Aussie Hay Bale Trail map leads to creative discoveries

Published on 19 January 2021

ROTARY DAIRY: Camperdown Rotarians Bruce Mitchell, Graeme Fischer, Pat Robertson, Ric Robertson and Peter James with one of the cows they created at the entrances to Camperdown.

Corangamite Shire residents have shown off their artistic talents and created the incredible 20-stop Aussie Hay Bale Trail.

A map is now available to help road-trippers find the hay bale artworks.

Camperdown Rotary Club was just one of many groups and individuals who got behind the idea.

They created the “Cows from the Rotary Dairy”, with one at each of the four main entrances to the town.

“Most of the bales were our own,” Secretary Pat Robertson said.

“We had a farmer out on the Ballarat road who donated a couple.

“I would like to acknowledge Malcolm McKay who made the heads for us. They’re made from signs left over from a previous festival so they’re recycled.”

Mayor Ruth Gstrein said the trail was a fun way to celebrate everything Australian and kick off 2021 with a welcome dose of hay bale art fun and colour.

“We’re inviting everyone to take a road trip and check out the artworks,” Cr Gstrein said

“This is a fun way to get out and about and rediscover some of the great places to visit in our own backyard. The kids—big and small—will love it.

“Why not make a day of it and have lunch, or coffee and cake, and check out the shops in a town you haven’t visited for a while.

“This is a great excuse to reclaim after months of staying close to home.”

The best exhibit will be announced at the Corangamite Shire Australia Day event at Port Campbell and streamed live on Council’s Facebook page. They creator/s will receive a $500 shopping voucher.

The map can be found here and here.