Stretching some 200 kilometres, this circuit trail out of the small Central Western Queensland town of Aramac passes Lake Dunn along the way and features over 40 excellent metal sculptures ranging in size from just a metre high to a magnificent pair of jabirus (Milynda’s favourite sculpture) towering over five metres above the surrounding plain. Nowadays officially known as the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail, the circuit travels through quite scenic countryside including gorges, breakaways and flat open country; and (of course) alongside the waterway of Lake Dunn.

Each of the quite incredible and diverse sculptures along the way is an artwork in itself and has been created from old rusting, recycled and upcycled odds and ends sourced from local town rubbish tips and properties. Milynda’s works range from jackaroos on horseback, emus and chicks, frilled neck lizards, fighting kangaroos, snakes, echidnas, eagles, a bottle tree, a ‘drop bear’ koala in a tree, and many more. As time goes on, Milynda continues to add new works to this splendid trail.

Elsewhere as the trail progresses, visitors will see Gray Rock – a large sandstone rock that once doubled as a unique visitor’s book used by Cobb & Co passengers who stopped off at a wayside pub that once stood here.

Also worth a stop is Horsetailer’s Gorge (once a holding area for Cobb & Co horses), featuring some colourful breakaway cliffs and now the site of a (returned) soldier on horseback sculpture standing precariously on top of the cliff. Also worth checking out is the Healing Circle on a small hillside along the way.

Another interesting feature along this trail revolves around the story of notorious cattle duffer Harry Redford (correct name Readford – written up in the famous novel Robbery Under Arms as Captain Starlight). Back in 1870, Redford stole 1,000 head of cattle, together with a prize white bull, from nearby Bowen Downs Station. He overlanded them 3,000 kilometres on a three-month journey from here in Central West Queensland into South Australia, where they were all sold.

As time went on the news of the white bull’s sale became widespread, and Redford was eventually rounded up by authorities. The bull itself was shipped back to Queensland to be used as evidence at his 1873 trial held in Roma. Amazingly, the jury, who were so impressed with his courage, bush skills and the daring he showed in this historic feat, found him ‘not guilty’ (to the disgust of the trial judge); and he was set free. Later, there were rumours of bribes being paid to jurors. Today, included in this fascinating sculpture trail is Harry on Horseback with his cattle dog, droving cattle, and a splendid metal version of the famous white bull … which started from a white car wreck. The bull also features a steely shock absorber attesting to his virility!

Also, along the way, a kids’ favourite is to keep a keen lookout for ‘Where’s Wally’. He’s hiding somewhere on the circuit.

Back in Aramac, there is also a series of small white ‘Adorabulls’ featured at various places and businesses with names such as Postabull at the Post Office, Readabull at the library, Burnabull at the Fire Station and Transportabull at a local road transport depot. In addition, joining in the theme is the local servo – White Bull Roadhouse – which includes a large white bull mural out the front.

As well as the sculptures seen along the main trail, there are also a number of artworks found in the nearby towns of Barcaldine, Jericho and Muttaburra … including a wonderful life-size horse and jockey at the entry to the Aramac Turf Club, giving visitors a taste of what they will see along the main sculpture trail out of Aramac. Detailed trail maps are available in Visitor Information Centres in each of these towns, as well as in Aramac.

Although this great trail is somewhat off the main Outback thoroughfares through Western Queensland, there is no doubt that the little extra effort to get there is well rewarded and is likely to be one of the real highlights of your travels.

Cutting horse cowgirl 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Whilst it is possible to complete the 200 kilometres circuit trail in a long, slow day’s travel, stopping regularly along the way to admire the artworks (allow at least five to six hours), many travellers break the journey at Lake Dunn (67 kilometres north-east from Aramac, also a good lunch stop) where camping and toilet facilities are available with plenty of space beside the lake. Locals regularly use the lake for kayaking and swimming.

• The Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail was a prize winner in the Best Sculpture Park or Trail in the Australian Street Art Awards in 2020.

• The Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail has a sealed road from Aramac (partly single lane) 67 kilometres to Lake Dunn; and from there, the circuit back to Aramac has mostly good gravel with a few corrugated sections. The overall condition of this portion will depend on when it was last graded, and it is not recommended after any significant rain.

• The town name ‘Aramac’ came about as a result of the first explorer through this region, Robert Ramsay MacKenzie. In the mid-1800s, he carved his name on the trunk of a tree – R.R. Mac. The tree was found some time later by well-known explorer William Landsborough and hence the name Aramac was born.

• Soon after Harry Readford’s notorious trial, the Roma Court had its ability to hold criminal trials/jurisdiction withdrawn by the Government.

• To wash the dust off your rig when completing this sculpture trail, there is a truck wash-down bay on the outskirts of Aramac.

• Do not rely on any mobile phone service along the trail, and make sure you have enough fuel, water and food. Check road conditions at Information Centres before travelling. Accommodation, supplies, fuel, etc are available at nearby Aramac.

Additional information is available at local Information Centres and at barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au and scrapmetalsheila.com.au.

Plenty of metal available at Aramac Tip

Category: Destinations
Written: Sat 01 Feb 2025
Printed: February, 2025
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