Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Bunjil Shelter

Just 10 minutes drive out of Stawell, and one of the most important Victorian sites in Aboriginal culture, Bunjil Shelter was on our must visit list. 
An information board in the carpark gave us directions to the site, which was just a short distance away.
Bunjil  Shelter

Sandy gravel paths and stone steps led up to the rock formations on the hill.
Bunjil  Shelter


In the 1960's, a fence was put around the cave to protect it from further vandalism. I didn't mind having to peer through the fence, for the privilege of being able to see such a significant piece of art in its original site.
Bunjil  Shelter

The painting depicts Bunjil the creator and two dingoes, taking shelter in this cave. Red ochre and white clay coloured the portrait of the deity and his canine companions. It's the only known rock painting of Bunjil.
Bunjil  Shelter 
Some of the granite rocks had sheer faces, as if sliced by a huge knife. Others were smooth and round, like enormous eggs.The colours ranged from golden brown to dark charcoal in places.Bunjil  Shelter
The views from the site were amazing. The wide brown land was dotted with trees, which became increasingly more dense as it neared the Grampians in the distance.
Bunjil  Shelter
The 200m track was easy to walk and only a short section was steep.
Bunjil  Shelter



The area was quiet, with only the sound of birds overhead and in the surrounding trees. I spotted a few wildflowers, but no wildlife. 
Whilst we were there,  only one other  car arrived, making our visit that much more serene and we could imagine what it must have been like here  over 8,000 years ago, when the artist painted the rock.
Well worth the visit.
Bunjil  Shelter

What: Bunjil Shelter
Where: Bunjils Cave Rd, Black Range Scenic Reserve
When: Daily      
Why: Aboriginal art
How much: FREE

Friday, March 3, 2017

The colours of Warracknabeal

I was going to write a post about the gorgeous buildings I saw in Warracknabeal, but upon loading the photos to this blog - the rainbow of colours jumped out at me and I decided to let the photos tell the story.
Here is the colours of Warracknabeal...

Red - the  letter box attached to a gate. A little faded, a little neglected, but still just a little bit glamorous.

Blue - the pale pastel blue of the Dal Monte building.
Warracknabeal historic buildings
Pink - the glorious Pink Palace of Warracknabeal, the Palace Hotel (currently for sale)
Warracknabeal historic buildingsBrown - the grand English Domestic Revival style Post office.Warracknabeal historic buildings

Green - the wonderful community garden and all that it contains.
Warracknabeal historic buildingsYellow - this glorious sunflower.Warracknabeal historic buildings 

White - the former Bank of New South WalesWarracknabeal historic buildings

Rust -  the rust red bricks of the former State Savings Bank.
Warracknabeal historic buildings



Orange - the Moderne style Town Hall.
Warracknabeal historic buildings

Where: Scott St
When: Daily      
Why: historical buildings, architecture
How much: FREE





Thursday, March 2, 2017

Minyip Historical Buildings

A snapshot of the historical buildings in this small town in Western Victoria, the 'heart of the wheat belt'.  
First up is the former Holden dealership. The faded signage on the facade and peeling paint on the old timber doors give a wonderful first impression of the town.
Minyip Historical Buildings


This grand home was once a bank...
Minyip Historical Buildings
 The Post Office - built around 1901.  
Minyip Historical BuildingsCountry pubs are always worth a look. Styles vary from Gothic, to Federation to Deco - all have wonderful architectural charms. Those big ol' verandahs, wrought iron, leadlight windows and who doesn't love a gargoyle, right?
Commercial Hotel - 1908
Minyip Historical BuildingsMajestic Hotel - 1908
Minyip Historical Buildings
Minyip Historical Buildings
Beautiful murals depicting the local landmarks, painted by local school children.
Minyip muralMinyip muralMinyip muralNot just home to beautiful old buildings, the town was once a tv star. Back in the 1980's, Minyip played the part of 'Coopers Crossing' on The Flying Doctors.
Minyip Flying Doctors

Minyip Flying Doctors
Minyip Flying Doctors
Where: Minyip
When: Daily      
Why: historical buildings
How much: FREE

Nearby: Silo Art Trail, Sheep Hills

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Sheep Hills Silo Art Trail

I was very much looking forward to seeing the third project to be completed in the Silo Art Trail, at the little farming town of Sheep Hills. 
Sitting alongside the railway line that once would have hauled grain from this site, the bare rear view of the silos gave no clue of the beauty that shines from the other side.
Sheep Hills Silo Art Trail
Just completed in December, the instantly recognizable work of Adnate is a stunning kaleidoscope of colours against the grey silos, the brown land and the blue sky.

Sheep Hills Silo Art TrailThe portraits of Aboriginal elders at either side and two children between them makes a beautiful timeline between young and old.Sheep Hills Silo Art Trail
The wrinkled eyes, grey hair and weathered skin of the Elders shows wisdom and maturity. The painted faces of the children shows a connection to their culture.
Sheep Hills Silo Art Trail
Up close, you can see the paint dripping from red lips...
Sheep Hills Silo Art Trail...and the background of startrails blazing across a purple-black night sky.
Sheep Hills Silo Art Trail
On the ground, pools of dried red paint stained the ground...
Sheep Hills Silo Art Trail
and splatters of purple covered the cement base of the silo.
Sheep Hills Silo Art Trail I didn't see any other buildings in Sheep Hills, apart from an old pub...Sheep Hills Silo Art Trail

 ...and and old hall.
Sheep Hills Silo Art Trail


And I didn't even notice any hills in Sheep Hills, but I am pleased to announce that there are sheep in Sheep Hills and they live right next door to the silo. So say Hi when you visit.
Sheep Hills Silo Art Trail






























Where:445 Sheep Hills - Minyip Rd
When: Daily      
Why: art
How much: FREE

Nearby: Silo Art Trail, Brim