Brushstrokes & Backroads

Helena Fergusson • August 14, 2025

Discover the Great Southern Art Trail

A tree stump carving of a mans face with his hand peeling back layers like a curtain. Art work by Darrel Radcliffe in Albany

As spring sunshine spills across the Great Southern the region transforms into a living gallery. Country towns hum with the buzz of open studios, galleries fling open their doors and the scent of fresh coffee drifts from local cafés where artists chat with curious visitors. Out on the backroads towering silos become giant canvases painted with stories of farming heritage, community pride and life on the land.


Our Great Southern Art Trail & Silo Art tour takes you deep into this creative heartland. Over five days you’ll follow the celebrated PUBLIC Silo Art Trail from Northam to Pingrup, meet passionate artists and take in breathtaking scenery that’s every bit as inspiring as the art itself. From the salt-kissed air of Albany’s coastline to the rolling hills of Denmark, the wide plains of the Wheatbelt and the striking granite wave in Hyden this is a journey where every stop is a masterpiece waiting to be discovered.


The adventure begins as we head east to Northam, the first stop on the PUBLIC Silo Art Trail. Here the painted silos stand as towering landmarks setting the tone for a colourful journey ahead. Continuing through the Wheatbelt we see more of these giant works of art in Merredin each telling a unique story of the region’s people and history.


In Hyden we visit the iconic Wave Rock — a striking natural formation that rises like a frozen wave from the landscape. It’s one of Western Australia’s most photographed landmarks and an unforgettable sight on our way south.


As the trail leads us deeper into the Great Southern we arrive in Katanning where an immense silo mural celebrates the town’s multicultural roots and Pingrup where the artwork captures the heart of farming life. The scenery between these towns unfolds in patchworks of farmland, wildflowers and small country towns brimming with charm.


Our journey then embraces the coast with Albany as our base to explore the Great Southern Art Trail. Open studios and local galleries welcome us with exhibitions, meet-the-artist moments and a vibrant community spirit. A short drive away Denmark offers its own creative treasures — artisan studios nestled among rolling hills and pristine beaches where the landscape itself feels like a work of art.


Along the way there are markets to browse, music drifting from outdoor spaces and countless opportunities to experience the region’s hospitality. Whether it’s a warm smile from a local maker, a delicious regional tasting or a quiet moment taking in the view every experience adds another brushstroke to this vibrant journey.

By the time we return to Perth you’ll have followed the PUBLIC Silo Art Trail from Northam to Pingrup, marvelled at Wave Rock, explored Albany and Denmark’s creative heart and experienced the fusion of art, history and nature that makes the Great Southern unforgettable.


Villa Carlotta Travel is Western Australia’s trusted over-55s travel specialist, creating fully escorted tours and holidays that blend comfort, discovery, and connection. From breathtaking Australian landscapes to captivating overseas adventures, our itineraries are designed with care, featuring hand-picked experiences, quality accommodation, and friendly Tour Leaders who make every journey special.


We take care of every detail — from pre- and post-tour transfers to expertly planned sightseeing — so you can relax and enjoy the journey. Whether it’s a short getaway or a grand adventure, Villa Carlotta Travel makes travel easy, inspiring, and unforgettable for the over-55s traveller. Call to book a tour today.


View this tour itinerary


Main Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia

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