Swirling orange sunsets, magical storybooks and colourful bursts of wildflowers. One of the best ways to explore stunning South Australia is on an SA Silo Art Trail. Situated in beautiful landscapes and wine regions, these large-scale artworks tell a story at every stopping point. With Adelaide either as your base or stopping point, our SA Silo Art locations guide can be enjoyed over a two or three-day road trip.
South of Adelaide: Coonalpyn and Karoonda
Winding through the tranquil Monarto woodlands, the scenic two-hour drive to Coonalpyn from Adelaide is a great start the Silo Art Trail experience. Wrapping itself around the historic silo structure, this 30-metre-high Coonalpyn mural is an impressive tribute to the local Coonalpyn school children. Painted by artist Guido van Helten in 2017, the Coonalpyn Silo Art was also the first major silo art in South Australia.
Heading north from here, the Karoonda Art Silos are only a 45-minute drive away. These silos are by day a canvas showcasing Australian street artist Heesco’s magnificent tribute to farming heritage. By night the silos provide a backdrop for colourful projections that showcase a wide range of South Australian artists. Grab a meal at the Karoonda Hotel before enjoying the illuminations.
From here it is around an hour and a half back to Adelaide, or roughly the same distance north if you choose to loop up to the Waikerie Art Silo from here in your own time.
North East of Adelaide: Waikerie and Paringa
The Waikere Art Silos are nestled in the Riverland wine region a scenic two hours from Adelaide. Make an early start early to enjoy the drive across the mighty Murray and into this verdant wine region. Painted by Jimmy DVate and Garry Duncan, these beautiful silo works depict colourful flora, the endangered Regent Parrot and a bounty of river life.
Just over 45 minutes east, the Paringa Silo Art also captures the mood of the land with its swirling sunsets and soaring pelicans. Artists Jack Fran and Sam Brooks have also captured their imagery within silhouettes of local heroes, including Pearl Wallace – Australia’s first female riverboat captain.
While you are in the area, enjoy a fantastic view of the Murray from Headings Cliff, or a leisurely lunch at Mallee Estate Wines.
North of Adelaide: Eudunda, Farrell Flat, Bute and Owen
Just over an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the Eudunda Silo Art depicts the story of two children exploring their past and culture. Artist Sam Brooks shows a young girl stepping through a magical book to encounter golden local imagery. 60km north you’ll find the Farrell Flat Silo Art, featuring Jarrod Soden and Matthew Knights’ vivid representation of the last historic train to pass through the township.
An hour’s drive west takes you through the rich agricultural country to the Bute Silo Artworks. Painted by Scott Nagy and Krimsone, this accomplished artwork features a young woman amidst flowering orchards. An hour’s drive south, the Owen Art Silo details ‘Wheat bags to Sand bags’, the story of rural Australia during the outbreak of World War One.
Enjoy a great pub meal at the Owen Arms Hotel while you’re nearby. Other nearby attractions include the Rocks Reserve, a great picnic and walking spot by the Wakefield River.
Where to stay
Adelaide is an ideal choice for basing yourself on an art silo roadtrip, with plenty of accommodation options that range from comfortable hotel rooms, suites and apartments to boutique accommodation in the Adelaide Hills.