31 May 2022

Bush art gets big at Sculpture Down the Lachlan

What’s quirky, big and will have you pulling over at every stop?

A growing new tourist attraction in the Central West of NSW Sculpture Down the Lachlan will be complete with 25 larger-than-life - and very unique - installations by the end of 2022.

The world-class public art trail starts in Forbes and stretches 100km along the Lachlan Valley Way to Condobolin. There are 21 sculptures to see now with four more to be completed in 2022.

New additions recently include ‘Wandering’ by David Ball, ‘Sonata’ by Suzie Bleach and Andrew Townsend, and ‘Gum Swamp Birds’, close to four new bird hides at Gum Swamp Wildlife Reserve. Highlights include renowned artist Stephen King’s 10.5m high ‘Tower’, the original ‘amazing’ sign at Forbes, a 12-metre steel goanna ‘Varanus’ and the 6-metre ‘Heart of Country’.

The aim of the trail is to generate tourism, diversity the rural economy and gain international recognition. After drought, a mouse plague and Covid-19, this trail is a celebration of the local community’s hard work and creativity.

“There is a strong artistic edge to the country which shows up bravely at this art trail.” said Trudy Mallick, Chairperson of the Forbes Art Society.

“Visitors and locals will gain a deeper sense of place as the sculptures reflect the culture, history and people of the region.” added Trudy.

At the end of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail, travellers will find themselves at Condobolin’s iconic ‘Utes in the Paddock’. The unique collection of 17 Holden Utes is such a drawcard that Lachlan Shire Council is constructing a new Visitor Information Centre at the site.

The trail also adds to other large attractions in the Central West including The Dish CSIRO Radio Telescope (Parkes), Grenfell Commodities Silos and the Eugowra Murals.

The brainchild of Sculpture Down the Lachlan is local artist Rosie Johnston who was unrelenting in the pursuit to achieve her vision of large-scale sculptures nestled in amongst the dry golden grasses and majestic red river gums of the Lachlan Valley. Produced by Australia’s leading creatives each sculpture on the trail has been chosen through a competition or tender process. The sculptures are installed on Crown Land within Travelling Stock Reserves.

The trail is free for everyone, at any time, and you can plan your self-guided adventure at www.sculpturedownthelachlan.com

Love your art with food? Grazing Down the Lachlan is returning to Forbes on 16-18 September 2022 following a two-year hiatus due to Covid. Grazing is the Forbes Arts Society’s major fundraising event.

For more information on planning your trip go to www.visitcentralnsw.com.au.

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Media Contact:
For high-res images, hosted famils or more information on Central NSW:
Gabrielle Brewer, GBPR for Central NSW Joint Organisation
Ph: 0419 986 528 or gabrielle@gabriellebrewer.com