Australia is blessed with a wealth of culture, history and art that can be fascinating to explore in person. For those that like to see art up close and personal. An Australian Silo Art tour is a rich and rewarding experience. Silo murals form part of an art trail that spans over 8,500 km starting in Western Australia and terminating in Queensland. We explore the silo art trail Echuca which has a trio of spectacular art silos and a water tank.
Visitors can explore the small towns in the region, enjoy the local food, natural attractions, wine regions and see some amazing art. The Echuca silo art first leg is to Rochester and the route ends at the Picola silo art silo. Let’s take a closer look at the six stops and what you may want to see.
Stop 1: Echuca Moama to Rochester
This drive takes around 25 minutes to reach the Rochester Grain Corp Silos. These were the first examples of Echuca silo art painted in the region by Jimmy Dvate. The first two were completed in 2018.
The initial silos feature a pair of local species that are under threat. The wrist-winged squirrel glider and the azure kingfisher. In 2022, a third silo featuring a duck-billed platypus was completed at 18 Ramsay St in Rochester.
Visitors to this area can also explore Mural Park and the Iddles Lane Mural. This commemorates Ron Iddles who was a famous local homicide detective.
Stop 2: Rochester to Colbinabbin
The second section of the route is a 25 minute drive to reach a six-silo art mural located in Colbinabbin. This Echuca silo art project was painted in 2020 by Tim Bowell. It retells key stories from the area and the links with agriculture, the railway station and the local community.
Art lovers should take a pause to visit the Colbinabbin General Store for a coffee and snack or head for the renovated Colbinabbin Hotel. The Heathcote wine region is nearby and there are wineries to visit to sample and purchase the award-winning wine.
Stop 3: Colbinabbin to Stanhope
This is a 24 minute drive via Rushworth to see the Montevideo Maru mural in Stanhope. This mural was recently completed by Tim Bowtell and it’s a tribute to those that perished in the largest Australian maritime disaster. Among the three victims were three men from Stanhope.
You can take a brief detour to the Many Makers Gallery to see the spectacular Fonterra Mural which is comprised of thousands of unique photos.
Stop 4: Stanhope to Tongala
This is a longer 40 minute drive, but this small town is well worth a visit for art lovers. There are more than 40 spectacular street murals displayed on fences and buildings in and around the town centre. During Easter and Christmas the Hay Bale Trail is in session with local farmers and artists joining forces to add extra colour to the town.
Along the main road near the shopping centre a park area. Here you will find a war memorial and a statue. It is remembrance of the light horse brigade and their horses.
Stop 5: Tongala to Kyabram
A short 13 minute drive, is an excellent example of what the silo art trail Echuca has to offer. Kyabram Art Water Tank is the most recent addition, it was painted in 2012 by Jimmy Dvate. It features the flora and fauna of the nearby Kyabram Fauna Park wetlands.
The three standout examples of local wildlife include Major-Mitchell’s cockatoo, the eastern long neck turtle and the golden whistler. This water tank can be viewed at the corner of Drum and Union street in Kyabram.
In the nearby Kyabram Town Hall Gallery visitors can view art produced by local artists, vintage clothing exhibitions and the occasional touring art exhibition too.
Stop 6: Kyabram to Picola
This is a 35 minute drive to visit the Picola Art Silo which was painted in 2020 by Jimmy Dvate. This piece features the Barmah National Park and the resident wildlife.
When we visited Picola there was nowhere to stop for food or a drink. So, make sure that you carry enough water with you. Especially in the warmer months of the year.
Visitors to the silo have a visual puzzle to solve. Picola used to be known as “the hook” because it’s where the railway line terminated. Somewhere in the silo art Jimmy Dvate has hidden a hook image that’s difficult to find without careful study.
The Return Journey to Echuca
This is a 36 minute drive back to Echuca via Barmah. If you have some time remaining you can take a pause before you cross the bridge to enter NSW. Here you will find a ferry that vichels used to cross the Murray river. You are now able cross the river by the Barmah bridge which was built in 1966.
Some Great Places to Eat Along the Silo Art Trail Echuca
This route features a number of cafes that serve fresh coffee and homemade pastries. Every cafe or bakery is charming and they tend to have specialties to sample. One can find some excellent restaurants that use locally sourced produce and there’s something to satisfy virtually every palate. We had a lunch at the cafe at Colbinabbin and sat outside on the verandah.
Hungry diners can sample a range of cuisines including Australian, Asian, Italian and more. There are local breweries and wineries that have tastings and the opportunity to make a purchase to take home with you. There are pubs, wine bars and clubs to visit for those taking a break from driving along the route.
What Do I Need to Take When Doing the Silo Art Trail Echuca?
A trip along the Australia Silo Art Trail includes plenty of places to purchase essential items that you’ve misplaced or forgotten. For those that want to plan ahead, there are some essential items that you will need:
- Comfy Shoes: To properly explore the sites you need to wear comfy and sturdy footwear.
- Comfy Clothing: Choose comfy weather-appropriate clothes using layers that can be added or removed throughout the day as the temperature rises or falls.
- Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days it’s important to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.
- Sunglasses and a Hat: These items of clothing will protect your eyes and head from the sun.
- A Camera or Smartphone: Some of the art that can be seen along the silo trail is truly stunning and you will certainly want to capture some images.
- A Battery Bank: Many people will have a charging point in their vehicles. But it’s often a great idea to bring along a battery bank for an emergency mobile device recharge.
- A GPS App and/or a Physical Map: These items will be useful when you’re navigating the route to reach the next silo.
- Water Bottles: Some rural areas may have limited facilities and it’s a great idea to have reusable water bottles on hand to stay hydrated.
- Snacks: Taking some snacks or a picnic lunch is a good strategy if you don’t want to stop for food or you’re unsure where you want to eat.
- A Notebook: With a pen or pencil you can make sketches, jot down notes and make a record of your reactions to the art you’re viewing.
5 Tips for Effective Planning and Preparation
- Check the Weather Forecast: Always check what the weather will be like before you set off to ensure that you have the appropriate clothing and gear that you will need.
- Charge Your Mobile Devices: Recharging on the go may be possible, but it’s an excellent idea to fully charge all devices before you leave home.
- Plan Your Route: We’ve presented a rough route to follow in this article, but if you want to make deviations to alternate locations it’s a good idea to plan a route. This should include notes on places to stop for food or to visit restrooms and use other facilities.
- Check the Opening Hours: Certain art galleries, eateries and other places may have specific opening hours that you won’t want to miss.
- Fill the Tank: There may be fewer opportunities to refuel in rural locations and it’s a great idea to fill the vehicle fuel tank before you set off and when you get an opportunity to refuel on the road.
In Conclusion-Silo Art Trail Echuca
The silo art trail Echuca is a fascinating way to explore a fusion of art, culture and history at the same time. Every silo tells a unique story about the surrounding area which only adds to the charm. Some of the artists working on these rural pieces are truly inspiring and a trip can be planned to visit one or multiple silos on the same day.
Along the route visitors will find numerous local towns that have their own culture and history to explore. Visiting these places, getting a bite to eat or purchasing some local wine or food is a great way to support local businesses. If you feel truly inspired you can even follow and support silo art initiatives to create new rural artwork.