The Australian Silo Art Trail

GrainCorp Silos at St James, Victoria, Photo by Planet Tex - Artist Tim Bowtell
GrainCorp Silos at St James, Victoria, Photo by Planet Tex - Artist Tim Bowtell

Did you know that there is now over 7500 km of silo art to explore? There are 33 silos included in the Australian Silo Art Trail, over 40 water towers and it is growing with more silos due for completion in 2019! Our guest blogger, Annette Green, Regional Tourism Ambassador from the Australian Silo Art Trail gives us the latest on the national trail.

The ‘Silo Art Trend’ is infusing Australians with new found energy and enthusiasm. It’s encouraging people from cities and country towns alike, to get into their cars and caravans and journey along which is now undoubtably become Australia’s ‘Ultimate Road Trip’.

The benefits of the silo art trail and its impact on regional tourism.

Australia is facing one of its worst droughts in recorded history and small towns across Australia are suffering. Between 2017 and 2019, severe drought developed across much of eastern and inland Australia including Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and it also extended into parts of South Australia and Western Australia as well.

People are walking away from their farms and small business in affected towns are feeling the ‘pinch’. So, what can small towns do to save their towns and attract visitors and tourism growth? Many have chosen to join the silo art trail movement and paint their silos!

The true Aussie spirt of these silo art towns is only now just coming to light. These communities have joined together, formed committees, fundraised as one and established their towns on the ‘map’ signifying that a great community lives there.

They are promoting their heritage by displaying their story on their silos, sparking new conversations locally, nationally and internationally as well.

Tourism to these towns is now creating sustainable incomes to local businesses and residents alike.

Grenfell Silos, New South Wales, Photo by James Gard - Artist Heesco
Grenfell Silos, New South Wales, Photo by James Gard - Artist Heesco

“The Ultimate Road Trip’ why add it to your bucket list

Travelling the Australian Silo Art Trail is fast becoming the dream of most Australians and many are adding ‘The Ultimate Road Trip’ to their bucket list. When they start their journey, they wonder why they did not do it sooner.

The trip is about the anticipation you feel as you turn the corner and see the silo in the distance for the first time. “There it is” you shout! Getting out of the car, camera in hand.

The trip is about what you can also see along the way, the crops they grow in the area, the street art murals in other country towns, significant landmarks and towns you pass through that you have never even heard of before.

Silo art projects that celebrate the community can open avenues for visitors to lean about and interact with the ‘people who define the place’. Travellers gain a better understanding of local heritage, traditional ways and other nuanced place elements.

Best ways to tackle the Australian Silo Art Trail

To tackle the trail, you must first divide it into sections. At the Australian Silo Art Trail website, we have already done this for you by creating downloadable and printable maps for you to follow.

Not every trail will take weeks or months, some are achievable over a long weekend. The important thing is to just do it! Get out there, take the ‘Ultimate Road Trip’ and help support regional Australia.

For more information about the Australian Silo Art Trail and their downloadable maps please visit www.australiansiloarttrail.com

GrainCorp Silos at Sheep Hills, Victoria, Photo by James Gard - Artist Adnate
GrainCorp Silos at Sheep Hills, Victoria, Photo by James Gard - Artist Adnate

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