We are absolutely loving seeing silo and water tank art popping up in regional communities all around Australia, especially when they are in our own backyard here in Queensland! From Thallon to Cloncurry and across to Bribie Island, more and more of Queensland is being brightened up by stunning large-scale murals. Next time you are on the road, why not pull into one of these towns to see the artworks up close!
Thallon
Thallon is a charming little town in the Balonne Shire, approximately six hours from Brisbane, that has gained notoriety for its beautiful silo art. The artwork, titled ‘The Watering Hole’ was painted by Joel Fergie, the Brightsiders’ and Travis Vinson, in consultation with the local community. The beautiful artwork was inspired by the works of three local photographers.
The Great Day Out recently visited Thallon on a scenic drive through South-West Queensland. See more of the silo art here!
Yelarbon
The Yelarbon Silos are only a recent addition to Queensland silo art trail, but they are certainly making a splash. The 24-metre tall artwork is called ‘When the rain comes’, and depicts the Yelarbon lagoon in better times. The Yelarbon Silos are another one of Joel Fergie and the Brightsiders’ masterpieces.
See more of the Yelarbon Silos here!
Moura
Moura is home to a stunning water tower mural, painted by Brisbane artist Sam Wilkinson. The beautiful water tower is quite a sight to see – towering over the Dawson Highway at 18 metres high. Amazingly, Sam painted the tower in just five days, using predominantly spray cans!
Mundubbera
Did you know that Mundubbera also has its own water tank art? Mundubbera’s water tank was painted well before its time though, being adorned back in 1997. The mural wraps the whole way around the tank and is incredible to see up close.
The water tank is easy to find, just south off the Burnett Highway at the Mundubbera/Dalby sign. Travel two kilometres through the village of Mundubbera and the water tower is on the right, just after Leichhardt Street.
Slade Point, Mackay
The Slade Point Water Tower was completed in June 2019 by Scott Nagy and Cara Sanders. The mural celebrates the area’s wildlife, depicting Humpback Whales migrating along the coast, and a Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo. For the best view of the water tower, head to Lambert’s Lookout.
Cloncurry
Cloncurry is approximately 120km east of Mount Isa and is often called the gateway to the north-west. If you are road-tripping through the area, pull into Cloncurry to see the stunning water tank art. The Cloncurry artwork was only recently completed by Joel Fergie, the talented artist who painted the silos in Thallon. The giant mural is particularly beautiful up close, as it symbolises the area, representing just what makes the town so unique. On one side you will spot the Mitakoodi tribe’s dreaming bird and on the other a symbol representing the beginnings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Two local children also appear on the mural.
Kallangur
The Kallangur Water Tower in Curruthers Park on Narangba Road is another one of Joel Fergie, the Brightsiders’ and Travis Vinson’s masterpieces. The tower is a whopping 33-metres tall and features a beautiful artwork titled ‘Symbiosis’ featuring native trees and a cockatoo.
Mount Isa
Up at the lookout in Mount Isa, you can find a beautiful water tank mural, that shows off the area’s landscapes and native wildlife. The gorgeous artwork is the first of many murals that will be funded by Red Ridge Interior Queensland. Keep an eye out because rumour has it that they are also funding murals in Cloncurry, Richmond, Winton, Longreach and Windorah.
Holloways Beach, Cairns
Up North in Cairns, you can find another painted water tower, overlooking Holloways Beach. In the word’s of the artist, Low Bros, “the work focuses Coral Bleaching, a negative environmental condition brought on by human stressors such as pollution, rising sea temperatures and over-fishing. This threat affects the fragile ecosystems of tropical seas, particularly the Great Barrier Reef”.
Bribie Island
When you think of Bribie Island, you probably think of its pristine beaches, but did you know that it is also home to two beautifully painted water towers? The Woorim and Bongaree Water Tower were painted by Scott Nagys and Mike Shankster earlier this year.
Point Cartwright
Joel Fergie, the Brightsiders’ and Travis Vinson have struck again up at Point Cartwright. This beautiful reservoir was painted back in 2016 and features marine life swimming around it. The stunning artwork is a massive 17-metres in height and 20.5-metres in diameter. It sure is an impressive sight towering over the sea below! While you are on the Sunshine Coast, the Peregian Water Tank and Caloundra Reservoir are also worth visiting.
For more ideas about things to see and do in Queensland, visit our website.
By Kate Nutting
