– Discover –
In Carrathool Shire, creativity takes root in the most unexpected corners. From quiet country towns to open paddocks and roadside stops, art surprises and delights at every turn.
Follow the Hillston Art Trail, where murals, sculptures, and installations tell stories of land, life and community. Step into Wally’s Junk Art Gallery in Rankins Springs, where scrap metal is transformed into whimsical, larger-than-life characters. In Goolgowi, marvel at the large-scale Bicentennial soft-sculpture curtain at the community hall, a piece that reflects the spirit of the town.
Or pause in our villages—reflect on resilience at the striking sculpture in Rankins Springs, or honour the spirit of early settlers at Merriwagga’s Memorial to Pioneer Women, a moving tribute to their strength and sacrifice.
Don’t forget to pack your camera and take your time—there’s creativity, colour and character to discover around every corner.
📍 Hillston Art Trail – Interactive Map
Lake Woorabinda Art Mural
MAN.De, 2025
Mural – acrylic on brickwork/steel
This newly completed mural (August 2025) was completed by artist MAN.De as part of the Lake Woorabinda Precinct Upgrades project. The design highlights local flora and fauna, celebrating the life and colour in our regional area.
Location: Lake Woorabinda, Hillston
Resilience Sculpture
John Wood , 2003
Sculpture – painted figures on corten steel
The sculpture represents our uncertain and sometimes extreme climate and depicts glossy black cockatoos which inhabit the Rankins Springs area.
Location: Midwestern Highway, Rankins Springs
Memorial to Pioneer Women
Ron Clarke, 2002
Sculpture – acrylic on steel silhouette
This sculpture was commissioned by public funding commemorating the contribution of pioneer women to the district – in particular Barbara Blaine, whose tragic death creates the origin of the Black Stump story.
Location: Black Stump Park, Merriwagga
Hillston Water Tower Mural
Krimsone, 2024
Completed in 2024 this mural represents the flora and fauna in the local landscape, celebrating the diversity and beauty of our area. A must see stop on the Australian Silo Art Trail.
Location: High Street, Hillston
Sunburnt Country
Heather Lyall, 2020
2021 Billboard Art Competition Winner
Digital Graphic mounted on alipanel / Oils on canvas
The original painting hangs in the Hillston District Office of the Carrathool Shire. The billboard version is erected on the entry to Hillston along the Kidman Way.
Location: Kidman Way, Hillston (Billboard) & 139-145 High Street, Hillston
Hillston Youth Mural
Luke Vineburg, 2023
The Hillston Youth Mural design was inspired by the Hillston Bluebirds and completed as part of the 2023 Youth Mural Project.
Location: Lions Park, Hillston
Emus at the Waterhole
Jennifer Forster & Jess Forster, 2020
Mural – acrylic on plasterboard
This mural can be viewed in the Hillston Library and represents the flora and fauna in the local landscape, especially in the north west sections of the Shire.
Location: WG Parker Memorial Library | High Street, Hillston
Bicentennial Soft Sculpture
Goolgowi Arts Council, 1988
Multi textile tapestry
The work depicts the history of the district in good times and bad. It measures approximately 5m long and 1.2m high. Access enquiries to Carrathool Shire on 02 6965 1900.
Location: Goolgowi Public Hall | Farrer Street, Goolgowi
Emu Antics
Hillston Creative Arts Council, 2019
Mixed media on cast fibreglass
The installation comprises 3 unique emus each vibrantly decorated by the Hillston Creative Arts Council with different themes.
Location: Hughie Cameron Park | High Street, Hillston
Images of Kidman Country
Joan Vagg, 1997
Drawing – Water colours, ink, conte pencil on paper
This work illustrates a number of key images of the region, and the broader area known as Kidman Country and can be viewed at the Hillston Council Office.
Location: Carrathool Shire Council Office | 139-145 High Street, Hillston
Kidman Way Sculpture
Ron Clark, 1999
Sculpture – acrylic on steel silhouette
The sculpture celebrates the sealing of the Kidman Way north to Bourke and represents Sir Sidney Kidman’s vision to open up the Outback.
Location: Kidman Way, Wallanthery
Goolgowi Youth Mural
Luke Vineburg, 2023
Completed as part of the 2023 Youth Mural Project this mural brightens a popular spot at Goolgowi’s Settlers Park.
Location: Settlers Park, Goolgowi