Water Tower Art Along Overlander's Way

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Stretching from Townsville to northwest Queensland, the Overlander's Way takes travellers through historic towns, dinosaur centres, rocky outcrops and red sand. However, what stood out most for me was the painted murals on various water towers along the way. The region's unspoiled beauty is complemented by these works of art.



Stepping into Hughenden is synonymous with stepping back in time. Thousands of dinosaur fossils have been found here. Capturing the sense of wonder, artists Joel Fergie (aka The Zookeeper) and Travis Vinson (aka DRAPL) painted a young local boy playing with his toy dinosaurs on the Alyss Street water tower. They completed the larger-than-life piece in just five days.



On Mclaren Street, another water tower art by the pair depicts an awesome sunset and the town's recreational lake. A lot of colours were used to bring this to life.



Situated halfway along the Overlander's Way is the bougainvillea-lined township of Richmond. Opened to white settlement in 1862, this oasis in the outback not only features a marine reptile museum but also offers a heritage walk with signs depicting yesteryear. A water tower mural representing the old mail service, which trekked through the area from 1866, can be seen at Lakeview Caravan Park. The 360-degree artwork was completed by artist Bastian Allfrey and is about twenty metres above ground. As we were staying at the park, we could view the mural from all sides.



Head further to Cloncurry for another masterpiece by Joel Fergie. Besides the sunset sky and Indigenous community, Joel's work of art also pays tribute to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) which started in Cloncurry in 1928. This service has transformed rural health in outback regions. You'll find the water tank sitting on top of a hill accessible via Chinaman Creek Road. Do visit the John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery as well to learn more about Reverend Flynn and the founding of the RFDS.



And, last but not least, Mount Isa's lookout is home to a water tank mural featuring native flora and fauna such as the black-shouldered kite, bream, barramundi and lorikeet. These images were painted by artist David Houghton in 2019.



If you're interested in art, then making this 'Overlander's Way' journey might just be the road trip for you. More information can be found on their website .

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