On the Art Trail

camera. By MONIQUE CECCATO.

Harvey’s newly constructed Noongar Kaartdijin Bidee (the ‘Noongar knowledge path’) is the intersection between street art and Aboriginal culture. The educational installation uses colourful murals and interpretive signage to celebrate the stories and symbols of Noongar boodja (Noongar country). Lesley Ugle, a local elder, headed up the project. She commissioned local artist, Ninette Comito, and Balardung father and daughter duo, Troy and Tahlia Bennell, to bring the walk’s visuals to life. The trail begins at the Harvey Visitor Centre, leading you under the South Western Highway, before winding its way along the lush, green banks of the Harvey River. It’s an accessible walk, so anyone of any ability can enjoy the 400m-long trail.

No surface has been left untouched in the quaint country town of Capel. Even the community bins have had a glow-up, plastered with photos snapped by residents who were keen to see their town taken over by art. They were so eager that they worked with the shire to commission nine colourful artworks in the inaugural Captivate Capel in 2017. Each of the nine murals painted depict different aspects of the shire. There’s a homage to the town’s tuart logging days by Erin Rafferty on the side of her tattoo studio, Ink Vision; a tribute to the ANZACs on the RSL Hall; and a fun, daisy-crown wearing cow by Mikaela Miller - affectionately known as Mabel from Capel - welcoming customers to Capel Butchers.

It’s hard to know where to start your art journey in Bunbury. With more than 40 large scale murals dotted through the city and a collection of 20 or so painted electrical boxes, the city boasts the most extensive collection of street art in regional Australia. There are some big names on the walls in Bunbury, including a Fintan McGee on the side of the Grand Cinemas; a Beastman behind the art gallery; and even an Anya Brock tucked away down the side of Shoobedoo. The easiest way to tackle the

ReDiscover trail? Grab a coffee on Victoria Street, download a copy of the street art trail map from the Visit Bunbury Geographe website, and start pounding the pavement!

Art lovers art spoilt for

FEAST FOR THE EYES Bunbury has the most extensive collection of street art in regional Australia. See works like Anya Brockopposite during a walk around town.

choice in the Harvey shire as it’s home to not one, but two fantastic art trails. While you’re at the Harvey Visitor Centre experiencing the Noongar Kaartdijin Bidee walk, do yourself a favour and visit Anthea Ward’s mosaiced creation out the front of the building. It’s one of many mosaics on the Harvey mosaic and mural trail. The gum leafshaped piece, featuring black and white Friesian cows and oranges, was a collaborative effort between the local artist and high school students. Head out to nearby Binningup, Yarloop, and Myalup, and you’ll find more of Ward’s tiled creations welcoming you to town. Before you do, don’t forget to check out the five 6 x 2m murals that depict the Harvey district lifestyle on the main street, and Ward’s welcoming mosaic on Uduc Rd.

Just when you thought the brutal concrete face of Collie’s Wellington Dam couldn’t be more iconic, it gets the go-ahead to be the canvas for a major piece of art. By the end of 2020, the dam will be home to a 367m x 34m mega-mural by renowned Queensland artist, Guido van Helton. Helton, who’s known for his large-scale photorealistic style, has painted structures in Italy, the United States of America, Canada, and Iran. He was also instrumental in the silo mural trend that swept through country Australia. Joining the piece will be a handful of smaller murals, commissioned to colour the Collie townsite and to join the existing Shakey mural on Forrest St.

City of Bunbury Wildlilfe park