. He is well known for his signature art pieces where he contrasts serious landscape studies with whimsical caricatures of birds and other Aussie creatures. He has many featured art pieces around the town including his own art gallery located in Opal street. Be sure to check out Phyllis Lane, which is right next door to Johns Gallery, where much of John's wonderful street art is on display. (Image above by Viki Murray)

Day 2 - Brewarrina

Brewarrina Fish Traps

Day 3 - Barraba

The leg from Brewarrina to Barraba is just over 440 km long but can be broken up with an overnight stay in Walgett. We have stayed in the free camping area just outside of town on several occasions now but get there early as there are not to many spots available.

The Barraba silos are located just west of the town centre on the Manilla Road. There is plenty of parking here also, which is suitable for all sized of vehicles.

These silos were painted by Fintan Magee in April 2019 and depict the image of a farmer 'water divining', but what actually is water divining?

Water dowsing as it is also known as involves the claim that a person can locate underground sources of water without using any scientific instruments. Typically, the person that is dowsing holds sticks or rods and walks around a property in the hopes that the rods will dip, twitch, or cross when he walks over the underground water.

The wonderful images above and the header image for this blog where photographed by PeterB.

Day 4 - Tamworth

Day 4 - Gunnedah

After a leisurely 80 km drive from Tamworth we arrived in Gunnedah in time to visit the Gunnedah Military Water Tower Museum before it closed for the day. Opening hours are currently Saturdays only between 10 am and 2 pm.

Inside this three-story building is a trove of treasure from all walks of life, but its main feature is its military memorabilia. The museum is jam packed, so allow plenty of time to visit this wonderful place.

The museum is also the location of the artwork painted by Jenny McCracken of Zest Events International. This stunning mural pays tribute to Australia's and New Zealand's Vietnam Veterans and was officially unveiled in time for Anzac Day celebrations in 2019.

Day 5 - Coonamble to Gulargambone

Gulargambone

Just three of my favouites pictued below by Claire Foxton, John Murray and Rudy Kisler. All images by Annette Green

Day 6 - Merriwa

Day 7 - Portland

The Journey from Merriwa to Portland is 235 km. As we have previously visited the Portland Silos in 2018, we knew in advance that there was ample parking for caravans and motorhomes at this location, but as we also wanted to visit the old Portland Cement Bottle Kilns, we decided to camp for the day at the Portland Showgrounds. A free camp spot for the fully self-contained with public toilets available at the site.

These silos, now known as 'The Foundations' portray the images of past workers of the old and now unused Portland Cement Works. There are six images depicted on this silo, five men (Jack Abbott, Bert, Herb Coleman, Tommy Fitzgerald and James Blackman) and one female (Yvonne Hogan) who is a little hidden around the left, so don't forget to see her also.

Day 8 - Grenfell

The drive out from Portland to Grenfell is 210 km. There is a great camp spot just down the road from the silos at the old railway station. I highly recommend staying here if you don't need power and its just 300 meters down the road from the silos. If you look very carefully at this photo on the right, you can see a white building with a car in front of it.

These wonderful silos were painted by Heesco Khosnaran in March 2019. The artwork is a compilation of images which represents the contemporary farming industry and landscape of the Weddin Shire. The foreground features sheep, cattle and native birds, set in a farming landscape crowned by the Weddin Mountains National Park. The skyscape incorporates the natural sepia colour of the silo topped with light cloud coverage.

Day 9 - Weethalle & Narrandera

Narranderra

Day 10 - Lockhart

The final leg of our journey was to Lockhart, just 65 km south of Narrandera. We stayed here a few days as there is a lot to see and do in this town. It has a great caravan park that sits on the edge of Brookong Creek, which is also easy walking distance into town.

In and around the main street of town are many metal sculptures. with more being added since we were there too. The water tower is also located in the main street and was painted in June 2018, It is the work of two Blue Mountain artists, Scott Nagy and Janne Birkner (Krimsone), who are well known artists in the public mural sphere.

The mural features a cascading waterfall surrounded by many of the unique native fauna and flora found in the local landscape.

Written by Annette Green, November 17, 2019

Interview with Widewalls

Sat, 16 Nov 2019 07:12:55 GMT

What an honour it was for the Australian Silo Art Trail to be featured on Widewalls , and international online arts magazine in November 2019.

Many thanks must go to Angie Kordic for organising it all. For a direct link to the blog, just click here .

Annette Green Takes Us On a Journey Through the Australian Silo Mural Art Trail

Between 2017 and 2019, severe drought developed across much of eastern and inland Australia, hitting the small towns across the continent the hardest. In order to save their towns and attract visitors and tourism growth, many of these communities decided to join the silo art trail movement and have their silos adorned with amazing murals.

Australia’s first painted silo emerged in Northam of Western Australia in 2015, painted by artists Phlegm and HENSE. By June 2019, there were 31 painted silos across the country with more being planned. Among many artists who participated in painting silos, but also water towers, are Guido van Helten, Fintan Magee, Rone, and Evoca1. The Australian Silo Art Trail has become an ultimate Australian road trip, with a journey stretching over 7,500 kms. And every town in the trail has a story to tell which is reflected in their silo art.

The promotion of the silo art trail via the website and Facebook group called the Australian Silo Art Trail is the work of one dedicated dedicated silo art enthusiast, Annette Green, with the help of her loving husband. After leaving their home in March 2018 to travel their country and live the ultimate Aussie dream by following the sun, the wind and the rain, they saw their first painted silo in Ravensthorpe, Western Australia and were immediately blown away. They then decided to start the Facebook page and create a map of these amazing works of art, which resulted in the whole Australian Silo Art Trail movement. So far, they have documented over 90 sites for travelers to visit while shaping a broader story around Australian silo art, dedicated to enlighten as many people as they can about the country’s ultimate road trip and the biggest outdoor gallery in the world.

If you are looking to start your great Australian adventure, you can find all the necessary information on their website.

To find out more about this trail, we had a chat with Annette Green. In an exclusive Widewalls interview, she talks about the story behind silo art, how it all began, highlights of the trail, its impact on the local communities, and much more.

The Origins of the Australian Silo Art Trail

Widewalls: What is the story behind all that amazing silo art in Australia?

Annette Green: The Australian Silo Art Trail all began when FORM WA, a not for profit organisation that promotes public art and cultural tourism, created The PUBLIC Silo Trail of Western Australia. They painted the first-ever silos in Australia in the Wheatbelt town of Northam in March 2015. These silos marked the beginning of painting large scale outdoor murals with the aim of drawing tourists to these towns that are often very remote, and in some cases, the towns are suffering from one of the worst droughts Australia has ever seen.

It took another nine months before Australia had its second set of painted silos they were in Brim, Victoria and were completed in January 2016. By the end of that year, there were three in the trail of Victoria and two in the PUBLIC Silo Trail in Western Australia.

By the end of 2017, there were 14 in the trail and by the end of 2018, there were 25. Now, three-quarters of the way through 2019 there are 35 painted silos and cover five states of Australia. But not every town has a silo! Some have joined the trail by painting their water towers or tanks, others are painting the walls of business in their towns.

The “Trail” is so much more than the wonderful artwork upon the silos, water towers or buildings it’s about the people in the towns that have worked so hard to get them painted, its about their fears that their town is dying and that their children will move away to the cities, its about the ‘Great Aussie Battler’ and their fighting spirit to never give up hope.

Widewalls: How did you first come to the idea to create the Australian Silo Art Trail?

AG: In March 2018, my husband and I set off on our “Great Australian Adventure”. We aimed to travel from one side of Australia to the other, to see and explore as much of this great country as we could, to travel where the sun took us. We headed towards the Nullarbor via Ravensthorpe in Western Australia and came across my first painted silo. “Stop!” I yelled. “Let me get my camera”. I stood and looked up, my jaw dropped, and I was hooked. I could not wait to see my next one but where were they all?

After frantically researching on the internet before the loss of signal crossing the Nullarbor, I could find a reference to more in Western Australia and six in Victoria and that was it. Nine when there was actually 17. Why was there no central place on the internet that recorded them all! So after a lot of research, in September 2018 I created the Australian Silo Art Trail Facebook page and community group to help other people become aware of them as well and also and most importantly by then I had become aware of why they were being painted and I wanted to help these struggling communities as much as I could.

The group and page now boasts over 30,000 members and followers and it’s the strength of this group that is helping to discover other artwork across Australia, which then encourages more people from the cities and other towns to get outside and explore this wonderful country of ours.

The Silo Mural Art

Widewalls: Today your map marks 35 silos and counting, spanning across 7,500 km. Are there some highlights you would like to mention?

AG: I love them all, but secretly I do have my favourites too. But it was our trip out to Thallon in Queensland that was the defining moment for my husband and myself. When I knew for sure that I needed to help these towns as much as I could.

Thallon is a country town in the Balonne Shire of Queensland and at the 2016 census had 257 people living within its principality. Two years later when we visited, that number would have been halved. Primarily a wheat and sheep farming community, the GrainCorp Silos at Thallon are used by neighboring towns as well. There is one remaining business in Thallon, The Francis Hotel. It is the local grocery store, the post office as well as being the local pub too. Thallon is approximately 540km from west of Brisbane in drought country.

The momentous achievement that this small town went through to get their silos painted is astonishing. It was the drawcard of these silos that bought us to this town for without them there is no way Eric and I would have ever ventured out there. Now, not only have we visited but many others have made the same journey out to Thallon as well. They have stayed at the caravan park like us and enjoyed a meal or a drink or two at the pub.

Widewalls: Alongside silos, your map features over 40 painted water reservoirs, as well as the Street Art Towns…

AG: Not every country town in Australia seeking to boost tourism to their town has a silo, but many have water reservoirs, some just have walls. As you can imagine, it’s quite expensive to paint a set of silos and this can require communities to extensively fundraise for months or even years, but a water tower or tank is less expensive, and a wall is even cheaper.

These towns and communities need our help even more so than the towns with a big attraction and they also form a vital part of the Australian Silo Art Trail. Distances between silos can be as little as 10km in some areas or as great at 400km in others, so to be able to call into a town with a painted water tower or street art also breaks up your trip into manageable distances but more importantly encourages the traveller to spend money in their town also.

Some towns like Benalla in Victoria and Tumby Bay in South Australia are now annually hosting a street art festival yearly with many more country towns following in their footsteps. This encourages the traveller to spend more than one day in the town as there is so much now to see and do. It also encourages travellers to return yearly as new art is installed each year.

Widewalls: There are more murals being planned as we speak. Could you tell something about this?

AG: There are many country towns grant writing and fundraising independently on a daily basis working hard towards achieving their goal of joining the Australian Silo Art Trail.

There is a planned ‘Remembrance Trail’ in Victoria waiting for a green light to go head and another community in Queensland working hard towards the creation of a whole trail in their area. GrainCorp, one of the major contributors and the owners of over 12 of the 35 silo art locations has many more on their books planned as well. Possibly as many as another ten in the pipeline.

The Australian Silo Art Trail is not finished yet and is growing to be a world-class tourist attraction.

Queensland Coastal Water Tower Trail

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 23:30:22 GMT

Queensland Coastal Water Tower Trail - Our Trip in 2019

Day 1 - Peregian Beach, Point Cartwright & Caloundra

Day 2 - Wamuran Pump Station, Bongaree & Woorim

Day 3 - Rothwell, Kalangur, Ferny Hills, Green Hill Reservoir & Chester Park

After completing the Queensland Coastal Water Tower Trail Eric and I went on to enjoy the wonders of the Glass House Mountains and the epic drive that takes you around the Blackall Range. Some pretty scary roads up there, beautiful countryside and some great little towns too.

Written by Annette Green - 22nd of October 2019

Article in The Wanderer - October 2019

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Feature article in The Wanderer - October 2019

Many thanks to the Caravan and Motorhome Club of Australia for featuring the Australian Silo Art Trail in the October 2019 issue of their Wanderer Magazine.

You need to be a member to be able to read it online, here is the link for those of you that are. If you are not, I have screen shot the article for you below.

Camps Australia Wide Blog Post

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 16:00:00 GMT

GrainCorp Silos at St James, Victoria - Artist Tim Bowtell - Photo by Planet Tex

Camps Australia Wide - Blog Post

A big thanks thanks to Camps Australia Wide for featuring the Australian Silo Art Trail on their website.

If you don't carry a Camps Book with you when you travel, then your doing it the hard way. Considered to be one of Australia’s most valuable printed resource documents for the RV traveller. It's a comprehensive and authenticated guide to free and low cost camping as well as unique outback camping sites throughout the country.

The Blog

Did you know that there is now over 7500 km of silo art to explore? There are 33 silos included in the Australian Silo Art Trail, over 40 water towers and it is growing with more silos due for completion in 2019! Our guest blogger, Annette Green, Regional Tourism Ambassador from the Australian Silo Art Trail gives us the latest on the national trail.

The ‘Silo Art Trend’ is infusing Australians with new found energy and enthusiasm. It’s encouraging people from cities and country towns alike, to get into their cars and caravans and journey along which is now undoubtedly become Australia’s ‘Ultimate Road Trip’.

The benefits of the silo art trail and its impact on regional tourism.

Australia is facing one of its worst droughts in recorded history and small towns across Australia are suffering. Between 2017 and 2019, severe drought developed across much of eastern and inland Australia including Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and it also extended into parts of South Australia and Western Australia as well.

People are walking away from their farms and small business in affected towns are feeling the ‘pinch’. So, what can small towns do to save their towns and attract visitors and tourism growth? Many have chosen to join the silo art trail movement and paint their silos!

The true Aussie spirit of these silo art towns is only now just coming to light. These communities have joined together, formed committees, fundraised as one and established their towns on the ‘map’ signifying that a great community lives there.

They are promoting their heritage by displaying their story on their silos, sparking new conversations locally, nationally and internationally as well.

Tourism to these towns is now creating sustainable incomes to local businesses and residents alike.

“The Ultimate Road Trip’ why add it to your bucket list

Travelling the Australian Silo Art Trail is fast becoming the dream of most Australians and many are adding ‘The Ultimate Road Trip’ to their bucket list. When they start their journey, they wonder why they did not do it sooner.

The trip is about the anticipation you feel as you turn the corner and see the silo in the distance for the first time. “There it is” you shout! Getting out of the car, camera in hand.

The trip is about what you can also see along the way, the crops they grow in the area, the street art murals in other country towns, significant landmarks and towns you pass through that you have never even heard of before.

Silo art projects that celebrate the community can open avenues for visitors to lean about and interact with the ‘people who define the place’. Travellers gain a better understanding of local heritage, traditional ways and other nuanced place elements.

Best ways to tackle the Australian Silo Art Trail

To tackle the trail, you must first divide it into sections. At the Australian Silo Art Trail website, we have already done this for you by creating downloadable and printable maps for you to follow.

Not every trail will take weeks or months, some are achievable over a long weekend. The important thing is to just do it! Get out there, take the ‘Ultimate Road Trip’ and help support regional Australia.

For more information about the Australian Silo Art Trail and their downloadable maps please visit www.australiansiloarttrail.com

For the Media

australiansiloarttrail@gmail.com (Annette Green) — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 07:22:28 GMT

Download the Media Kit for the back story about the
Australian Silo Art Trail.

Please find our comprehensive media kit through the link below. We are always happy to chat with like minded people who are willing to help us share our passion for the Australian Silo Art Trail.

Interview with Dr Amelia Green

australiansiloarttrail@gmail.com (Annette Green) — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 03:00:36 GMT

Interview with Dr Amelia Green from Griffith University

We interviewed Dr Amelia Green from Griffith University, Branding and Consumer Research Network to get a professional insight into the value of the Australian Silo Art Trail.

Q. Can you summarise your studies of the silo art trail?

The initial stages of my research explored the capacity of Australian silo art to help empower communities, activate places and support tourism.

Analysis informing these stages considers policy and funding documents, project evaluations, media coverage and various communications (websites, social media and books etc.) published by the community groups, Councils, facilitators, curators and artists involved.

My analysis also considers exponential growth of the Australian Silo Art Trail Facebook Page and Group as key factors in the evolution of geographically dispersed silos into a nation-wide ‘trail’ and a celebrated Australian art form in its own right.

The findings so far reinforce that the value of the silo art trail is multi-faceted (e.g. social, cultural and economic). My current research investigates these multiple value dimensions from the perspective of multiple towns and groups (e.g. community members, businesses, tourists, artists, Councils, the general public), and how to best support and sustain the benefits of silo art for each location within the trail, and regional Australia, well into the future.

Q. What are some of the benefits of the silo art trail and the impact it can have on the communities and regional tourism?

My research illustrates the potential for silo art projects, and development of silo art trail, to:

Engage local communities and enable co-authorship of place identities, through both (1) design/concept development in cases where the community works together and with artists, curators etc., and (2) conversations amongst residents and tourists about the murals and towns that continue well after the paint dries.
Celebrate uniqueness of individual towns and distinctive rural and regional Australian identities in ways that resonate with present-day communities and other contemporary audiences (e.g. tourists looking to engage with local cultures).
Provide a ‘face’ that enlivens landscapes by introducing often emotive and striking creative stimuli (even when no person is depicted).
Re-activate and meaningfully re-interpret grain silos, a physically distinctive and socio-historically significant symbol of collective community achievement and Australian farming culture.
Establish towns ‘on the map’ and signify that a community ‘lives here’.
Start new conversations, not just for size and visual impact of each mural, but also the messages contained within (e.g. consider how the Water Diviner silos by artist Fintan Magee in Barraba invites the question ‘What is Water Divining?’, broader discussions about the community and other stories about traditional ways of life).
Invoke relationships to the environment (connections to the land, the sea and local fauna have remained common threads since the first silos in Northam, Western Australia).
Encourage face-to-face social interactions amongst the community and tourists around base of the silos, other areas in viewing distance, nearby camping sites etc.
Stimulate surrounding public space upgrades (e.g. general beautification, public seating improvements, dedicating viewing infrastructure) in response to increased usage.
Introduce world-class artists to rural and regional towns and forge opportunities for community members to collaborate with these unique ‘creative visitors’ skilled in artistic visioning of symbolic everyday behaviours and place identities.

Broader re-enchantment with rural and regional Australia (and the ‘regional Australia’ place brand) represents another theme within my research. For instance, when people talk about about silo art, they often refer to individual towns, ‘rural’ places and ‘regional Australia’ in positive tones. The place branding capacity of silo art stems from the capacity of this art to:

Help energise and activate places on a ‘ground-level’ through integration of art into public space and ensuing social interactions, while also;
Sparking public interest and conversations through which people engage with (and potentially revise their perceptions of) the towns involved.

The bourgeoning websites, newspaper coverage and social media surrounding silo art also convey messages about the joys and challenges of everyday life in these parts of the country. Greater awareness of drought conditions and interrelated issues (amongst metropolitan Australia especially) therefore represents another potential ‘unintentional’ and longer-term benefit.

Why are other countries looking at what Australia is doing?

The capacity of tourism to support rural and regional economies is of interest in America, Europe, Asia and other parts of the world. More specifically though, the silo art trail illustrates an approach to what can be described as a ‘culturally sustainable’ tourism. That is, as well as increasing tourist awareness, silo art projects that celebrate the community can open up avenues for visitors to learn about and interact with the ‘people who define this place’, local heritage, traditional ways of life and other nuanced place elements.

Australian silo art also represents an example of creative placemaking, place branding and regional arts that other countries could gain insight from.

What do you personally think about the Australian Silo Art Trail brand and the role the Facebook Group is having?

The Australian Silo Art Trail website, Facebook Page and Group, all founded by Annette Green, tie the increasing number of silos around the country together, while also providing a centralised information source and shaping a broader ‘story’ around Australian silo art.

Further, although the evolution of silo art in Australia involves the collective effort of many people, Annette Green’s role in energising the continuing momentum is remarkable and what I personally consider to be a wonderful modern-day example of the Australian spirit.

The Facebook Group in particular remains a key public storytelling channel conducive to encouraging and sustaining senses of collective ownership. Like silo art, this Group is created by people, for people.

Growth of the Group to 27,000+ members in less than one year, combined with the regularity of user posts and interactivity, indicates public interest and a desire to participate. The Facebook Group page provides an accessible platform for enabling this participation on an everyday basis, and keeping visual and verbal conversations about geographically dispersed silos and towns alive.

Dr Amelia Green
Branding and Consumer Research Network
Griffith University
urbanbrandscapes@gmail.com

Download a PDF

Tumby Bay Eyre Peninsula

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 07:37:17 GMT

Tumby Bay - South Australia

Tumby Bay Attractions

Tumby Bay Jetty
Pristine Foreshore and Lawn Area
Fishing for King George Whiting
Street Art
Silo Art
Gold Factory
Local Arts & Crafts & Speciality Shops
Golf Course, Lawn Bowls & Croquet Clubs
Local Hospital & Pharmacy
French Cafe, Bakery & Take-a-ways

Accommodation

Fishing and Crabbing

Silo Art by Martin Ron

The Tumby Bay Silo Art was completed in May 2018 as part of the regions now annual 'Colour Tumby Street Art Festival'. It was painted by an Argentinean artist by the name of Martin Ron who was assisted with the artwork by Sydney artist Matt Garrick.

For more information about this silo please follow the link below.