With over a dozen grand-scale silo art masterpieces in South Australia, how do you know which ones to check out? Well, we’ve come to the rescue with a list of the best. Running north, south, east and west from Adelaide, here are five amazing silo art pieces to admire in South Australia.
North
The town of Wirrabara in the southern Flinders Ranges is approximately 235 kilometres north of Adelaide. Known as the birthplace of Australia’s forest industry, the silos painted here by Sam Bates reflect that history. Remarkable photo-realistic images on the silos show the weathered face of a forestry worker with axe in hand, against a backdrop of local flora and fauna. It’s hard to miss the pair of Red Capped Robins on the silo but if want to see them in real life, find them in the eucalypt forests of the region. These silos took the artist close to three weeks to paint in 2018.
South
Around 160 kilometres southeast of Adelaide in the town of Coonalpyn, you will find the first painted silos in South Australia. Completed in 2017 by artist, Guido Van Helten, the details in the monochrome images are truly amazing up close. Count all five of the local school children who were chosen to feature in the artwork, some of whom are shown drawing on the silos. Others stand nearby in various poses, softening the appearance of the 30-metre concrete silos.
East
In the Riverland region of South Australia, you’ll find art-covered silos in the town of Waikerie. View these silos in their cliff-top position from the Murray River on one side and the road on the other. This way you won’t miss out as both sides of the silo are painted.
Two different artists were responsible for the paintings which have a theme of Healthy River, Healthy Community. Jimmy Dvate’s images showcase local wildlife including a Regent Parrot and a yabby. Meanwhile, local artist Garry Duncan, depicts river scenery, pelicans, the Southern Bell Frog, native fish and ducks on the other silo.
West
The silos found in Tumby Bay around 600 kilometres west of Adelaide on the Eyre Peninsula reflect the joy of youth and summer fun. Argentinian artist, Martin Ron created a scene of two boys backflipping from the local jetty. This silo is particularly unique as the art runs horizontally across all of the silos. View this one from the viewing area as the images blend seamlessly with no gaps between the silos from this angle.
The latest Silo Art in South Australia
Spot the newest painted silo in Bute, a little over 140 kilometres northwest of Adelaide. This soft pastel-painted scene of a young woman with her bike is truly beautiful and it’s hard not to be drawn into the background, a rural landscape showcasing local orchids, birds and agricultural elements. This new edition is sure to be a crowd pleaser by artists Scott Nagy and Janne Birkner (Krimsone).
Discover more silo art in Australia
All of the silo art sites in Australia have plenty of parking for travellers to stop and admire the works. With over 53 painted grain silos and well over 136 painted water towers, seek them out as you make your way around the country.
Find a map showing silo and water tower locations on the Australian silo art trail website. Hard copies of regional maps and silo art guides are also available to purchase. However, stay tuned for a new calendar currently in the works. It will showcase some of the best silo art in the country with part of the sale proceeds being returned to the communities featured.
Next time you’re planning a road trip, see if you can incorporate a visit to one of the rural towns with painted silos and while you’re there, help out a small community by spending some money in the town.
