Across Western Australia’s Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions, towering grain silos and pieces of working infrastructure have been transformed into spectacular public artworks. Once simply part of the rural landscape, these giant structures now draw travellers into country towns, adding colour, creativity and a wonderful sense of discovery to a road trip through regional WA.
FORM’s PUBLIC Silo Trail celebrates Western Australia’s farming communities, local stories and natural landscapes through large-scale murals painted by Australian and international artists. The full trail stretches for around 1,000 kilometres, linking Northam, Merredin, Katanning, Pingrup, Newdegate, Ravensthorpe and Albany. It is a brilliant excuse to slow down, explore country towns, stop for a coffee or bakery treat, and take in some of the state’s most impressive outdoor art.
The trail began in Northam in 2015, where internationally renowned artists HENSE from the USA and Phlegm from the UK transformed eight CBH Group grain silos. The 35-metre-high towers are split between two very different styles. Phlegm’s detailed monochrome work reflects Northam’s ballooning and gliding heritage, while HENSE’s towers burst with bold colour. Northam is an easy day trip from Perth, making it a great starting point if you would like a taste of the trail without committing to a longer journey.
From Northam, the trail continues to Merredin, around 165 kilometres away. Here, artist Kyle Hughes-Odgers created a striking mural on the town’s 35-metre-high grain silo. Merredin sits in the Central Wheatbelt and makes a pleasant stop for those interested in railway history, heritage buildings and big-sky country scenery.
Katanning offers something a little different. Instead of grain silos, the PUBLIC Silo Trail includes a series of Western Power-owned transformer boxes painted by local and international artists. It is a lovely way to explore the town at a gentler pace, with the artworks tucked into the streetscape rather than towering above it.
In Pingrup, the artwork captures the character of the farming community in a very relatable way. Painted by street artist EVOCA1, the murals across three 25-metre-high silos feature a dog on a tractor, a jockey on a horse, and a lamb in a man’s arms. These warm, people-focused images are a tribute to the town’s rural life, community spirit and connection to the land.
Newdegate became the fifth stop on the trail, with native Western Australian wildlife taking centre stage. Artist Brenton See’s mural celebrates the flora and fauna of the region, adding another beautiful reason to visit this small Wheatbelt town. Newdegate is also known for its annual machinery field days, which bring many visitors to the area.
Further south, the Ravensthorpe silos are a favourite for wildflower lovers. Fremantle-based artist Amok Island painted “Six Stages of Banksia baxteri” across three CBH Group silos. The mural follows the flowering cycle of the Banksia baxteri, from buds to full bloom, seed pods and renewal, with a honey possum and honeyeater also included in the design. This particular banksia is found between Esperance and Albany, making the artwork a beautiful reflection of the local environment.
In Albany, the ruby seadragon mural is impossible to miss as you arrive near the port. Painted by New York artists The Yok and Sheryo, the 35-metre-high and 50-metre-wide mural stretches across the CBH Group’s Albany Grain Terminal. The ruby seadragon and leafy seadragon reference Albany’s rich marine life and coastal environment, creating a cheerful and memorable welcome to the city.
You do not need to tackle the entire route in one trip. The trail can be enjoyed in smaller sections, which makes it ideal for a leisurely touring holiday. Northam and Merredin work well as a Wheatbelt drive from Perth, while Katanning, Pingrup and Newdegate can be combined into a Great Southern and Wheatbelt itinerary. Ravensthorpe and Albany make an excellent addition to a south coast road trip, especially during wildflower season or when travelling between Esperance and Albany.
The official PUBLIC Silo Trail website also suggests themed journeys, including the Golden Edge Trail, the Central Heart Trail and the Wave to Wave Trail. Distances between towns can be significant, so it is worth planning fuel stops, accommodation and meal breaks before setting off. Some of the roads pass through quiet rural areas, and mobile coverage may vary, so downloading the map or carrying a printed copy is a good idea.
What makes the Art Silos of Western Australia so enjoyable is not just the scale of the murals, but the way they encourage visitors to spend time in country communities. Each stop has its own story, landscape and local character. Whether you are travelling with friends, your partner, family or grandchildren, the trail offers plenty of photo opportunities and a relaxed way to experience regional WA.
The silos are free to view and available to enjoy year-round, though weather and light can make a big difference to your photos. Early morning and late afternoon often give the best colours and softer light. Take your time, look for safe viewing spots and be mindful that many of these artworks are on or near working grain facilities.
For anyone who enjoys road trips, public art, wildflowers, history or simply seeing something a little different, the Art Silos of Western Australia are well worth adding to the travel list. They are bold, beautiful and uniquely Western Australian.
PUBLIC Silo Trail
Address: Locations across regional Western Australia, including Northam, Merredin, Katanning, Pingrup, Newdegate, Ravensthorpe and Albany.
Opening Hours: The outdoor artworks can generally be viewed at any time, though daylight hours are best. Please respect signage, road rules and working grain facility boundaries.
https://www.publicsilotrail.com
