From The Mountains To The Marshes
A mural painted at The Smith Street Park in Coonamble funded by Coonamble Shire Council
Painting Big - Regional NSW: My Mural For The Coonamble Public Art Trail Project
As an Australian mural artist, there is nothing quite like hitting the road to create public art in regional communities. My recent journey took me deep into the heart of Outback New South Wales to paint a large-scale mural for the Coonamble Art Trail.
Commissioned by the Coonamble Shire Council, this public art initiative was designed to mimic the wildly successful Australian Silo Art Tour. By scattering world-class murals and sculptures throughout the shire, the project aims to give travelers a brilliant reason to slow down, explore, and immerse themselves in the rich culture of the region.
Transforming the Smith Street Park Waypoint
The canvas for this project was the high-traffic toilet block at Smith Street Park in Coonamble. While painting, I was incredibly surprised by just how many travelers, grey nomads, and families use this spot as a waypoint on their journey through NSW.
This is exactly where the magic of regional public art shines. By transforming a standard amenities block into a vibrant visual destination, we give people a reason to stretch their legs, take photos, and spend time in town. Instead of just driving through, tourists are encouraged to stick around, grab a coffee from a local cafe, support regional small businesses, and connect with the community.
A Community-Driven Design: From the Mountains to the Marshes
Before picking up a spray can, I hosted a collaborative design workshop with the Coonamble community. Local residents highlighted the unique environmental features and native species that define their home.
I took those ideas and merged them into a dynamic, flowing composition that tells the geographical and cultural story of the region—stretching from the Warrumbungle mountains to the Macquarie Marshes. The mural breathes life into a heartbeat of native animals
Leaving a Legacy: Local Artists Making Their Mark
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was ensuring the community felt true ownership over the artwork. To achieve this, I intentionally left several sections and "grey areas" throughout the mural blank. I then invited local artists, kids, and community members to step up, grab a brush, and leave their own permanent mark on the wall.
The atmosphere was incredible. We had legendary local Indigenous artist Sooty Welsh come down to help paint, alongside Jamie-Lee from Outback Arts, and a long list of passionate locals who added their own personal motifs to the story. This shared experience fostered a massive sense of local pride, embedding the community's own hands into a piece of public art that will stand for many years to come.
A New Must-See Stop on the Australian Art Trail
This new installation perfectly complements Coonamble’s existing creative landmarks. It sits almost directly across the road from the town's famous Coonamble Water Tower Mural, originally painted by John Murray and Sooty Welsh. Together, these pieces turn this section of town into a powerhouse visual hub for art lovers.
Painting in regional towns allows me to experience the raw beauty of the Australian Outback firsthand. Being inspired by the local wildlife, listening to community stories, and translating that collective energy onto a massive wall is a true privilege.
Commission a Custom Mural for Your Council or Community
Are you looking to boost regional tourism, combat drive-through traffic, or bring a vibrant splash of culture to your local shire? Public art has the power to transform spaces, foster community pride, and put regional towns on the map.
Whether you are a regional council planning a new art trail, a commercial business looking for a statement piece, or an arts organization ready to activate a public space, I would love to chat about what is possible.
Meet The Lead Artist
Melbourne Based Artist Lukas kasper
Commission a Landmark Mural for Your Community
Great public art doesn't just decorate a wall—it acts as a destination, drives regional tourism, and gives a voice to the community. Whether you are a local council looking to activate an art trail, a corporate client wanting a statement piece, or an arts organisation aiming to engage locals through workshops, Lukas has the expertise and vision to lead the way.
Location: Smith Park, Castlereagh Hwy, Coonamble NSW 2829
Medium: Acrylic & Spray Paint - Client: Coonamble Shire Council
A special thanks to Hully Joe for helping make this project happen and for providing the source imagery for this web page, find more of his works at: Hully Joe