25 January 2024
Visitors and locals can explore the region’s rich arts scene with Southern Downs Regional Council unveiling a curated stone sculpture trail guiding art lovers past some of the Southern Downs’ most loved sculptures.
The Southern Downs Stone Sculpture Trail is a series of artworks by local and international sculptors that have been thoughtfully curated into a tourist driving route, taking in the region’s larger towns as well as smaller settlements that wear the hidden gem badge proudly.
Most of the sandstone, granite and marble works featured in the trail were created at the Southern Downs Sculpture Symposiums in 2006, 2008 and 2010 using locally sourced materials, but some have esteemed historical roots, such as the heritage listed T J Byrnes Monument which was carved in Italy and placed in the centre of Warwick in 1902.
Frogs, platypus, wildflowers, waterways, horses, fish, a dragon and Mary Poppins are all represented in the eclectic subject matter chosen by the artists as worthy of having their very own sculptures.
Southern Downs Regional Council CEO Dave Burges said the Southern Downs Stone Sculpture Trail is a great way for locals and visitors to experience the Southern Downs and support local businesses as they travel around the region.
“Stops on the trail include Killarney, Tannymorel, Emu Vale, Freestone, Goomburra, Allora, Leyburn, Leslie Dam, Warwick, Dalveen and Stanthorpe, and there is plenty of opportunity to admire the picturesque and spectacular Southern Downs landscape along the way,” Mr Burges said.
“There are also many great food and drink options in the Trip Planner section of the Southern Downs & Granite Belt Visitor App, so you never need to miss a rejuvenating coffee-break at a village café or a hearty home-cooked meal at a country pub.
“The Southern Downs Stone Sculpture Trail is a celebration of our history and cultural identity, and an opportunity to explore the region like never before.”
Artists whose work is on display include Paul Stumkat, Vern Foss, Lana Tyacke, Ken Hutchinson, Rhyl Hinwood, Peter Cook, Eric Greene, Mark Warne, Emil Adamec from the Czech Republic and Eduardo Waxemburg from Argentina.
To discover everything this trail has to offer, download Council’s official Southern Downs & Granite Belt Visitor App at
https://southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au/official-visitor-app/ and tap and scroll your way to the Southern Downs Stone Sculpture Trail in the Trails section of the app.
Last edited date 23 Feb 2024