Introducing art on the Great Victorian Rail Trail

13/06/2023

A series of large public artworks newly installed along the Great Victorian Rail Trail is expected to draw thousands more visitors to the iconic destination already known for its beauty, thanks to Victorian Government support.

The project has been supported with $1.2 million from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund and delivered through a collaborative partnership between Mansfield, Murrindindi and Mitchell Shires.

Seven large artworks have been installed at various locations from Tallarook to Mansfield through the heritage listed Goulburn River Valley along with a series of 20 scar trees by Taungurung artist and Elder Uncle Mick Harding.

The trail-long scar tree works share stories and symbols of the Taungurung people, the Traditional Owners of the land along the trail and a large part of central Victoria.

The artworks add to the natural beauty of the trail, which travels from Tallarook to Mansfield through the heritage listed Goulburn River Valley and is surrounded by dramatic views of majestic rivers, lakes and mountains.

New wayfinding and interpretive signs have been installed to improve the visitor experience and share the stories of First Nations peoples to connect walkers and riders with sites along the route.

The Great Victorian Rail Trail is a multi-use accessible trail that can be experienced on foot, bike or horse and crosses Mitchell, Murrindindi and Mansfield Shires. It is the longest rail trail in Victoria and features the 201-metre-long Cheviot Tunnel built in 1889.

Mansfield, Murrindindi and Mitchell Shires attracted 2.6 million domestic daytrip and overnight visitors last year, who stayed 2.5 million nights and contributed $683 million in visitor expenditure to the local economy.

The Regional Tourism Investment Fund is helping entice more visitors to Victoria’s regions, driving private investment and accelerating the recovery of the tourism sector.