Thirteen kilometres west of Maryborough on the road to Biggenden is the small town of Mungar. Mungar is known mostly for being a rural cattle and sugar cane area, although some Maryborough locals have chosen to live there with the benefit of being able to own acreage. Mungar is also not too far away to travel to Maryborough for work each day.
Mungar can also be accessed by a turnoff south of Maryborough at the town of Tiaro and this route provides a nice leisurely drive through the country. However, this road does narrow in width to the size of a smaller country road, albeit bitumen all the way.
The Mungar State School opened in 1875 and although the school today is still relatively small, most of the children attending there continue for their entire primary schooling. The school accesses all the usual important learning programs available and each child has the opportunity to engage in inter-school sports with the larger schools in Maryborough.
Large Emu signals the location of The Rustic Emu Art & Craft Gallery Mungar
Mungar is also the home to "The Rustic Emu Art & Craft Gallery" situated on Mungar Road and recognised by a large metal letterbox in the shape of an Emu at the front gate. Owner Sue Shepherd and her family live at the back of the gallery and she is always on hand for any questions. Sue is in the process of expanding the garden area to include Orge's bridge and many pottery ornaments can be found there. Pottery classes are held at the gallery and newcomers are most welcome. If you give Sue a call, she can elaborate on the type of pottery classes held and the times they are to be conducted.
Pottery figures can be located in the garden around the gallery
There are so many unique hand-made items for sale, that it was hard to notice them all in your first sweep of the gallery. On a second look around I found many more. Before entering the gallery and under the pergola, varying sizes of animals made out of recycled metals are on display. Each has a very unique character and it's easy to fall in love with one to take home. As I am a lover of anything made from wood, I was intrigued by the deer standing in a garden nearby. Made out of sawn pieces and small branches of a Bottle Bush tree of similar, this simplistic, yet ingenious idea was striking in the rural background. That is what makes recycling so much fun, as the smallest or largest component can be saved for a creative idea. You just need to think of them first!
Unique recycled gifts for everyone
My favourite items made simply from the branch and trunk of a bottle brush tree
If you are on holiday and in the area, put The Rustic Emu Art & Craft Gallery on your list of things to see.
Many more items for sale under the pergola
