Understory – Southern Forest Arts

Star 4.6 (29 Google reviews)

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Understory – Southern Forest Arts

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Monday - Sunday: 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM
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Let your imagination guide and your heart connect... Every place (no matter how small) has 'understories' - secrets, songs, dreams - that help us connect with the 'spirit of place'. This connection enriches our sense of self and our sense of belonging. The Understory sculpture walk trail is the first purpose built walk trail within Australia to permanently feature specially commissioned artworks from a range of different art forms.
Sculpture, music and writing have been commissioned from nationally and internationally renowned creative personnel to reflect the social, cultural and environmental heritage of the Southern Forests region. The 1.2 km walk circuit showcases the awe-inspiring Karri, Jarrah and Marri forest of the Northcliffe Forest Park. 

Permanent and ephemeral (temporary) sculptures are located at varying intervals along the trail, with poetry, prose, storytelling, photography and music appearing in associated publications and audio tours. 

The Sculpture Walk commences from the Northcliffe Information and Visitor Centre. Entry fees include a range of five different audio tours and a comprehensive Trail Guide. 

The Sculpture Walk is open Daily 10.00am - 4.00pm, last entry 3pm.

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Understory – Southern Forest Arts

Northcliffe WA 6262, Australia

Reviews

Star 4.6 (29 Google reviews)
Colin Norris 01 August 2022

Have driven through the area many times yet never knew this was here. So delighted to eventually discover it July 2022. There was a $10 per adult entry fee to do the 1.2km walk via the Visitor's Centre, but well worth the price. So many creations to encounter, all with more or less something to engage the imagination. The walk took us about 45 minutes. Most of the pieces show some level of decay from being in the bush (some since 2006), but that's part of what makes this type of art "alive". Apparently you can do the walk with an audio track to listen to. Maybe that's something we'll have to go back for.

Kari Stead 01 October 2022

This is an amazing place to visit. The joining of nature and art. I felt like a kid on a treasure hunt as we followed the trail and the art unfolded behind ever bend nook and cranny. What an amazing story honouring the community's rise from the ashes. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS.

Vanessa2Lee 04 October 2022

Needs more maintenance. I think when it first opened, it would have been better. Lots of the art has deteriorated and the brochure hasn’t been reprinted since 2007 so it doesn’t include the newer art. It is still a nice place to visit but I wouldn’t go out of your way to see it.

Nikunj Shah 24 January 2023

The highlight of the Manjimup trip, extremely creative. You can spend half a day looking for the artwork hidden in crevices and trees and the kids are thoroughly occupied. It is a pity that it's not marketed well.

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