Poort by Belgian artist Lobe Tibos; 2008. Facing north this is the portal to Belgium. Photo: Hazel Cochrane
Back in 1837, as Colonel William Light observed the Barossa area, while planning his survey of what is now the Barossa Valley, he might not have expected that 150 years later, the natural rock formations would co-exist with manmade rock formations created from artists from all over the world.
Dreaming by Australian artist Cliff Axelson; 1988. Reflecting when eagles soared around the hills of the Barossa.
This by British artist Michael Dan Archer: 2008. Photo: Hazel Cochrane
Located at Mengler's Hill in the Barossa Ranges, the Barossa Sculpture Park overlooks the Barossa Valley from one of the most popular lookouts in South Australia. The scenic drive to the lookout travels up Basedow Road from Tanunda or Angaston to reach the car park and picnic area of the Mengler's Hill Lookout.
King and Queen by Australian artist Stefan Bruggisser; 1988. Depicting a crown or throne for the king and queen. Photo Hazel Cochrane
A Memory of the Keyhole by artist Omar Toussoun from Egypt: 2008. Sometimes the hidden is revealed when looking through the keyhole. Photo: Hazel Cochrane
Named after an early vine grower, Mengler's Hill has been home to the Sculpture Park since 1988. Created by nine local and international sculptors as part of the Barossa International Sculpture Symposium, the park is open daily and admission if free.
The short walking trail weaves around sixteen sculptures, nine of which were created from local marble and granite over six weeks in 1988. Sculptors lived with local residents during the creation of the abstract pieces, which were designed to reflect the environment and capture the spirit of the Barossa.
Spout by Roger Loos, USA. 2008. Photo: Hazel Cochrane
Jaia by Australian artist Viktor Malinowski: 2008. Representing the Earth Mother. Photo: Hazel Cochrane
Persephone by Australian artist Kevin Free: 2008 The Greek goddess of spring inviting visitors to sit and rest. Photo: Hazel Cochrane
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Park, eight more sculptors carved black and brown granite pieces in the 2nd Barossa International Symposium in 2008. With the scenic backdrop of the Barossa at dusk, the unveiling event "Stones/Air" officially gifted the new sculptures to the Barossa Valley community.
Sky by Japanese artist Takio Ogai: 1988. Representing a marble cloud floating in the sky. Photo: Hazel Ccohrane
Scenic views of the Barossa Valley from Mengler's Hill Lookout. Photo: Hazel Cochrane
Managed and maintained by the
Barossa Sculpture Park Committee, the park has picnic facilities and car parking but no toilet facilities. Accessed from the car park by a ramp or steps, the gravel path is suitable is an easy walk for any fitness level and is stroller and wheelchair friendly.
