Explore Rockhampton's Public Art Trail

Published on 29 November 2022

open your eyes...

Explore Rockhampton on foot and discover hidden works of public art in and around the Riverside Precinct, CBD and leafy suburbs.

MUNDA-GADDA

Location: Rockhampton Riverside Precinct, Quay Street

The Darumbal people believe that the Munda-Gadda created all the waters in the land, its rivers, creeks and streams, it created the underground rivers and lakes and the water in plants. The Darumbal people believe that the Munda-Gadda is Tunuba (Fitzroy River). Found on the riverbank as part of the Fitzroy Adventure Playground, the rainbow serpent adds some bright colour into the Riverside Precinct and is a great playful piece for the children to play around and climb.

TILT

Location: Rockhampton Riverside Precinct, Quay Street

Nestled amongst the lush green parklands in Rockhampton's Riverside Precinct, public art 'Tilt’ by Belynda Waugh. These five bronze and powder coated stainless steel houses on stilts represent Rockhampton's iconic old, highset Queenslander home. These tiny houses were commissioned by Rockhampton Regional Council as part of the Riverside Revitalisation 2016 – 2018 with funds from the Australian Government, the Queensland Government and the Rockhampton Regional Council.

ALLUVIA

Location: Rockhampton Riverside Precinct, Quay Street

Across time and across all cultures, rocks have long been used as meeting places, as markers of significant places and as symbols of stability and strength. This tall rock-like form holds true to all of these qualities but its triangulated structure and vivid colour playfully extend on these ideas. The result is an iconic landmark– part digital, part geological– an innovative take on a time-tested motif. Conceived as a computer rendering of a stalagmite this addition to Rockhampton’s vibrant riverfront development is a celebration of ancient natural history and contemporary culture. The upright geometric form rises from the ground in two halves– a composition that frames the river, the sky, the mountains. The form and the space between welcomes us. It is human in its scale. An intimate protected space but it is also a space that we move through. A visual statement that reiterates the connection between the city and the river as a place of meeting. Commissioned by Rockhampton Regional Council as part of the Riverside Revitalisation 2016 – 2018 with funds from the Australian Government, the Queensland Government and the Rockhampton Regional Council.

Source: Madebytomborgas.com

BARRAMUNDI

Location: Rockhampton Riverside Precinct, Quay Street

As the genuine Home of the Barramundi, pronounced “bardda moon di” by the Darumbal people, this spectacular piece of public art is ideally situated on the banks of the Fitzroy River (Tunaba) within the Rockhampton Riverside Precinct. 'Barramundi' by Uncle Tosi Cora is made from metal and LED lights and was installed as part of the 2019 Rockhampton River Festival.

Locals tip: This magnificent piece of public art is best seen at night when the Riverside Precinct comes alive with lights.

CHARLES ARCHER ON SLEIPNER

Location: Pilbeam Theatre, Victoria Parade

A statue of Charles Archer and his horse Sleipner commemorate the meeting place which determined the site of the city of Rockhampton. Charles Archer explored the Fitzroy and Dawson River areas looking for suitable grazing lands in 1853-4. He tendered for the Farris Run in Gracemere and travelled overland with livestock to arrive in 1855. His brother Colin was to bring much needed supplies by sea and the two met when the "Ellida" sailed up the coast from Maryborough and along the Fitzroy River. This became the site of Rockhampton. Sleipner, Archer`s horse, was named after Odin`s fabled horse in Scandinavian mythology Commissioned by Rockhampton Regional Council in 1979.

Source: Monument Australia

RUNNING THE CUTTER

Location: Morgan Street, Mount Morgan

Known as a 'cutter' between 1900 and 1981, it is believed that when a miner finished his shift, he would have a young lad run to a nearby hotel with his billycan, have it filled with beer and brought back to him as he came off shift. Today the tradition is brought to life during a competition held in the Golden Mount Festival. The Running of the Cutter contest sees teams relay the town's remaining four hotels, with the lucky last team member downing a cutter full of beer.

NURIM CIRCUIT DARUMBAL INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE

Location: Nurim Circuit, Mount Archer National Park

While you're visiting Nurim Circuit, be sure to take in the Darumbal interpretive signage and public art - three seats with spectacular views of Tunuba (Fitzroy River), inspired by a traditional artwork by Darumbal artist Ernest Garrett.