If you were to meander your way along the dry golden grasses and majestic red river gums of the Lachlan Valley, you would now find nestled amongst the scrub a series of larger-than-life sculptures that bring to life the artistic edge of the country.

'Sculpture Down The Lachlan' is a growing new tourist attraction that features 25 sculptures stretching 100 kilometres along the banks of the Lachlan River between Forbes and Condobolin. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

The trail was the brainchild of local Forbes artist Rosie Johnston back in 2012 and is now run by The Forbes Arts Society after receiving a massive grant of over $7 million from the NSW Government to generate tourism and diversify the rural economy.

“There is a strong artistic edge to the country which shows up bravely at this art trail.” said Trudy Mallick, Chairperson of the Forbes Art Society.

“Visitors and locals will gain a deeper sense of place as the sculptures reflect the culture, history and people of the region.” added Trudy.

There are 21 sculptures to see now with four more to be completed this year.

New additions recently include ‘Wandering’ by David Ball, ‘Sonata’ by Suzie Bleach and Andrew Townsend, and ‘Gum Swamp Birds’, close to four new bird hides at Gum Swamp Wildlife Reserve. Highlights include renowned artist Stephen King’s 10.5m high ‘Tower’, the original ‘amazing’ sign at Forbes, a 12-metre steel goanna ‘Varanus’ and the 6-metre ‘Heart of Country’.

‘Heart of Country’ by Damian Vick (2021). Image by Monique Lovick Photography, courtesy of Forbes Arts Society.

Utes in the Paddock

At the end of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail, travellers will find themselves at Condobolin’s iconic ‘Utes in the Paddock’. The unique collection of 17 Holden Utes was realised by Jana and Graham Pickles of Burrawang West Station, but is such a drawcard for the region that the Lachlan Shire Council purchased a 25-acre block on the The Gipps Way for the outdoor gallery and are currently constructing a new Visitor Information Centre at the site.

'Dame Edna Looute'

Lachlan Shire Mayor, John Medcalf said “Utes in the Paddock is considered as one of the top ten experiences in our region and Council is dedicated to ensuring that the reputation of Utes in the Paddock is further developed for generations of local, national and international visitors to enjoy."

The new visitor information centre is a key component of the $10.1million fully funded project to bolster tourism and transport in the Shire. The Lachlan Shire Council will also contribute a further $2.6million for roadwork on The Gipps Way, and over $3million in government funding will be used to complete constructions on the visitor information centre.

Groundwork for the new Visitor Information Centre at Utes in the Paddock, Condobolin. IMAGE: Lachlan Shire Council

Council’s Director of Environment, Tourism and Economic Development Jon Shillito said, “the new tourism precinct will build on Lachlan’s strengths, which include our reputation as a destination for an authentic bush experience in the heart of NSW; our natural environment and our rich country heritage."

As a nod to the award winning outdoor gallery, Lachlan Shire Council have also constructed a new Ute-shaped electronic noticeboard that has been erected in Renown Park.

Ute-shaped electronic sign. PHOTO: Lachlan Shire Council.

Lachlan Shire Mayor, John Medcalf, said "It is terrific that we have been able to do something a little different to others. It is an attraction in its own right and I have already seen visitors taking selfies in front of the board."

The significant investment in tourism within the Lachlan Shire is expected to draw tourists both locally and internationally, which, after drought, a mouse plague and Covid-19, will be a welcomed opportunity to showcase the communities hard work and creativity and will provide well-deserved economic relief for the area.