After more than a decade of development, New South Wales’ unique bush art trail, ‘Sculpture Down the Lachlan’, has reached completion.

The 100-kilometre trail stretches from Forbes to Condobolin, creating a unique cultural corridor through the heart of NSW.

The installation of its final piece, ‘Brumbies Run’, by Brett ‘Mon’ Garling compliments the 25 striking sculptures that celebrate the spirit of rural Australia.  

The local artist behind the vision, Rosie Johnston, first conceptualised ‘Sculpture Down the Lachlan’ 13 years ago.

Reflecting on her first drive along the Lachlan River forty years ago, Rosie recalls the stretch of road between Forbes and Condobolin, where she felt "a sense that this was true Australia."

“The massive red river gums, golden grasses and screeching cockatoos spotted against stormy Prussian skies… a tough but romantic place.” 

Years later, Rosie set out to create what she imagined as the bush’s version of Bondi’s ‘Sculpture by the Sea,’ showcasing large-scale, permanent installations complimenting the rugged beauty of the Lachlan River landscape.

The trail features sculptures that respectfully honour the Wiradjuri people, recognising their rich cultural heritage, ancestral wisdom and enduring legacy in the region.

While the trail officially launched in 2014, the newest addition, ‘Brumbies Run’ is a bronze sculpture of wild horses that reflects the spirit of rural Australia.

Mounted on his own bronze creation, Brett 'Mon' Garling embodies the spirit of the brumby. Image: Sculptures Down the Lachlan (Facebook).

The installation is located at Warroo Reserve, a site once part of the historic Warroo Station.

Reflecting on the piece, artist Brett ‘Mon’ Garling wrote that ‘of all the iconic images we use to represent our freedom, spirit and enthusiasm the wild horses running, kicking and leaping, wide eyed with nostrils flared, embody what it is to be us.’ 

‘From the mountain brumbies to the light horse in Beersheba, to the bushranger's steed and the picnic races winner, they speak of a universal language that all people understand.'

This sentiment resonates with Rosie, whose long-standing dream was to "feature a horse sculpture on the trail."

The project was not without challenges. Before the substantial grant was received from the NSW Government, the project was carried out by volunteers, with many giving up their free time to bring the vision to life.

The 'Amazing' (2017) sculpture designed by Rosie was fabricated from eight tonnes of steel and installed by local farmers, tradespeople and engineers who volunteered their time, in 'true country spirit.'

“Some of the greatest challenges were having enough free time to come up with the concepts and ideas and for some, the actual physical challenges of creating something 'so large scale' in the bush” Rosie said.

Yet the community rallied around the project, with local businesses, the council and residents donating time, resources and expertise.

“This sculpture trail wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for a particular group of very passionate, hardworking stoic people who have enough respect in the community that they in turn had support from the community” Rosie reflected.  

“I’d say to anyone, dream big, because dreams can become reality if you work as a team with passionate, like - minded people.” 

The ‘Sculpture Down the Lachlan’ has brought benefits beyond artistic value to the towns of Forbes and Condobolin. The increased visitor numbers have contributed to local economic growth, with new businesses emerging.

The success of the trail has garnered international recognition, sparking an “amazing” marketing campaign for Forbes and ongoing “beautifying” efforts by the local council. 

Rosie Johnson's 'Amazing' Sculpture took three years between the construction of the first letter, ‘a’ and its installation along the Lachlan Valley Way. Image: supplied.

Rosie describes the “snowballing effect” of the trail that she hopes will continue with fresh energy and ideas from future generations, enriching both the art scene and local economy for years to come.  

At the end of the ‘Sculpture Down the Lachlan’ trail, travellers will find themselves at Condobolin’s iconic ‘Utes in the Paddock,’ a unique display of 20 Holden Utes transformed into art installations.

The popularity of this site prompted the Lachlan Shire Council to establish a new Visitor Information Centre nearby.

The trail adds to a line-up of major attractions in the Central West, including the Parkes CSRIO Radio Telescope (known as The Dish), the Grenfell Commodities Silos and the Eugowra Murals. 

Each artwork in ‘Sculpture Down the Lachlan’ tells a story of Australian history and culture, and Rosie Johnston hopes it gives visitors “a sense of joy” where they are "grounded and anchored in the present moment, or time-travel, or just relax and enjoy being in nature and our beloved Australian bush.” 

To plan a self-guided exploration, visitors can find information here.