Queensland Country’s silo art and mural trails are set to grow ahead of summer, with four grain silos in the Lockyer Valley becoming the region’s newest art stop.
Forest Hill’s grain silos, about an hour’s drive west of Brisbane, are set to become the newest stop on the Lockyer Valley Murals Trail, giving travellers another reason to explore this food-producing corner of Queensland Country.
For decades, the four silos have stood beside the railway line at Forest Hill, a reminder of the grain-growing history of this fertile valley. Soon, they will tell a new story about the region and the people who call it home.
Mural artists Jordan Bruce of ‘Brightsiders’ and Joel Fergie ‘The Zookeeper’ have been selected to transform the GrainCorp silos. Painting is expected to begin in early October, with the artwork and an accompanying viewing precinct targeted for completion by mid-November.
Bruce is a co-founder of Brightsiders, a Brisbane art collective specialising in large-scale public murals while Joel has painted silos and water towers across Australia, including GrainCorp silos in Queensland Country’s Goondiwindi region, the famous “Watering Hole” silos in Thallon. The artists have also worked together on major public artworks before, including the GrainCorp silos at Yelarbon, also in Queensland Country (see images above).
This time, the final design is being kept under wraps. Lockyer Valley Regional Council says the mural will capture the essence of the region, drawing on conversations the artists have had with Forest Hill residents and community groups. The design will also respond to the railway line beside the silos.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Cr Tanya Milligan said the artists had taken time to understand the place and its people.
“Jordan and Joel have already spent time engaging with the Forest Hill community, speaking with residents and community groups to help ensure the artwork reflects the stories, values and character of the region.”
For Queensland Country Tourism, the new mural is a starting point for discovering more of the Lockyer Valley. When complete, it will join the region’s existing trail of murals and public artworks in towns including Gatton and Laidley, each offering a different glimpse of country life.
COME FOR THE SILOS, STAY FOR A LOCKYER VALLEY ROADTRIP
Tucked between Laidley and Gatton, the boutique township of Forest Hill rewards a slow wander. Once the mural and viewing precinct are complete, visitors can see the artwork, then explore the village’s restored buildings and shops. Café 4342 occupies the historic post office, while Caffé Sorella is housed in a former grocery store.
Lockyer Valley Murals Trail offers another reason to linger. Continue through Gatton and Laidley to find works inspired by the region’s people, wildlife and farming heritage. The Forest Hill silos are already listed as a coming addition to the trail.
Farm gates and roadside stalls are a chance to fill the boot with local produce. In Gatton, Tins & Trays puts the region’s ingredients at the centre of breakfast and lunch.
Laidley Pioneer Village and Museum offers a look into the valley’s past. For a longer holiday, Valhalla Glamping sits on a working cattle property and flower farm, while Branell Homestead near Laidley offers country cabin accommodation and a bookable farm tour.
FOLLOW THE ART THROUGH QUEENSLAND COUNTRY
Forest Hill’s transformation will build on existing public art experiences in Queensland Country, from Toowoomba’s painted silo and laneways to Yelarbon’s eight-silo artwork in the Goondiwindi region and Somerset’s town murals. Country cafés, historic pubs and overnight stays offer reasons to turn an art stop into a longer holiday.
TOOWOOMBA: A SILO WITH A STORY, AND LANEWAY STREET ART TO EXPLORE
In Harristown, Mununjali artist Kim Walmsley’s We remember, never to forget transforms a former GrainCorp silo on Anzac Avenue into a work about remembrance, cultural heritage and connection to the land. Walmsley was assisted by Jordan Bruce, one of the artists selected for Forest Hill. Pair a visit with a walk through Toowoomba’s streets and laneways, where murals share space with cafés and the city’s historic buildings.
YELARBON: EIGHT SILOS, ONE SWEEPING SCENE
Visit Goondiwindi to explore the town’s murals and riverside sculptures, including this . Image Credit Goondiwindi Regional Council. Download images here.
In the Goondiwindi region, Yelarbon’s GrainCorp silos carry When the Rain Comes, an artwork spanning eight silos. A young boy setting paper boats afloat in the local lagoon anchors a scene inspired by the town’s landscape and history. A dedicated viewing area and parking make it an easy stop on a regional drive. Continue to Goondiwindi to explore the town’s murals and riverside sculptures.
MILLMERRAN: COUNTRY HISTORY ON A DIFFERENT CANVAS
In the Toowoomba region, Millmerran’s painted water tank offers another take on large-scale public art. Created by Toowoomba artist Jon Signs, the work draws on the history of the town’s water supply, including horse-drawn scoops and the local reservoir. Around town, further murals depict the district’s history, giving visitors a reason to park the car and explore.
SOMERSET: MURALS, SMALL TOWNS AND A FORMER MILK FACTORY
For another art-led country escape, follow the Somerset Murals Trail through towns including Lowood, Coominya, Esk and Toogoolawah. Works draw on rural life, community stories and recovery after bushfires. In Toogoolawah, make time for The Condensery, Somerset’s regional art gallery housed in a former Nestlé condensed milk packing shed, where changing exhibitions bring contemporary art into a building with its own country history.
WHERE IS THE LOCKYER VALLEY?
The Lockyer Valley lies west of Brisbane, between Ipswich and Toowoomba. Forest Hill is a small heritage town between Gatton and Laidley, about an hour’s drive from Brisbane. Its farmland, country towns and produce make it an easy day trip, with plenty of reasons to stay overnight.
Qantas flies direct from Sydney to Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport (WTB). Car hire is available at the airport for travellers planning to explore the Lockyer Valley and wider Queensland Country region. Visitors flying into Brisbane can also hire a car for the westbound drive.
The purpose-built viewing precinct on Railway Street will provide a dedicated place to see the Forest Hill mural. Plans include parking for cars, RVs and buses, footpaths, landscaping, seating and shade. Council will share updates as the artwork takes shape.
The Forest Hill Silos Precinct and Mural Art Project received $1.85 million in combined Australian Government and Queensland Government funding through the South East Queensland Liveability Fund.
Council’s project page has the latest construction updates. Painting and precinct works are subject to weather and site conditions, so check before travelling. For more trip ideas, see Queensland Country Tourism’s Lockyer Valley guide. Check individual business opening hours and booking requirements before visiting.
MAKE AN ART STOP A COUNTRY HOLIDAY
Interested in planning a longer drive around Queensland Country’s silo artworks, painted water tanks and town murals. Explore Queensland Country’s art trails and build a country holiday around the places and stories along the way.
