Shellharbour's Public Art Trail
Duration: 2 days /1 night
Self Drive Getaway
From Sydney: 90 mins
Regions Included: Lake Illawarra, Warilla, Shellharbour Village, Shell Cove, Oak Flats, Albion Park and Albion Park Rail
2 Day - Art, Culture & Food Trail
Whether you have a day or an entire weekend, Shellharbour’s public art trail offers a unique itinerary to explore the city’s stories, landscapes and creative spirit.
DAY ONE: Lake Illawarra Art Trail & Waterfront Discovery
8:00am | Breakfast by the Lake
Begin your day with breakfast overlooking Lake Illawarra at The Lake Illawarra Kiosk, Reddall Reserve.
9:00am | Explore the Lake Illawarra Art Trail
Walk or cycle the foreshore trail through Reddall Reserve, discovering artworks inspired by local history, Aboriginal culture, wildlife and the natural environment.
Must-see artworks:
- Ghost Trees for Spirit of Place – By Lizzie Buckmaster Dove and Robert Nancarrow, Ghost Trees for Spirit of Place represents the community’s collective memory and history of the lake, standing as guardian totems for Lake Illawarra.
- Fauna of the Lake – Sculpted by the Shellharbour Woodcarvers, this artwork features deep relief carving of animal species found in and around Lake Illawarra. Fish, shellfish and birds documented by the Lake Illawarra Authority are depicted in the carving and include Snapper, Yellow Fin Bream, Mud Crab, Scallop, Little Tern and Shag.
- Split – A striking sculpture by David Ball, crafted from Corten steel and inspired by organic forms found in nature. The work creates a dramatic frame through which visitors can view Windang Island and the surrounding Lake Illawarra landscape.
- Synergy – Created by Kane Minogue from more than 3,000 recycled metal objects, this large-scale sculpture celebrates Lake Illawarra’s marine life and community spirit.
- Burri Burri – A striking bronze humpback whale sculpture inspired by the Gang Man Gang Dreaming story and the cultural significance of whales to the Dharawal and Yuin peoples. The work is a collaboration by Jodi Edwards, Theresa Ardler, Julie Squires & Nicole Talbott.
Local Tip: Families can stop for a play at the award-winning Red Lamp Play Space. Designed for all ages, the play space features a Ninja Park, flying fox and accessible swings, while celebrating Lake Illawarra’s rich heritage and the long-standing tradition of prawning under the glow of the iconic red lamps.
10:30am | Morning Coffee
Stop at Warilla Beach Cafe and enjoy a coffee with the sounds of the ocean, and Claire Foxton’s iconic mural on the Warilla Lifeguard Tower.
11:30am | Bardsley Park & Shellharbour Village
A seven minute drive (or approximately a 35 minute walk) from Warilla Beach to Shellharbour North Beach, you will discover by Carla Gottgens ‘Long Distance‘, an iconic sculpture celebrating the annual migration of humpback whales along the NSW coastline.
Spend the afternoon wandering through Shellharbour Village, browsing boutiques, enjoying ocean views and discovering public art including must-see murals:
- Southerly Change by Gus Eagleton. Gus’s photorealistic finish portrays a female figure wearing a hat, a nod to the local area and the community itself. Addison Street, Shellharbour Village
- Refraction by Sahil Roy, a vibrant abstract interpretation of the movement and energy of Shellharbour’s coastline. Opposite Southerly Change, alley off Addison Street.
Make sure to stop in at The Imaginarium Art Space. Located in the heart of Shellharbour Village on Wentworth Street. The Imaginarium hosts an ever-changing program of exhibitions, workshops, performances, live music, readings, networking events and community activities. Opening hours vary.
Atop The Imaginarium is another public artwork, Fluidity by Orlando Norrish. The sculpture is an abstract artwork spanning 15 metres in length. Representing the flow of a school of fish, it is comprised of steel sheets that have been folded into geometric shapes. While you are here stop into the Shellharbour Visitor Information Centre to discover more amazing things to see and do in Shellharbour.
1:30pm | Lunch at Shellharbour Marina, Waterfront Precinct Shell Cove
Dine waterside at Georgia Rose, overlooking the award-winning marina precinct.
2:30pm | Art in the Marina
Stroll throughout The Waterfront, Shell Cove and discover a range of interactive public artworks and installations along the waterfront boardwalk. With interactive installations that include a ship’s helm and periscope, kaleidoscopes and mirrors, speaking tubes and parabolic reflectors, boat cowl Vents and a whirlpool column, visitors of all ages will be engaged and entertained.
Conversations, a sculpture by acclaimed artist Phillip Piperides, was voted the people’s choice winner when it was exhibited at the 2023 PromenART Sculpture Walk and was acquired by Shell Cove.
Stroll out to the breakwall and view the Mural Walk on the eastern edge of Shellharbour Marina.
6:00pm | Dinner
Enjoy a sunset dinner at The Waterfront Tavern or return to Shellharbour Village for one of its many restaurants and bars. Dine beneath the striking life-size Whale Bones sculpture, a distinctive public artwork that celebrates Shellharbour’s coastal identity and deep connection to the annual humpback whale migration.
Seasonal Highlight: PromenART Sculpture Walk – September to October
If you’re visiting during spring, make time to experience PromenART at The Waterfront, Shell Cove. This popular outdoor exhibition transforms the marina precinct into a vibrant open-air gallery featuring sculptures, murals, installations and community artworks set against stunning waterfront views.
DAY TWO: Murals Trail Throughout Shellharbour City
8:00am | Breakfast
Start with breakfast at Happy Fox Cafe in Warilla.
9:00am | Warilla Murals
Discover some of Shellharbour’s newest and most vibrant public artworks.
Must see murals:
- Happy Eco Laneway by Happy Decay. A colourful celebration of sustainability and environmental care in Shacklock Lane, off Beverly Avenue, Warilla.
- Unceasing Day & Evening Sky by Michael Day. Large-scale abstract landscapes inspired by Australia’s natural beauty. Hall Lane, Warilla
- Stronger Together by Trait. This spectacular mural features four elegant local water birds, their long necks and dramatic features well intertwined to create fluid movement across the wall. McKeon Lane, Warilla
- Wake Up Call by Krimsone & Scott Nagy – The mural portrays local endangered flora and fauna, including the Swift Parrot, Weedy Sea Dragon, Sandpiper, the Magenta Lilli Pilli, and Chorizema parviflorum, all of which are attempting to wake up the human, as we obnoxiously sleep on their decline. McKeon Lane, Warilla
- Local Landscapes by James Gulliver Hancock. Four mural panels depicting local wildlife, coastal adventures and everyday life in the Illawarra. Bernaud Crescent, Warilla Pool exterior.
Local Tip: While exploring Warilla, keep an eye out for public art in unexpected places, including David Boyle’s whimsical sculptures Sea Gulls (near the amenities building on Hall Lane, Warilla) and Who’s got the chippies? (Warilla Library)
11:00am | Oak Flats Art Trail
Head to Oak Flats for some of the best in the city. Wander laneways and alleys in search of art including:
- Two Heads are better than one by Poncho Army who describes her concept as: “I like the idea of putting two heads together to help make a change, to make a difference or to just have someone there to support you.” Central Avenue, Oak Flats
- Binyang Dyiral / Bird Shoal by David Cragg. A homage to the local natural environment, and some of the flora and fauna found upon the lakes edge. Reynolds Lane, Oak Flats
- Future Shade by Sarah McCloskey. The concept is based on the quote “Blessed are those who plant trees under whose shade they will never sit”, which presents the idea of making choices and taking actions, that benefit not only ourselves, but future generations. Oak Flats Library, Central Avenue, Oak Flats.
- Library Mural by Sarah McCloskey. Inspired by local flora and the shoreline of Lake Illawarra. Oak Flats Library, Central Avenue, Oak Flats.
- The Great Sea of Wonder by Zoe Xuji and Chloe Watfern. A vibrant mural celebrating waterways, nature and creativity. Oak Flats Neighbourhood Centre, Fisher Street, Oak Flats.
- No Place like Home by Claire Foxton who’s mural features native flora, fauna and bush food found in the region, including a Moreton Bay Fig, Finger Lime, Cunjevoi Lily and a Superb Fairywren. Bendigo Bank, Oak Flats (Cnr Griffiths St and Central Ave).
- Two Hands by Claire Foxton who describes her mural as representing “the sheer power and possibility of what we can do with our own two hands – whether it be helping a neighbour, expressing ourselves, working hard or educating or empowering others.” Central Avenue, Oak Flats.
1:00pm | Lunch at Shellharbour Airport
Shellharbour Airport at Albion Park is not just a functioning airport, it also functions as a community gallery, regularly showcasing exhibitions by local and regional artists.
Stop in for lunch at the Greenacres Café, in front of the iconic mural Phoenix Rising by Trait. Then peruse the artwork on display, you may even like to take one home with you.
Note: Shellharbour Airport Terminal is fully accessible with accessible amenities including adult change room. The café is a local social enterprise for people living with disability.
2:00pm | Albion Park & Albion Park Rail Murals
Albion Park and Albion Park Rail are home to one of the region’s largest collections of public murals, transforming streets and laneways into an open-air gallery.
Some of Albion Park Rail’s murals include:
- Midnight Showdown by David Cragg. ‘Midnight Showdown’ is a vibrant mural featuring an abundance of local bird species – an Eastern Yellow Robin, a Blue-faced Honeyeater, a Pink Galah, a Golden Whistler, a Red Browed Finch, a Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo and a Fairy Wren. Princes Highway Albion Park Rail, next to the Albion Park Medical Centre.
- A Laughing Matter by Karla Hayes. ‘A Laughing Matter’ depicts street lights, native plants and bird species crowding at the tree line. Acacia blooms, waratahs and gum trees frame two kookaburras laughing centre stage, working together to drive off interlopers. Princes Highway Albion Park Rail, next to the Albion Park Medical Centre.
- House in the Hills by Helen Proctor. The artwork reflects the surrounding farmland and escarpment. The artist used colours that pop from the urban area and blend with the natural landscape. Princes Highway Albion Park Rail.
A short drive to Albion Park is worth the visit for these phenomenal murals:
- Day Dreamer by Krimsone and Scott Nagy. Owning a home to call your own may seem like a dream; the desire for comfortable living is like a fable in a picture book. Crn Tongarra Road and Halket Lane, Albion Park
- Still Life Blues by Alex Sugar a Melbourne-based realism painter well-known for his large-scale murals & studio works depicting native Australian flora & fauna. He has a particular interest in merging this distinctive style with still life & surreal components. Tongarra Road Albion Park
- Locking Horns by Ling, a Melbourne artist who combines traditional graffiti’s aesthetics with heavy brush strokes, textures & a deft touch with aerosols, resulting in bold designs. Tongarra Road Albion Park
- Tongarra Pass by David Cragg. An amazing piece that encompasses a red wattle bird zooming by the entrance, flanked by flannel flowers on Albion Park Pool wall. Russell Street, Albion Park.
3:00pm | Afternoon Coffee in Mood Park
Finish your artistic journey with coffee and a sweet treat from Delicious Delights, and enjoy in the beautiful manicured gardens of Mood Park, Albion Park.
TOP TIPS
For Culture Lovers: Download the Tread Shellharbour App to help navigate the Lake Illawarra Art Trail and discover even more public art, heritage sites and hidden gems throughout Shellharbour.
For Street Art Hunters: Discover ALL of Shellharbour’s local murals on the Street Art Cities website where you can find street art across the globe.
For Families: Download the Art Activity sheets before you head off on your public art adventure. There are three to choose from including Aquatic Animal, Foral & Fauna, and Spectacular Sculptures.
LOCAL ADVICE
Our team of friendly locals at the Visitor Information Centre are here every day of the week to give helpful advice to visitors. From booking accommodation, tours and tickets to giving tips on the best local hotspots, dining options and picturesque vistas for the ‘gram, our team are here to make your Shellharbour visit unforgettable.
Take a copy of our annual Visitor Guide to browse through during your stay.
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