I have done a fair amount of road trips in Australia. One of my favorite things to do while traveling is looking for and capturing silo art. It’s fun, it’s often quite quirky and many of it is just plain amazing.
Biloela
The silo art in Biloela, Queensland, stands as a captivating testament to the fusion of rural tradition and contemporary creativity. These towering agricultural silos, once utilitarian structures, have been transformed into magnificent canvases that tell the story of the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of the Australian outback, Biloela’s silo art mesmerizes visitors with its vibrant colors and intricate details. It celebrates the town’s agricultural roots, featuring scenes of grazing cattle, expansive wheat fields, and native wildlife. Each stroke of paint serves as a tribute to the hardworking farming communities that have shaped Biloela’s identity.
The silo art not only showcases the talent of local artists but also brings communities together, fostering a deep sense of pride in the region’s history and culture. Standing against the backdrop of the Queensland sky, Biloela’s silo art is a captivating testament to the power of art to transform and enrich even the most unexpected of canvases. Artists Joel Fergie and Travis Vinson, known for their collaborative work under the name The Zookeeper and DRAPL, created the silo art in Biloela.
Three Moons
The Three Moon Silo stands as the most renowned masterpiece along Queensland’s Silo Art Trail. Artists Joel Fergie, also known as The Zookeeper, and Travis Vinson, recognized as DRAPL, brought to life this impressive work of art, serving as a heartfelt homage to a local legend.
The narrative behind Three Moon Creek is woven with local folklore. One account tells the tale of an Aboriginal Stockman. While brewing his billy on the creek’s banks, he was captivated by a mesmerizing celestial phenomenon: the moon appeared to magically replicate itself. There it was, one moon in the sky. Another reflected in the tranquil creek waters. A third nestled within his billy.
An alternative legend surrounding the name’s origin tells of Aboriginal men who had been gainfully employed to tend to sheep at the farm. However, as the job neared its conclusion, these men faced an uncertain future, devoid of well-paying work in favorable conditions. Unable to specify a return date, they simply instructed the men to return when three moons had waxed and waned. From that moment forward, the creek earned its enduring moniker: Three Moon Creek, an emblem of both celestial wonder and local heritage.
Looking for more?
This is by no means an extensive list. There are more to find, but these two were just from my last adventure. If in Monto (near Three Moons) check out the street art.
Here are some of the silo art from Victoria and South Australia:
