Australian Wildlife Underpass Mural in Wodonga

A Council-Commissioned Wildlife Mural Inspired by Les Stone Park

Pond Pals is a public art mural inspired by the natural environment surrounding Les Stone Park in Wodonga, regional Victoria. Created as part of a Wodonga City Council commission, the artwork brings native wildlife into an underpass, connecting the built environment with the nearby waterways and local landscape.

The concept was developed with the people using the area in mind. With many viewers expected to be older residents, I chose a more understated palette of waterway blues, earthy browns and soft creams. These natural tones help the mural sit comfortably within its surroundings while allowing the wildlife to take centre stage.

Realistic Wildlife and Natural Colours

The animals were painted in a hyperrealistic style, using photographs taken at the park as reference. This close connection to the local environment helped ground the artwork in the place it was designed for, with careful attention given to the fine details, from individual feathers to subtle changes in colour and texture.

Public art is about more than the finished image. It also involves listening to the community and understanding how people experience a space they pass through every day. By combining locally inspired wildlife, realistic detail and a considered colour palette, Pond Pals brings a quieter, nature-focused character to the underpass.

I create council-commissioned public art across Melbourne and regional Victoria, including wildlife murals, underpass artworks and large-scale projects that respond to the history, environment and people of each location.