Follow Thou Art: Sculptures and Murals Trails

Sometimes, the most memorable journeys aren’t about ticking off major sights, but following your curiosity – through quiet towns, open skies, and moments that leave a lasting impression. Sun Country and North of the Murray regions are shaped by stories, and there’s no better way to connect with its heart than by exploring the Art Trail: a collection of murals, sculptures, and whimsical surprises that bring our landscapes, heritage, and creativity to life.

Begin the loop, or choose your own path

Whether you’re taking a leisurely drive or planning a few days of exploration, the art scattered across this 365km trail weaves through the towns and villages that define the region. Each stop is a window into local life, full of colour, character, and community spirit.

Howlong

Known affectionately as “God’s Country,” Howlong brings nature and imagination together. Tracy Hancock’s murals near the supermarket evoke the majesty of the Murray River. Nearby in Memorial Park, the Enchanted Hut by Kristina Greenwood opens a world of fairies, mushrooms, and magical creatures – perfect for curious little ones and grownups who still believe in wonder.

Corowa

Corowa blends Federation history with vibrant creativity. Start at Memorial Plaza, where Kade Sarte’s interactive murals-co-created with local students – spark joy. Wander to the Community Garden for the quirky Chook Mural & Mosaic Sundial or visit the Federation Museum to admire tributes to iconic artworks and rural life. Don’t miss the shimmering Brolgas Sculpture at the top of Sanger Street, a graceful symbol of community pride.

Yarrawonga Mulwala

By Lake Mulwala, art meets storytelling. Samuel Hall’s two-part mural celebrates the White Bellied Sea Eagle and Mary Jane Rose – the midwife who helped shape Mulwala’s early days. Across the road, Andrew Whitehead’s scrap-metal masterpiece, *King of the River*, transforms a bicycle rack into a tribute to the mighty Murray Cod. At the Mulwala Library, etched aluminium panels reveal slices of history, creating a wall that speaks volumes.

While in Yarrawonga Mulwala, you might like to cross the border and check out the mural located at Rotary Park in Belmore Street. This mural celebrates “THE GROVE – Open Air Theatre” that once stood in this location from 1935 to 1964. The Artist Tim Bowtell’s painted mural depicts old classic movie-style posters, black and white photos of the theatre, projector room, manager Don Forbes and the Usherettes.

Lowesdale

Outside the primary school, Andrew Whitehead’s Shearing the Rams sculpture – built with salvaged metal from local farms – honours both artistic legacy and rural life. Created with the help of local kids, this work reflects the essence of growing up in the country.

Daysdale

Pause outside the Exchange Hotel and meet the town’s humble heroes – Man on the Pump and Hardworking Horse. These scrap-metal sculptures by Doug Monroe and Jimmy Hewson capture the spirit of mateship, reminding us that in small communities, everyone lends a hand.

Oaklands

Oaklands celebrates both its people and its rare native flora. Outside the Vintage Machinery Museum, steel Peoplescape figures (originally displayed on Parliament House lawns) greet visitors. Just a short walk away, the vibrant Orchid in a Teacup sculpture raises awareness of the endangered Oaklands Orchid-a delicate beauty found nowhere else in the world.

Urana

Art here is anything but ordinary. On the towering water tank, Whitehead’s Not So Itsy Spider-a giant redback-watches from above, cheekily nodding to the town’s old football team. At ground level, his Savannah Goanna and The Stockman and His Mob tell stories through steel, blending traditional Aboriginal styles, bush life, and a tribute to the iconic Bills Troughs that once dotted rural Australia.

Morundah

Tiny but mighty, Morundah is home to both operatic performances and striking public art. In the village park, Whitehead’s ‘Toolbox Horse and Jockey Sculpture celebrates over 100 years of local horse racing. Nearby, you’ll find playful pieces-a carved tree, a sculpture of a joey, and the elusive hidden kookaburra – each one inviting you to pause and smile.

Boree Creek

Round off your journey at Boree Creek. Whitehead’s heartfelt Swagman and Rusty sculpture captures the quiet bond between a traveller and his dog, while Last Train from Boree gives a whimsical nod to former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer’s lifelong love of trains. These pieces feel personal – like memories made visible.

Make it your own

This art trail isn’t just about what you see – it’s about how it makes you feel. Whether it’s the giggle of a child discovering a hidden fairy, a conversation sparked by a mural, or the silent moment spent admiring a glinting sculpture at sunset, these are the moments that stay with you.

So, take the long road. Wander the towns. Talk to locals. And let the stories behind the art become part of your own. Because here, in the spaces between paddocks and on the sides of old walls, you’ll find moments that mean everything.