There is something uniquely South Australian about turning a temporary inconvenience into a moment of magic and creativity. That’s exactly what happened in the Wattle Range Region. A simple road detour blossomed into one of the most joyful and rural art experiences, uniting the community and exciting tourism.
A small committee Beachport tourism group brainstormed ideas to encourage more people in the town, and after many conversations and collaborations with the many local artists, this innovative and incredible collaboration began.
While roadworks were underway on the Southern Port Highway, the Beachport community transformed the disruption into art, The Scenic Bail Trail. A playful outdoor gallery of donated hay bales, transformed into sculptures that stretch along the scenic route between Millicent and Beachport via Hatherleigh. What began as a practical detour became a must-see roadside attraction. It has drawn travellers off the beaten path and straight into the heart of South Australia’s community.
The towering hay bales have been sculpted into larger-than-life characters and scenes. From farm animals to whimsical figures, these vibrant displays make cars hit the brakes, roll the windows down, and take in this loveable outdoor art museum. Created by local farmers, volunteers, schools, and community groups, the project is a true grassroots celebration of collaboration.
The Bale Trail sits alongside a growing list of creative community projects in the area, including Beachport’s Sandcastle & Sand Art competition and other tourism-led initiatives designed to spotlight the personality and charm of this coastal pocket.
With more than 60 community members participating, Matt Bowman was among those generous enough to welcome the sculptures onto his property, “[We] wanted to do something for the Southeast community, so I thought, ‘yeah, no worries’.” With his parents and three kids involved, painting and adding to the sculptures, the entire Bowman family was involved in creating art for the community. Bowman recognised that this event had influenced “more conversations around the community… and a lot of people turning the corner to have a look… The project was aired on TV, which brought more people down [to town].”
Sharon Cox, a member of the Beachport Tourism Working Group, commented, saying, “We want it to continue. It’s really great, and we’ve had lots of positive feedback [people] saying it’s so easy to find Beachport with those new signs. So it’s just fantastic.”
Taking around three months for the project to be organised and executed, Sharon stated, “Everyone is always so busy, so we really appreciated everyone who gave up their time… The local farmers donated their hay and their property, local businesses gave us discounts and paints, it was incredible.”
This new trail of community-led art doesn’t just advertise what the town has to offer, but it also demonstrates rural pride and is a visual representation of what can happen when people come together.
For maps and more information on the detour visit Wattle Range Council
Image credit: Wattle Range Council
