Orange Region Public Art Tour

Public Art, Walks and DrivesMapsAdmin

The Orange region forms part of the Central Western Plains of NSW, with Bathurst to our east, Mudgee to the north and Cowra in the south.  We’re also central to the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people, a vast area bound by the three major rivers: the Macquarie (Wambool), Lachlan (Kalari), and Murrumbidgee (Murrumbidjeri). Our region is flush with scenic landscapes, fertile farmland, outstanding wineries and a collection of beautiful, historic towns and villages. 

This driving tour showcases more public art, heritage sites, galleries, artisans, Aboriginal experiences, festivals, family fun, arts and cultural events:

Gaanha bula  Mount Canobolas is the dominant feature in our landscape and was a major Wiradjuri ceremonial site. Dreaming stories are known by people with a strong traditional connection to this place, and because of this on-going traditional knowledge, the site retains its significance to contemporary Wiradjuri people. In 2023 the summit was redeveloped and Wiradjuri Elder, Uncle Neil Ingram Snr, agreed to share publicly the Three Brothers Creation story. The resulting cultural interpretation and educational display was created by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the local Wiradjuri community. It features an original ground mosaic pavement motif created specifically for the project, based off the work of local Aboriginal artist Mick Crook.

Gaanha-bula Mount Canobolas Image credit: Jen Dodson / DPE Mount Canobolas Summit

Village murals are great drawcards for travellers across inland Australia, often connecting local events, communities and characters.  Eugowra sits in the heart of bushranger country. Nearby, at Escort Rock, the notorious Frank Gardiner and his gang executed the largest gold robbery in Australian history, stealing 77 kilograms of gold and £3,700 in cash. This event is depicted on the town’s largest mural, one of more than 30 on display.  Eugowra’s murals create a colourful trail that turns a stroll through town into an unforgettable journey through time. It’s a must-see for road trippers, photographers, and anyone chasing that perfect blend of culture and country charm.

Welcome to Eugowra Various artists. Mural created during the annual Eugowra Murals Weekend.

More murals with stories to tell can be found in Blayney, Carcoar, Canowindra, Manildra, Molong, Mandurama, Neville and Orange.

The popular, family friendly Animals on Bikes paddock art trail stretches from Molong to the Western Plains Zoo, via Cumnock and Yeoval. This self-drive tourist route can be viewed from the comfort of your own car, with plenty of stop-off points along the way.  Created since 2009 by local farmers, families, neighbours, retirees, bus drivers, preschool kids and playgroup mums, there are now more than 100 sculptures on show! Find your favourite!

Animals on Bikes: Marmalade the Giraffe Christine Weston (water tank, hose pipe, chemical drums, corrogated iron, string, scrap metal, kids old bikes, 2009)

Local heritage and history is also celebrated at museums, galleries and locations throughout the region.

Banjo Paterson Bush Park and Poet’s Walk in Yeoval celebrates the early childhood of Australia’s most renowned poet. The park also features a huge bronze sculpture by Henry Moore, among others.

Henry Moore
Drago Marin Cherina (Bronze, donated and installed 2010)

Other historic events and people are acknowledged with the miner cut-outs at Wentworth Mine in Lucknow, the Bi-Centenial Embroided Screen in Molong and Orange’s Dairy Creek Cows.

If you’re heading further afield look out for a few more road-based showcases:

Sculpture Down the Lachlan is a permanent, public art trail that covers 100 kilometres between Forbes and Condobolin, along the Lachlan River.  It features 25 substantial works by renowned Australian artists, enveloped by the raw, unmanicured beauty of the natural rural landscape. The iconic Amazing sculpture was the first large-scale sculpture to feature on the trail, installed in 2017.

Sculpture Down the Lachlan: AMAZING
community, Rosie Johnston (Painted metal, 2017)

Utes in the Paddock at Condobolin attracts visitors all year round.  This outdoor gallery celebrates the iconic Holden ute with some of Australia’s most gifted outback artists donating their time and talent to create this unique tribute to life in the bush. There are currently 20 utes on display.

You’ll find great examples of silo/water tower murals in townships and communities throughout the Central West (use the ‘Silo Art’ tag on the Public Art Map to pinpoint these wonders).

To explore any of these works of art on the PUBLIC ART MAP 

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Header image: Miner Cut Outs Brian Corby (Corten steel, 2006)