Following the growing popularity of Australia’s major immersive art events such as Vivid and Parrtjima, a suite of new outdoor art displays and experiences have recently opened across Australia. Whether it’s wandering through a trail towered by gigantic, recycled sculptures or checking out Indigenous markets and performances, there’s something quite special about experiencing art outdoors.
Here is a list of Australia’s most recently opened open-air galleries and upcoming exhibitions.
Thomas Dambo’s Sculptures – Mandurah, Western Australia (Launching Winter 2022)
Expected to launch in late 2022 just a short 50 minute drive from Perth, internationally renowned Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo has begun designing his latest larger-than-life sculpture trail. The sculptures are set to be created in Dambo’s iconic trash-to-treasure style and handmade with recycled and locally sourced materials, allowing travelers to get up close and personal with giant ethically-conscious art.
National Indigenous Art Fair – Sydney, New South Wales
A two-day celebration, the National Indigenous Art Fair is an annual event that sees the Sydney harborside transformed into a sprawling market showcasing First Nations art, craft, native food and design. There are tones of interactive activities including a variety of performances, dances, singing, choirs, bush tucker demonstrations and an Indigenous smoking ceremony, with travelers becoming part of the art at the massive communal weaving project.
Under The Surface – Gippsland, Victoria
Located just over four hours’ drive east of Melbourne, travelers will be delighted to find a new art trail seeking to help create a stronger connection with Indigenous Australia. Designed following a cultural awareness program and consultation with Indigenous artists, the art trail is a visual story of color told across sites including an old shed, a bridge and an underpass. Travelers are invited to walk or cycle the trail and get up close and personal with the artwork and surrounding rural landscape.
Sculpture Down The Lachlan – Forbes, New South Wales
A cruisy five hour road trip journey west of Sydney will see travelers immersed in a new sculpture trail that is being constantly updated with new art throughout 2022. Some of Australia’s greatest local creative talent have come together to create 25 larger-than-life art installations such as the 12-metre tall steel goanna Varanus and Stephen King’s Tower. The 100km trail is the perfect way to explore rural Australia and get face-to-face with some of the best outdoor artists in the world.
Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail – Snowy Valleys, New South Wales
From the powerhouse team behind Bondi’s iconic Sculpture by the Sea trail, which will return to the coastal walk this year, comes Australia’s next immersive regional sculpture series. A relaxed three-hour road trip from the nation’s capital of Canberra, the Snowy Valley Sculpture trail has launched with 20 unique art installations along the foot of the mountain with an abundance of breweries, wineries and other food experiences available along the trail.
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