North East Victoria Silo Art Trail
North East Victoria Silo Art Trail
After completing the
north western trail, we decided to explore the silo artworks in the north east of the state too. This shorter route provides art lovers with the opportunity to catch a glimpse of large-scale murals no further than a few hours drive from Melbourne. A day trip is even possible for those who are keen.
Goorambat
Starting at
Goorambat, you'll be warmly greeted by three horses and an owl.
Clydesdale horses
Brothers Banjo and Clem, together with Sam the grandson of Banjo, work brilliantly as a team on the Toowoomba farm belonging to the Martin family. Clydesdale horses have chiefly supported the farming community in Goorambat until tractors took over.
The Australian Barking Owl
On the other hand, Milli holds strong against attack at Healesville Sanctuary. The Australian Barking Owl has been listed as endangered with less than fifty breeding pairs remaining in the Victorian wild. Ironbark trees, whose hollows the owl calls home, can be seen to the east of Goorambat.
Ironbark trees
Melbourne street artist
Jimmy DVate painted these magnificent creatures from photographs. Two wonderful viewing areas have been built, however, parking is still just along the road verge. If you like Jimmy's work, be sure to also check out the
Waikerie silos one day.
Devenish
The evolving role of women in military service
From Goorambat, drive on to
Devenish where you'll be reminded of the evolving role of women in military service. Both the historical World War I nurse and modern-day combat medic have been simply acknowledged by mural painter
Cam Scale.
The Australian Light Horse
A complementing light horse tribute was added a year later. The Australian Light Horse played a vital role in capturing Beersheba and Damascus during the First World War. A significant number of horses from the Devenish area were shipped overseas at that time.
Local servicemen and servicewomen
While you're there, do join the artist and take a moment to pay homage to all the local servicemen and servicewomen who paid the ultimate price for peace. Lest we forget. Specialising in figures and portraits, Cam has also completed numerous other murals including the sunset silo art at
Kimba which depicts a young girl playing in a wheat field.
St James
The story of George Coles
Continue along the trail to
St James where
Tim Bowtell's first-ever large silo work unveils the story of George Coles. You've surely shopped at a Coles supermarket somewhere in Australia before, but do you know how this well-known retail chain was founded? Could the founder really have come from such a tiny town like St James? Never forgetting the place he was born, George returned many times and donated generously to various local causes. You'll see the businessman and his North Eastern Store on one of the silos.
St James
Last on the trail is
Tungamah where the first Australian female silo artist
Sobrane Simcock has painted colourful dancing brolgas, kookaburra, galah, hummingbird, owl, cockatoo, ibis and wrens.
Tungamah
As these silos are fully operational, you'll want to remain within the designated viewing area for your own safety. Quite a number of people were there when we were and hence parking was a little trickier. The silos are located on the corner of Middleton and Station Streets.
