Clarence Valley Public Art Trail
Stories Etched on Our Streets
Video credit: NITSUA, ‘Lawrence Water Tower’, 2023
The Clarence Valley is not just a place of stunning landscapes. It’s a vibrant canvas where murals and sculptures tell the stories of our community, a way to see the world through the eyes of those who call this place home. This open-air art gallery transforms everyday spaces into captivating visual narratives, adding colour and character to our streets and villages.
You can see a whole lot in one big day, but this journey is really designed to be enjoyed slowly. Take your time, stay overnight, and experience the many other things each village has to offer along the way.
The Clarence Valley Public Art Trail highlights just a selection of our incredible murals and sculptures, there’s a whole plethora of public artworks spread across the Valley waiting to be found.
Yamba
Start your trail by the sea in Yamba, where art and ocean energy come together. At Turners Beach carpark, you’ll find ‘Furcula’ Wishbones by Cass Samms: four stylised bronze wishbone pieces that interconnect with one another, creating an interactive space. The sculpture which is approximately 1.6m wide, 2.7m long and 1m high sits on the edge of the rocks overlooking the beach and river crossing.
Then, stroll to Coldstream and Yamba Streets to see the six Story Poles by Yaegl artist Fiona Vesper, each representing a theme- Sea Life, Our Nation, Generational Wealth, Symbols, Paperbark, and In the Sky, each carrying deep meaning for Yaegl people. Audio recordings from the artist bring each pole’s story to life, adding a sensory and cultural layer to your experience.
Nearby on the corner of Coldstream and Yamba Street, stand in awe of “Wings of the River” mural by artist NITSUA, a large-scale celebration of Country and connection. As the artist describes it, “This mural isn’t just a painting highlighting local nature. It’s a portal. A place where land, sky, and water whisper.”
In addition to the wall mural, the NBN box located on Coldstream Street, Yamba has received a makeover with a stunning artwork by local artist, Liz Hardaker. The colourful artwork, focusing on the iconic Coastal Emu and local native bush land, has been wrapped around the NBN box.
Tip: Park near the main street to explore all three artworks on foot. If you have the time, why not add Yamba Museum to your list, where you will experience The Old Kirk building mural by Frances Belle-Parker and story poles in the Yaegl Garden by Yaegl artists Frances Belle-Parker and Aneika Kapeen.
Image credit: NITSUA, “Wings of the River”, 2025
Image credit: Cass Samms, ‘Furcula’ Wishbones, 2011, Image courtesy of the artist Cass Samms
Image credit: Fiona Vesper, Story Poles, 2025, Images courtesy of the artist Fiona Vesper
Iluka
Ditch the car at Yamba (by ditch we mean park it safely at Ford Park, Harbour Street) and catch the Ferry across the Clarence River to Iluka– or take the long way and drive 40 minutes to Iluka.
Bonus- If driving, take a 2-minute detour to stop at the Chatsworth Thong Tree (Chatsworth Road opposite the general store). Reuniting missing thongs for decades, the Chatsworth Thong Tree blurs the line between roadside oddity and community art installation. What began as a gathering of stray flip-flops has grown into a colourful, ever-changing display, sparking the question: is it art, or is it not? Either way, it’s a stop that never fails to catch the eye and raise a smile.
Make your way to Iluka’s Waterfront to find The Iluka Mermaid, a captivating sculpture gracing the rock wall at the Trawler Harbour, was created around 1990 by a man restoring the historic timber boat The Derwent as a heartfelt gift to the Harbour. Originally, she was made from unpainted concrete. Over the years, she’s had several makeovers by community members.
This mermaid sculpture has become a cherished symbol of protection for those who venture out to sea, inspiring the local community and celebrated by artisans, locals, and visitors alike.
Image credit: Iluka Community, ‘Iluka Mermaid’, 1990, Images Courtesy of Linda Frylink Anderson
Image credit: ‘The Thong Tree’ Courtesy of Chatsworth Community
Harwood
Back on the highway, head to Harwood township to see the Harwood Mill & Refinery Mural (on Mill lane), commissioned by Sunshine Sugar to mark 150 years of the Harwood Mill. Artist NITSUA’s design celebrates the deep ties between cane growing, milling, and community in the Northern Rivers.
Now it’s time to make tracks over the Clarence River to the other side to what’s under the bridge. You would be forgiven for thinking the architecture of the 30-metre-tall New Harwood Bridge (opened 2019) and its older sister, the original Harwood Bridge (opened 1966) are pieces of art in themselves. The towering piers of the new(er) bridge are adorned with equally impressive tall artworks ‘Biirrinba River Sentinels” by artist Al Stark. Inspired by the 2022 floods, these four painted female river sentinels stand as guardians over the Clarence River, representing history and resilience.
Image credit: Al Stark, ‘Biirrinba River Sentinels: Looking to the future through the eyes of the past’, 2023. Photograph by Gary Parker.
Image credit: NITSUA, ‘Harwood Mill & Refinery Mural’, 2024, Image courtesy of Sunshine Sugar Harwood.
Maclean
Next stop- Maclean, where art and culture flow as freely as the river itself. This cultural town celebrates both Yaegl and Scottish heritage, expressed beautifully in its murals and public art.
On River Street, you will see artist NITSUA’s painted large-scale portrait Uncle Ron Heron mural, a respected Yaegl Elder, featuring warrior ochre, a rainbow honey eater and indigenous symbols. Nearby at McNaughton Place, pause at the Yaegl Yarning Circle by Frances Belle Parker (MacNaughton Place) to feel the Yaegl cultural connection by the river.
Wander further to see the iconic Tartan-Painted Power Poles, over 200 of them! First introduced in 2000 to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic Torch, they’ve since become a proud local feature. Pick up a Tartan Pole Map at the Maclean Scottish Shop (201 River Street) and find your family tartan. Then head to McLachlan Park for a riverside picnic and a look at the historic photos on the levee wall.
Bonus: Take the Lawrence Car Ferry (another must while in the Clarence Valley) from Woodford Island to continue your journey north along the river.
Image credit: NISTUA, Yaegl Elder Uncle Ron Heron, 2023
Image credit: Maclean Tartan Poles courtesy of the Lower Clarence Scottish Association
Image credit: Frances Belle Parker, ‘Yaegl Yarning Circle’, 2019
Lawrence
Image credit: NITSUA, ‘Lawrence Water Tower’, 2023, Photograph courtesy of Simon Hughes Media
Arrive in Lawrence, a peaceful village where art and nature meet. Standing tall above the town, the Lawrence Water Tower Mural by artist NITSUA (High Street) transforms the concrete tower into a colourful masterpiece. Featured on the Australian Silo Art Trail, it celebrates community spirit, wildlife, and river life.
It’s a perfect spot to pause, stretch your legs, and enjoy the sweeping views of the Clarence before continuing your journey.
Image credit: NITSUA, ‘Lawrence Water Tower’, 2023, Photograph courtesy of Simon Hughes Media
Grafton
Take a wander through the heart of Grafton to experience the Prince Street Planter Box Trail, where 30 vibrant artworks by local artists bring colour and storytelling to the main street, from tales of Grafton’s history to the floods of 2022.
Just a short stroll away, visit the Grafton Library Mural (126-144 Pound Street), inspired by Yaegl connections to plants, animals, and place. Paying homage to Burugar Wagun (beach turkeys), artist Al Stark was inspired by Dreamtime stories he was told while walking along the coastline.
Beneath the Balun Bindarray Bridge, the Grafton Bridge Art Precinct reveals a collection of captivating murals by both local and visiting artists. Exploring under the Grafton bridges (near Greaves Street) will uncover a plethora of captivating artworks. Notably, there is a mural by the esteemed Blak Douglas, the winner of the 2022 Archibald Prize, in collaboration with fellow artist Jason Wing, just to name a couple.
Tip: Park near Prince Street to explore all three stops on foot. Allow around an hour or longer if you want to walk over the two bridges.
Image credit: Al Stark, ‘Grafton Library Mural’, image courtesy of the artist Al Stark
Image credit: Grafton Prince Street Planter Box Trail, 2023, Image courtesy of Clarence Valley Culture
Image: Blak Douglas & Jason Wing, GraftonBridge Art Precinct, 2021
South Grafton
Just across the bridge, South Grafton’s levee wall (located on Through Street) tells a story of connection and community. Artwork “This is us: Listen to what we show you” on the mighty Clarence River levee wall demonstrated the connection to the past, this place, the river, and each other. Created and curated by local artist Deborah Taylor, this artwork is set against the beautiful Berinbah/Brerimba Bindarray (Clarence River), which is inextricably intertwined into the very fabric of this town and community. Be inspired by the story behind the artwork, watch the video, by Gary Parker.
Stroll South Grafton’s Skinner Street, and you never know what art you’ll come across. Keep an eye out for Skinner Street Laneway art by Kade Valja and Mahtous.
Image credit: Debby Taylor, ‘This is Us: Listen to What We Show You’, 2024, Image courtesy of Chloe Van Dorp
Image: Kade Valja & Mahtous, Skinner Street Laneway, 2023
Image: Debby Taylor, ‘This is Us: Listen to What We Show You’, 2024, Image courtesy of Rebecca Hatfield
Video: Gary Parker
Glenreagh
Follow Orara Way to end your art adventure in Glenreagh, where the Golden Dog and Mosaic (57 Coramba Street) stands proudly at the Golden Dog Hotel. One of Australia’s famous “Big Things,” this four-metre-tall golden guardian watches over the township with loyal pride.
Take a moment to read the plaque and uncover the story behind how this golden dingo became an icon for the town. Beneath its paws, a colourful mosaic by Pamela Denise celebrates the village’s creative spirit- a fitting finale for your Clarence Valley Public Art Trail.
Tip: Glenreagh is about a 40-minute drive south of Grafton- perfect for wrapping up your journey through the Clarence Valley’s stories on the streets.
Image credit: Pamela Denise, Golden Dog Mosaic, 2021, images courtesy of the artist Pamela Denise
Image: Glenreagh Golden Dog Sculpture
To truly experience the region, complement your exploration of public art with a visit to the galleries along the Clarence Valley Art Gallery Trail, where you can connect with local artists and their creations. You may also be interested in the Clarence Valley Museum Trail or the Lower Clarence Aboriginal Tourist Drive. And if you’re visiting in April, don’t miss the Plunge Arts and Culture Festival, a month-long celebration that showcases the very best of our artistic community. Through these experiences, you’ll not only see the Clarence Valley, you’ll feel it, connect with it, and it will etch a lasting impression on your heart.
Check out the article that inspired the Public Art Trail called Explore Street Art in the Clarence Valley.