Urban art in coastal towns

Spend time exploring the art throughout the local towns and you’re guaranteed to leave with a deeper understanding of place and stronger appreciation of the land you’re walking on.

Hero image ‘Ed Scissorhands Mural’ by Shime.

Urban artwork is hidden all around Busselton, Dunsborough and Vasse townships.

Whether it’s the iconic character illustrations of Ian Mutch or Holly Ogden’s sunflowers, you’re sure to find eye-catching works tucked down laneways or adorning cafés.

The Busselton Urban Art Trail captures many of these artworks on its user-friendly digital map.

Likely the most popular and certainly the largest on the art trail, the Local Whales by Ian Mutch trail features life-sized paintings of a Blue Whale, a Southern Right Whale and a Humpback Whale with its calf, splashed across the timber planks of the Busselton Jetty.

Busselton’s art scene extends well beyond land. Once you’ve measured yourself against the local whales, head below and find a sea of discovery at the end of the jetty.

Eight metres below the ocean surface, find an otherworldly underwater sculpture park, featuring 13 sculptures from West Australian artists.

Each sculpture has been intentionally designed to double as an artificial reef, offering marine life new habitats within the bay.

1. Busselton Jetty Underwater Sculpture Park – Various artists
2. Local Whales – Ian Mutch, Busselton Jetty, Foreshore Parade, Busselton
3. Surrounded, I see – Melski McVee – Facing Coles car park in Vasse – Rear of 12 Napoleon Promenade, Vasse
4. Best Mates – Drew Straker – Windbreak Wall, Rear of arcade/car park – 17 Napoleon Promenade, Vasse
5. Korrianne – Sandra Hill and Cerys Allerton – Slippery Rocks, Yallingup Beach Road, Yallingup

Uncover Margaret River’s thriving art scene through walkable trails in Cowaramup, Prevelly and Margaret River, with Augusta coming soon.

Each artwork on the Margaret River Art Trails has a QR code that links to an immersive webpage full of background information, including the artist’s statement, allowing you to see the artwork through a different lens.

Wander down Margaret River’s main street on an art scavenger hunt before a cocktail at Morries or dinner at Swings and Roundabouts. Spy colourful street art portraits tucked down Ned Higgins Lane or vibrant murals beside the Youth Precinct.

A must-see mural is Wadandi Boodjarra, a collaboration between three prominent West Australian artists – Ian Mutch, Sandra Hill and Jack Bromell. The artwork pays homage to the Wadandi (Saltwater) People through a striking depiction of two ‘Karaaks’ (Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo) and bloodlines of generations past, present and future.

Many of the pieces included in the trails are from local artists, residing in and around Margaret River Cowaramup, Prevelly and Augusta. Their artwork tells the story of the unique and special way of life here, reflecting on the region’s strong sense of community.

1. Moon Haven – Brenton See – Moon Haven, 69 Bussell Hwy, Cowaramup
2. Farmer and Cattle Dog – Hope Perth – Fearn Ave, Festival Precinct, Margaret River
3. Give and Take – Ian Mutch & Kyle Hughes-Odgers – Next to Visitor Centre Bussell Hwy, Margaret River
4. Wadandi Boodjarra – Ian Mutch, Sandra Hill & Jack Bromell – Constellation Apartments Building, 139 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River
5. The Stick – Russell Sheridan – Riflebutts Reserve, Prevelly

Prevelly’s Coastal Art Trail has several large sculptures set to the beautiful backdrops of local surf breaks and nature reserves.

At the river mouth, walk over the rocks to hang out with Layla, the great-granddaughter of Surf God Huey, a mythical man amongst the surfing community who controls the surf.

At Surfers Point, the limestone Spiral Shelter makes for the perfect resting spot, allowing you a moment of reflection as you stare at the powerful waves crashing over Main Break.

Continue down to Riflebutts Reserve to check out The Stick, a playful larger-than-life sculpture of man’s best friend, found smack bang in the middle of the local dog park.