Patchewollock, Fintan Magee
Considered one of the world’s top places to road trip due to the never-ending open stretches of road, outback Australia is a dream come true for those wanting to venture off the beaten track. Now there is another reason which combines both culture and road trips into one. The Silo Art Trail, a popular tourist attraction in rural Victoria and is being called Australia’s largest outdoor gallery.
The trail stretches over 200 kilometres between Patchewollock and Rupanyup, with a collection of 6 decommissioned wheat silos which have been transformed into large-scale murals by national and international artists. Starting in 2016, the first silo artwork sprung up in Brim and began as a small community project run by the Brim Active Community Group, GrainCorp (who donated the silo canvases), Juddy Roller (international street art agency) and renowned Australian artist Guido van Helten.
Brim, Guido van Helten
After much international media hype from this first silo, so began the idea for a trail and influx of tourists to these remote forgotten townships. Each artist explores the region for their muse to create a mural which tells a story about the host town and its community. The trail is a wonderful way to shine light on the remote parts of Victoria but in particular focusing on the people from the region.
The trail also recognises the ‘true spirit of the Wimmera Mallee’, the agricultural heart of Victoria, home to hard-working farmers and respected indigenous Elders, an area also known as one of the world’s great grain-growing areas. International visitors to the area have increased by 30% since the Silo Art Trail was completed, which is another reason the trail is a success for the remote region. To explore the trail you may need a spare 2-3 hours up your sleeve, but if road trips are your thing, mixed in with a little culture appreciation, then this trail might be your perfect city break. You can even sleep in a silo for the night if staying over in Hopetoun.
Sheep Hills, Adnate
Lascelles, Rone
To see more murals and know more about the people in each one you can read about it here.
Renée Blakeley
Senior Finished Artist
Many thanks to The Silo Art Trail, 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. Images courtesy of The Silo Art Trail.