In partnership with Forbes Art Society
With more than 20 larger-than-life sculptures nestled among nature, just waiting to be discovered, Sculpture Down the Lachlan isn’t your ordinary public art trail. Think sculptures by the sea… but in the bush!
The newest tourist attraction in the Central West of New South Wales starts in Forbes and stretches 100 kilometres along the Lachlan Valley Way to Condobolin, following the meandering Lachlan River. And it’s growing! By the end of 2023, three more sculptures are to be added to this permanent inland sculpture trail.
Each of the installations are extraordinary and unlike the next, making it difficult to pick a favourite. But here are some of our top picks.
Varanus (Gugaa | Goanna) by Glen Star
Anyone who has been camping in the bush has probably seen a lace monitor. The goanna (or gugaa in Wiradjuri) is of special significance to Wiradjuri people as a totemic animal, and a food source particularly during tough times.
Varanus stands 5.5 metres tall, and is 20 metres long from tongue to tail. It was crafted from 3.5 tonnes of steel, and took over 3500 hours to construct.
Road Kill by Jimmy Rix
People often complain about the damage done to cars after hitting a kangaroo when travelling. But have we ever stopped to think about this from a kangaroo’s point of view?
The 3.5-tonne reinforced Corten steel plate sculpture, which took six months to construct, depicts a role reversal of a rebellious kangaroo taking its revenge on a busy stretch of road with a cricket bat.
Heart of Country by Damian Vick
The sculpture of the man stands proudly at six metres tall. His bold stance and keen focus cuts a potent and deadly impression, while making the inescapable suggestion that he is searching for something unseen, lost along the way, relegated to the past.
Heart of Country stands as testament to the collective resilience and determination of all Indigenous Australians, and their profound spiritual connection with the land.
An adventure for all
This quirky adventure is free for everyone, at any time. The trail is accessible to caravans and campers and is easily navigated thanks to a handy downloadable map and roadside signage.
To plan your self-guided adventure down the Lachlan, visit www.sculpturedownthelachlan.com. To learn more about the sculptures, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxDGGjFEoBo.
Be sure to share your adventure with the team on Facebook and Instagram @sculpturedownthelachlan #sculpturedownthelachlan
This blog post was made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.