Photo: BrisbanePom / CC BY-SA 3.0
In the middle of New South Wales' wheatbelt, the Patchewollock Silo Art stands as a magnificent tribute to rural resilience. This towering mural, painted by Guido van Helten in 2016, features a portrait of local farmer Nick 'Noodle' Hulland, his weathered face capturing the spirit of the land. The silo is part of the Australian Silo Art Trail, a must-see for road-trippers exploring the outback.
Highlights & What to See
- The Silo Mural: Van Helten's photorealistic portrait is best viewed from the dedicated viewing platform. Come at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light on the grain silo's curved surface.
- Patchewollock Town: Wander the quiet main street, pop into the historic pub for a cold drink, and chat with locals about the town's farming heritage.
- Silo Art Trail: Patchewollock is one of several silo artworks in the region. Combine with visits to nearby silos at Weethalle, Barmedman, or Ariah Park for a full day of art-hopping.
- Wildflowers & Wildlife: In spring, the surrounding plains burst into colour with native wildflowers. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and emus in the paddocks.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan to spend 30–45 minutes at the silo itself – enough time to take photos, walk around the viewing platform, and read the interpretive signs. If you're doing a silo art road trip, allow a full day to visit three or four silos in the area. Patchewollock makes a good stopover between larger towns like West Wyalong and Hay.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Weethalle Silo Art: Just 30 minutes south, another striking portrait by the same artist.
- Barmedman Silo Art: A colourful mural celebrating the town's gold-mining past, 45 minutes north-east.
- Lake Cargelligo: A large natural lake popular for fishing, birdwatching, and camping, about an hour south.
- West Wyalong: The nearest major town with accommodation, shops, and the Wyalong Museum.
- The Rock: A distinctive granite outcrop near the town of The Rock, 90 minutes south-east, offering walking trails and panoramic views.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Weethalle Silo Art — Sheba_Also 43,000 photos / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Barmedman Silo Art — Virtual Steve / CC BY-SA 2.5
- Lake Cargelligo — Mattinbgn / CC BY-SA 3.0
- West Wyalong — Mattinbgn ( talk · contribs ) / CC BY 3.0
- The Rock — Ek2030372672 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Silo Art Trail NSW — BrisbanePom / CC BY-SA 3.0