Cowara Mural
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Brenton See
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: 2018
Location: Pioneer Park
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: Cowaramup means ‘place of the cowara’, referring to the purple-crowned lorikeets, a swift, screeching bird that can still be found foraging in the treetops.
The fast-flying birds can be difficult to spot but are often sighted in nearby karri forest, nesting in the hollows of old trees.
This magnificent, larger than life mural pays homage to the traditional owners of the land, the Wadandi people and their connection to country, animals and flora.
Group Settlers Horse & Carriage Sculpture
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Unknown
Asset Type: Sculpture, Metalwork
Year of Work: Unknown
Location: Pioneer Park
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: The Group Settlers’ story is one of extraordinary hard work and hardship.
In the years following World War I, Western Australia’s population centred largely around Perth and the Goldfields, and the state was in dire need of farmers. Meanwhile in England, post-war unemployment was sky high.
The two governments created the Group Settlement Scheme – a promise of farmland and opportunity in sunny Western Australia.
Nearly 6000 Brits arrived, full of hope but few with farming experience. Their task was to clear forests, fence off farms and build homes on their allotted plots. It was backbreaking work, and women toiled just as hard as the men.
A decade later and nearly half the settlers had abandoned their blocks, starving and in poverty.
This artwork commemorates the Group Settlers, their hardships and heartbreak.
Free as a Cow
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Ron Roozen
Asset Type: Sculpture
Year of Work: 2010
Location: Pioneer Park
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: The gleaming gold statue, nicknamed Rump on a Stump, is a tongue in cheek take on Free as a Bird, the once controversial sculpture at Laurance Wines (now Frui Momento at Cherubino).
It was created for the 2010 Cow Parade and skilfully erected in Pioneer Park, Cowaramup.
Cow Parade is the world’s largest public art event. Started in 1999 in Chicago, it has been held in all major cities around the world. It is a fundraising project whereby local artists buy a cow and paint or decorate it and display it in the city. The cows are auctioned after the event and all proceeds go to local charities.
Note: contrary to popular belief, Cowaramup is named after the purple crowned lorikeet – or Cowara in local Wadandi dialect – and not cows.
Funded by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Banksia Sculpture
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Alan Meyburgh
Asset Type: Sculpture, Metalwork
Year of Work: 2017
Location: Pioneer Park
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: Every component has a story, and the banksia nuts are sculpted from an old car bonnet supplied by Nocker in the local wrecking yard.
Inspired by the artist’s love of the environment, especially the walk trails that meander through bushland around Margaret River.
It’s a timely reminder to leave no trace and only take photos as you admire the native flora and fauna of the region.
Cowara Bird
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Alan Meyburgh
Asset Type: Sculpture
Year of Work: 2018
Location: Cowaramup Main Street
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: This sculpture celebrates the town of Cowaramup and its namesake, the cowara bird.
The idea was conceived by Nicola from the Black Sheep Deli (now closed) and sculptor Alan Meyburgh who wanted visitors to be aware that the town was named after a beautiful bird and not a cow.
Cowara is the name given by the Wadandi people for the purple-crowned lorikeet, a small bird found high in the crowns of trees in nearby forest.
Purple Crown Laneway
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Gabe Heussenstamm, Tim Howe, Karl Heussenstamm
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: 2022
Location: Purple Crown Tattoo, Cowaramup Main Street
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: Step into the narrow laneway leading to Purple Crown Tattoo, and you’ll find a vibrant mural guiding your journey.
Featuring motifs from their tattoo art plus natural wonders from the region, this is a creative collaboration by local tattoo artists, brothers Karl and Gabe Heussenstamm and Tim Howe.
Wings
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Anita Revel
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: 2019
Location: Cowaramup Main Street
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: It’s hard to resist snapping a photo in front of these glorious cowara wings. Activate Augmented Reality mode to bring the wings to life – it’s quite a thrill.
The vibrant shades of blue, green, purple, red and gold represent the cowara bird for which Cowaramup is named.
The artist wanted to show her respect for the Wadandi people, their culture and knowledge, and the gratitude she feels living on Wadandi Boodja.
Moon Haven
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Brenton See
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: 2020
Location: Cowaramup Main Street
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: Cowaramup means ‘place of the cowara’, referring to the purple-crowned lorikeets, a swift, screeching bird that can still be found foraging in the treetops.
The fast-flying birds can be difficult to spot but are often sighted in nearby karri forest, nesting in the hollows of old trees.
This magnificent, larger than life mural pays homage to the traditional owners of the land, the Wadandi people and their connection to country, animals and flora.
Telstra Box
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Unknown
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: Unknown
Location: North end of Cowaramup
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: A Telstra exchange, adorned with Cowaramup’s namesake, the cowara bird.
Also known as a purple crowned lorikeet, this one has been painted in geometric pastels merged with organic shapes.
Amphitheatre Wall
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Ian Dowling
Asset Type: Sculpture, Mosaic
Year of Work: 2001
Location: Margaret River Library, Fearn Avenue
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: The blue tiled wall curves through the Heritage Garden, marking the space between the Margaret River Community Centre and Library.
The tiles are ceramic, cast in moulds made from the original hand sculpted models.
The artist brought the patterns, colours and gentle wave of the ocean to the centre of town with this sculpted wall.
Group Settlement Murals
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Jacob Butler (Shakey)
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: 2021
Location: Margaret River
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: A tribute to the early settlers who came to Margaret River hoping to find success in the newly fledged dairy and logging industries.
It was a life of poverty and hardship for the intrepid pioneers, marked by backbreaking work and desperate poverty for those whose farms didn’t succeed.
The paintings intend to give us a glimpse into the extreme conditions and suffering.
Life-sized Wedge-tailed Eagle
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Alan Meyburgh
Asset Type: Sculpture, Metalwork
Year of Work: Unknown
Location: Margaret River Main Street
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: The wedge tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey, and is often seen soaring high overhead, its diamond shaped tail and sheer size giving it away.
Once hunted to near extinction by farmers fearful of losing stock, this eagle is now protected and the population is flourishing.
Sculpted in recycled wood, steel, reo bar and wire, this eagle is swooping back to its nest and egg. An old clawfoot bath and electricity pole are reminiscent of rustic farms of yesteryear, maybe referencing the dangers once faced by large birds.
Where the Wild Things are
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Hope Perth
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: 2020
Location: Margaret River Bakery, Main Street
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: These Wild Things won’t scare you – they’re here to welcome you into a headspace of playful memories and childlike wonder.
The artist puts a clever croissant twist on the beloved 1963 kids book written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak.
The mural will bring back memories of a long-cherished story that has stood the test of time.
Helter Skelter
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Hope Perth
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: 2020
Location: Margaret River Bakery, Main Street
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: A portrait of the artist’s friend Kristy, a talented graffiti artist herself and soon to be mum.
There’s a dash of artistic licence here, the butterfly on her cheek symbolising the incredible feats we can achieve when we trust ourselves, and the croissant smoke?
A playful reference to the delicious location. The famed bakery is responsible for some of the best pastries, pies and fresh bread you’ll taste.
Prince
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Hope Perth
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: 2020
Location: Margaret River Bakery, Main Street
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: Commissioned by Marcelle Egberts, the portrait of Prince is a homage to one of the best songwriters in the world.
Prince looks flamboyant as ever, ready to have us swooning with his voice as he adorns the exterior wall of the bakery.
King Krule
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Hope Perth
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: 2020
Location: Ned Higgins Lane
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: Commissioned by Ed from The Scissorhands Collective, Ed gave the artist free reign to paint one of his favourite musicians, King Krule.
The British singer, songwriter and producer touched a generation with his fusion of alt rock, hip hop and jazz.
The Ocean Always Wins
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Gabe Heussenstamm
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: 2020
Location: Ned Higgins Lane, Sessions Surf Shop
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: Poseidon rules the sea, storms and earthquakes – and the local surf shop, too.
Harnessing the raw power of the ocean, he’ll smack some sense into anyone foolish enough to think they are in control.
Painted by an avid surfer and tattoo artist, it’s a reminder to respect the ocean and never underestimate its mighty swells and currents.
Ed Scissorhands Mural
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Shime (Mike Barker)
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: Unknown
Location: Ned Higgins Lane
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: Debbie Harry’s inimitable gaze and heart shaped pout greets you outside the Scissorhands Collective, her signature peroxide locks a luscious shade of green.
The thunderbolt across her eye reinforces her status as a fearless frontperson and a groundbreaking musician. Her band Blondie was a pioneer in the American new wave scene.
A salute to a cult icon – and a hint at how fabulous you’ll feel after a trip to the salon.
Drifting Mo
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Sharon Hinchliffe
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: 2019
Location: Ned Higgins Lane
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: A sweet pup named Mo, adrift in a rowboat on an imaginary sea.
Mo’s family are the owners of Drift Café and commissioned this whimsical mural inspired by the coastal environment of the Margaret River region and name of the café.
They agreed it was perfectly placed facing the park to give Mo space. A happy bonus of the project is all the dogs and their families that come to admire the wall.
One of the loveliest things about calling Margaret River home? That no matter where you journey, and how wonderful the adventures are, it’s always a joy to come home.
Wooditjup!
Image source Margaret River Art Trails
Artist: Ian Mutch
Asset Type: Mural
Year of Work: 2020
Location: Margaret River Main Street
Provenance: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Description: Wooditjup is the traditional placename of Margaret River in Wadandi-Noongar culture and tells the story of the magic man Wooditch, the ancestor who created the river, Bilya. The Wooditjup Bilya is such a lifeforce and integral to the biodiversity of this area, for every raindrop is lifeblood to this land.
This collaborative mural celebrates the vibrant nature, culture, and community that draws us to the heart of Margaret River town.
Ian Mutch’s joyous characters are painted to represent everyone, celebrating diversity and unified respect for Wooditjup.
Stu McMillan’s addition draws on the native forest, bush and meandering river as it winds through paddocks, scrub, eucalypts and ancient granite gullies to the sea.
Jake Quodling riffed on Ian’s colour palette to write the place name, aiming for a simple illustration that would resonate with locals.
