Overview
An initiative of local community group, Arts Rutherglen, this fantastic, growing trail of original sculptures dotted along the Murray to Mountains Rail Traill and around Lake King have been purchased or commissioned for specific sites from local and visting artists. Sometimes quirky, always fascinating, highlights of these large-scale works include Bad Hair Day, Quiet Waters and Cow and Cockatoo.
Route Details
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Short Walks
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4-6 kms
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1.5 Hour
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Grade 1
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Circuit Walk
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Nature Walks
View Route on Map
Start
Walking
Start Walking: Rutherglen Wine Experience and Visitor Information Centre
1
Start at Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre. Head north east, turning right to follow the boundary of the Visitor Information Centre. Cross the old railway line and rail trail. Cross Hamilton, Reeve and Booth Streets.
Move over Sculptures by the Sea. The harbour town may have the beaches, the cliff-top views and the whales, but what we lack in saltiness we make up for in iconic Australian bush landscapes and award winning wines. Unlike our northern counterpart, the Rutherglen Sculpture Trail is a permanent fixture, meaning you don’t have to beat any crowds or rush your way through the trail.
2
At 400m cross Hunter Street at the Memorial then left to cross the Murray Valley Highway. Follow Hunter Street towards the Rutherglen Wine Bottle. Cross Lord Street at 600m then at 800m cross Hunter Street doing a U turn heading back towards the Murray Valley Highway. There are two B and B’s opposite each other at this point.
aRTS Rutherglen created the Rutherglen Sculpture Trail over 10 years ago, commissioning pieces by local artists within the rural and agricultural landscape of Rutherglen and surrounds. Welded, bent and soldered, there are now over 25 sculptures scattered in and around the town. We’ve designed a nice and easy walk for you to enjoy a good handful of these installations.
3
Cross Lord Street again. At 1.2km turn right at the Murray Valley Highway (Howlong Road sign). Cross Booth Street and pass the Rutherglen Fire Station. Cross Audley, the rail trail and the old railway line. At 1.6km at the roundabout turn right and head towards the toilets on the right passing the Rutherglen Senior Citizens Club.
4
At the toilets head towards the car park on Douglas Street. Connect with the footpath to go through the car park to join Main Street. At 2km turn right onto Main Street at the supermarket. Cross High Street and Bowling Green Lane.
The trail will have you zigging and zagging your way around the charismatic streets of this historic town. Rutherglen was established upon the discovery of gold, but was quickly built. It has maintained its reputation as one of Australia’s premier wine growing regions, especially wines of the fortified variety. Those sticky, sweet wines surely must be the nectar of gods?
A little tip before hitting the trail is to take a detour to award winning Parker Pies. Stuff a couple of these absolute gems into your bag. Trust us, when you’re hankering for a little pick me up at the halfway mark, the oh so flaky pastry and moorish fillings made with locally sourced ingredients, will be just the ticket.
5
At 2.5km turn left to cross Main Street then right to connect with Drummond Street on the left. Cross Murray Street at 2.6km to reach Lake King. At 2.7km head right to join the path. Continue on the path keeping left adjacent to the lake and joining another gravel path turning left.
The trail will have you zigging and zagging your way around the charismatic streets of this historic town. Rutherglen was established upon the discovery of gold, but was quickly built. It has maintained its reputation as one of Australia’s premier wine growing regions, especially wines of the fortified variety. Those sticky, sweet wines surely must be the nectar of gods?
6
At 3.2km at the Lake King Lounge continue to follow the path branching off at the toilets. Turn right at 3.4km to join Murray Street and head past the memorial on the right. At 3.6km turn right at High Street at the memorial hall.
A highlight of the trail is the lovely Lake King, home to six of sculptures – two of which are functional seats! Rest those legs and soak up the views, ready to hit the next section of the trail. There’s also a nice handful of secluded spots, ideal for some mindful meditation or some sneaky selfies. Whatever floats your proverbial boat.
7
Continue straight past the police station, kinder and the recreation reserve. Cross the road to join Church Street and follow to its intersection with Murray Street. Turn left at the Uniting Church Hall then a quick left and right onto Murphy Street South to head past the car wash towards the Visitor Information Centre.
Now head back into town and pop into the delightfully cheery cellar door of James & Co Wines - the cushy, comfortable lounges are calling your name. A glass of wine, a nice little wedge of cheese and front row seat by the window to watch the world go by - the perfect way to finish off your little outdoor art adventure.
End Walking: Rutherglen Wine Experience and Visitor Information Centre
Looking for a drive?
Gooramadda Olives is located a short 10 minute drive to the north of Rutherglen and has three statues on site! The angler fish and scorpion are joined by the dog who has his very own food bowl.
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