It all began in 2015, when FORM, a not-for-profit cultural organisation, had the idea to paint the enormous grain silos in the small town of Northam. From there, five other regional towns had their silos decorated by renowned artists from around the world, celebrating the agricultural landmarks that give many of these communities their livelihoods.

The trail was completed in 2018 and spans more than 1000 kilometres through rural towns, with these world-class artworks visible over treetops and from highways. Following the PUBLIC Silo Art Trail is the perfect way to get off the beaten track and visit these unique places that have so much to offer.

Merredin

In Merredin in 2017, Western Australian street artist Kyle Hughes-Odgers spent two weeks and 200 litres of paint creating his artwork. Four 35-metre-high silos have been transformed by the mural, and are a representation of the town’s rich history in grain growing. Even the colours used were considered – with yellows, burnt oranges and blues representing the surrounding natural environment and landscape.

Newdegate

In Newdegate, Perth muralist Brenton See has captured the region’s native wildlife perfectly by featuring a range of native animals on three of Newdegate’s four silos, including the western bearded dragon, malleefowl, spotted-thighed tree frog and red-tailed phascogale. The final silo is an emblematic depiction of the region, and shows a water drop painted white and teal. The white symbolises the salt lakes, and the blue represents the freshwater lakes and rain. The water drop is set against a background of coloured squares that represent the surrounding land and the way it appears from above.

Pingrup

Next, head to Pingrup – a small farming town with a population of about 230. In 2018, Miami-based artist Evoca1 took just over two weeks and 230 litres of paint to transform three silos into an incredible artwork that really captures the spirit and character of this tight-knit town. The silos feature depictions of the town’s famous Pingrup Races, the local Merino sheep industry, its agricultural heritage, and even the blue tractor that can be found in the main street of town. A lot of thought and planning went into the creation of this mural, and it was important for Evoca1 to get the input and opinion of the community to ensure that he was creating something that truly reflects their lives.

Albany

Continue your journey south to Albany, a two-hour drive from Pingrup. Albany is Western Australia’s southernmost port town and where you will find some of the most spectacular coastline in the country. It is in these pristine waters that the ruby seadragon was found. Named after its distinct red colouring, the ruby seadragon is only the third species of seadragon to have ever been discovered in the world. Native to the Western Australian coast, this red sea creature was the inspiration for artists Yok and Sheryo’s 35-metre-high mural. The Brooklyn-based artists took 17 days to complete the mega artwork, which is the only one on the state’s Silo Art Trail that depicts one mural across four silos.

The Autumn 2023 edition of Caravanning Australia is out now!