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Inspiring travel through photography

Home » Travel » Oceania » Australia » Perth to Albany Road Trip Via Public Silo Trail

Perth to Albany Road Trip Via Public Silo Trail

Last Updated: March 3, 2022 // by Rhonda Albom // 20 Comments
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Wheat silo art in Albany Western Australia, part of the Public Silo Trail
Discovering the Public Silo Trail on a Perth to Albany road trip
Discovering the Public Silo Trail and Wave Rock on a Perth to Albany road trip

Often, heading off the beaten path brings wonderful surprises. An inland Perth to Albany road trip is one of those times. We had heard about endless driving through Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, but instead, the colourful, artistic, and impressively painted silo art captivated our imagination.

Whether motivated to visit Wave Rock, salt lakes, pink lakes, or just seeking a short cut to Esperance or Albany, there is no longer a reason to have a boring drive through the Wheatbelt. Despite more than doubling our drive time, we are glad we opted to include a portion of the Public Silo Trail in our journey. 

Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • What is the Public Silo Trail?
  • Our Perth to Albany road trip route through the Public Silo Trail
  • Perth to Albany road trip day 1: Northam to Hyden+−
    • Northam (Public Silo Trail)
    • York (Western Australia’s oldest inland town)
    • Rabbit-Proof Fence
    • Corrigin (Dog Cemetery)
  • Perth to Albany road trip day 2: Hyden to Katanning+−
    • Hyden (Wave Rock and lace museum)
    • Kulin (Tin Horse Highway)
    • Pingrup (Public Silo Trail)
    • Newdegate (Public Silo Trail)
    • Lake Grace (salt lake)
    • Dumbleyung (Blue Bird and Pussy Cat Hill)
  • Perth to Albany road trip day 3: Katanning to Albany+−
    • Katanning (Premier Mill Hotel and Public Silo Trail)
    • Cranbrook (a pink lake)
    • Albany (Public Silo Trail)
  • What to bring on your Perth to Albany road trip through the Wheatbelt
  • Tips for driving the Public Silo Trail

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What is the Public Silo Trail?

The Public Silo Trail in an impressive example of the use of world-class art to draw people to a community. The seven target cities are Northam, Merredin, Newdegate, Pingrup, Ravensthorpe, Albany, and Katanning.

Painted by well-known national and international artists, each of the sites is nothing short of overwhelming. Massive artworks convert the monotonous landscape into something artistic and creative.

Wheat growing in Western Australia.

Our Perth to Albany road trip route through the Public Silo Trail

There is plenty to do in Perth before starting this adventure. Two of our favourites are Kings Park and a cruise down the Swan River to Fremantle.

We opted not to follow the entire 1000 km Public Silo Trail self-drive, choosing instead to visit only five of the seven cities. However, we found plenty of additional things to see along the way. Here is our route:

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Perth to Albany road trip day 1: Northam to Hyden

Tree-lined roads started our journey and at first, we wondered why others had warned us of hour after hour of nothingness.  

Northam (Public Silo Trail)

Our first Public Silo Trail stop was Northam, about an hour from Perth. It is home to both the first (March 2015) and the tallest of the painted silos. 

Cartoon-style artwork of London-based artist Phlegm in Northam on the silo art trail in Western Australia
The cartoon-style artwork of London-based artist Phlegm on the 38-metre tall silos was both unmissable and intriguing.
Grain silos colourfully painted by American Artist Hense in Northam Western Australia as part of the public silo trail
In colourful contrast, American artist Hense painted the four wheat silos at the opposite end of the row.

These are active grain silos. While I stood mesmerized by the larger than life detail of the artwork, a truck pulled up and entered. I ran to the optimal spot to get a perfect photo, only to find a cloud of wheat dust billowing up. 

Wheat being unloaded in Northam in Western Australia on the Public Silo Trail
Wheat being unloaded in Northam.

In Northam, allow time to visit the Bilya Koort Boodja: Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge, for an insight into aboriginal culture. Allocate about an hour here, thus allowing enough time to listen to some of the stories and legends.

Bilya Koort Boodja Aboriginal centre in Northam is one of many recommended stops on a Perth to Albany road trip Western Australia
Bilya Koort Boodja Aboriginal Centre.

While in Northam, we also took time to enjoy a coffee at the Riveredge Café and to walk across Australia’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge.

York (Western Australia’s oldest inland town)

Although not part of the Public Silo Trail, Western Australia’s oldest inland town (settled in 1831) is fascinating in its own right. Architecturally, it took us back to the late 1800s goldrush days. Seemingly out of place, but somehow fitting in nicely, are several Wara (rice straw) art sculptures by Japanese artist Akira Moriya.

We arrived at 3.30 pm on a Sunday, after the majority of cafes, antique stores, museums, and cultural buildings closed. Fortunately, the IGA grocery store was open. Provisions in hand, we moved on.

  • Masonic Hall in historic York in Western Australia.
    Masonic Hall.
  • Town Hall in historic York in Western Australia.
    Town Hall.
  • Giant Wara rice straw sculpture of a fish in York seen during our Perth to Albany road trip
    Wara sculpture.
  • York Motor museum in historic York in Western Australia.
    York Motor Museum.

Rabbit-Proof Fence

From York to Hyden, there is one main road offering two quick stops. The first of these is a remaining piece of the rabbit-proof fence. Built to keep the invading rabbits out of Western Australia’s fields, it was once the world’s longest fence.

According to the informational signage, it was actually constructed as three fences totalling 3256 km (2023 miles) of unbroken fence. The final one was completed in 1907.

A section of the rabbit proof fence in Western Australia is one of many stops when on a Perth to Albany road trip.
A section of the #2 rabbit-proof fence.

Corrigin (Dog Cemetery)

The second stop is the Corrigin dog cemetery:

Dog cemetery in Corrigin in Western Australia is part of any Perth to Albany road trip
A tribute to man’s best friend.

Perth to Albany road trip day 2: Hyden to Katanning

Hyden (Wave Rock and lace museum)

We spent our first night in Hyden in a small cabin at a campground. We could walk to Wave Rock in the morning.

My thoughts varied as I peered up at the 15-metre (3-story) tall granite outcropping that began forming underground as much as 60 million years ago. This impressive 100-metre long rock looks like a wave.

It’s one of those places that I never thought I would reach. I am not sure I would have taken the four-hour drive without the Public Silo Trail and the other interesting things to see along the way.

Pro tip: Wear sturdy walking shoes here, especially if you are going to follow the trail above the wave.

Wave Rock in Hyden, Western Australia.

Amongst the other things to do in Hyden, the Lace Place caught our attention. Initially housing the Blackburn Collection, it is now home to the largest collection of lace in Australia. There is a mix of garments and samples dating back to the 17th century. There are also more modern pieces, including some of the lace and thimbles used to make the Princess of Wales’ wedding dress.

Lace wedding dress and other clothing on display at the Lace Place in Western Australia

Kulin (Tin Horse Highway)

Western Australia has an excellent sense of humour. Imagine 20 kilometres of golden wheat blowing gently in the wind against a clear blue sky. As beautiful as nature’s creation is, along this section of highway, it is the tin horses that captured our attention.

  • Tennis playing tin horse in Kulin, Western Australia seen on a Perth to Albany road trip
  • Bicycle riding tin horse in Kulin, Western Australia
  • Tin Horse stuck on a fence along the tin horse highway in Kulin, Western Australia
  • Four tin horses pulling a wagon in Kulin, Western Australia

Pingrup (Public Silo Trail)

Once a town barely noticed as drivers passed through between Albany and Wave Rock, it is now a stopping point. The silos here were painted in 2018 by Miami-based artist Evoca1 and are a tribute to Western Australia’s tenacious, resourceful farming communities.

Painted silo art trail in Pingrup, one of many Western Australia stops as we drive from Perth to Albany
Painted silos in Pingrup, Western Australia.

Pingrup considers itself lucky to have been chosen as part of the public silo project. With it, they created the Store Cafe 6343, a volunteer-managed co-op project that serves fabulous food (and even has gluten and lactose-free options), offers a kids area, and a shop featuring local crafts. Today, about 60% of the traffic to the cafe are tourists. 

Newdegate (Public Silo Trail)

By the time we reached Newdegate, we were ready to see more wonderful silo art of Australia. Painted by renowned Perth artist Brendon See, these silos represent native Western Australia wildlife. They feature the Western Bearded Lizard, Mallee Fowl, Thigh Spotted Tree Frog, and Red-tailed Phascogale.  

Painted silos in Newdegate another stop in Western Australia as we drove Perth to Albany.

Lake Grace (salt lake)

Lake Grace is one of the largest salt lakes in Western Australia. It was quite a bit evaporated at its shorelines when we visited. The salty shores make for beautiful scenery, although I imagine this is one place that changes significantly based on the time of year.

Lake Grace seen while driving the Public Silo Trail from Perth to Albany in Western Australia.
Lake Grace.

Dumbleyung (Blue Bird and Pussy Cat Hill)

In 1964, Donald Campbell became the first (and still the only person) in the world to break both the land and water speed records in a single year. A replica of Blue Bird, the water vessel he used to break the record on Lake Dumbleyung, stands proudly in the town centre, with an interpretive centre nearby.

Taking in the view of the lake from Pussy Cat Hill is the other key thing to do in Dumbleyung. It’s Western Australia’s largest lake. We made it to the top just as the sunset beyond the hill. 

  • Replica of Bluebird vessel that broke the world speed record in Dumbleyung WA
    Replica of Blue Bird.
  • View from Pussy Cat Hill of Dumbleyung Lake in WA as seen on the Pubic Silo Trail
    Dumbleyung Lake at sunset.

Perth to Albany road trip day 3: Katanning to Albany

Katanning (Premier Mill Hotel and Public Silo Trail)

Katanning is Western Australia’s first town to have electric street lights, a rural public library, a roller flour mill, and a mains water supplied swimming pool.

The newly renovated Premier Mill Hotel was once a derelict flour mill and is now the ideal place to spend the night. Everywhere we looked in this modern boutique hotel, we saw remnants of the past. The renovations are brilliant, as is the staff’s attention to every detail. Attached to a Dôme Restaurant, the food is also outstanding, and able to accommodate my food allergies without issue.

From an accommodation standpoint, this was our highlight on this segment of our travel. Regardless of which stops you choose on the Public Silo Trail, if you are passing through Katanning, this is the place to stay.
⇒ Check price and availability of Premier Mill Hotel

  • Premier Mill Hotel in Katanning, Western Australia.
    Premier Mill Hotel.
  • Former grain silo in the Premier Mill Hotel in Katanning Western Australia on the Public Silo Trail
    Former grain silo.
  • Wine cellar in the Premier Mill Hotel and Dome restaurant in Katanning, Western Australia.
    Wine bar and cellar.
  • Our renovated room in the Premier Mill Hotelin Katanning, Western Australia.
    Each room is different based on which part of the old mill it is located.

Rather than hand-painted silos, Katanning has public art by renowned artists. We were given a map and had a blast seeking out the artworks. It was like a scavenger hunt or a geocaching adventure. It reminded me of street art in other Australian cities like Melbourne or Perth.

Murals in Katanning are part of the Public Silo Trail and our Perth to Albany road trip in Western Australia.
One of many murals in Katanning, this one is by Perth artist Brenton See (same silo artist as in Newdegate).

Cranbrook (a pink lake)

While there are famous pink lakes in Western Australia, we have heard from friends that they are no longer pink. So, imagine our delight on our Perth to Albany road trip when Jeff suddenly spotted a pink lake in Cranbrook

Pro tip: Midday is the best time to find the pink cast on some of the salt lakes.

A pink lake near Cranbrook on a Perth to Albany road trip in Western Australia

Albany (Public Silo Trail)

This coastal community was the final stop on of our Public Silo Trail, and the only one that we saw in which the artist used multiple silos as a single canvas. We stayed only one night, but wish we stayed longer. There is plenty to see and do in this town. More coming soon in Part 2, Albany to Perth.

Wheat silo art in Albany Western Australia, part of the Public Silo Trail

What to bring on your Perth to Albany road trip through the Wheatbelt

We always pack light, and layers are the key to our success. Layers were very useful on this road trip, as the weather can change quickly. A few specifics:

  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent (specifically one that works for flies).
  • A torch (flashlight) if you are planning to go into caves near Wave Rock.
  • Remember, there are long distances to drive, so have the proper provisions in the car, including drinking water and plenty of snacks. 

Tips for driving the Public Silo Trail

  • Rent a car in Perth and plan to do a loop, returning back to Perth for drop off. We used RentalCars.com and, like our other experiences with them, had no problems. And if we did, it’s good to know that their friendly and helpful customer service is always available.
    ⇒ Compare rental car prices at RentalCars.com.
  • Plan your route and allow for extra time. Everywhere we stopped had more to offer than we expected. 
  • The distance between each stop are often quite long.
  • Sleep well to stay focused on long straight roads surrounded by wheat fields. The interruption of occasional roadside crosses are a stark reminder to stay alert.
  • In Australia, cars drive on the left. Many roads are unmarked. We often found ourselves as the only car around. 
  • Know the times of sunrise and sunset, and take extra caution (wild animals on the roads) if you must drive after dark.
  • Cellular service is intermittent at best, often with none between towns. We were told Telstra is the best in the region, and the GO-SIM card I used seemed to choose them the most often.
  • Before you get started, download a free copy of the silo trail map here.

Save on your Australia trip with these resources

We usually start with aggregator companies as they do the work for us by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews. However, we also added a few personal NZ favourites:

  • Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
  • Hotels: we use Booking.com as they consistently return the best rates and their reviews are from actual guests. However, for self-contained lodging in Australia, we use VRBO
  • Cars and Campervans: we use RentalCars to find the best deals and dealer ratings. Use Jucy for small campervans.
  • Activity discounts: we always check Bookme.com for discounts of up to 70% on selected tours, activities, restaurants and more.
  • Travel Insurance: we start at InsureMyTrip as they are the best option to compare plans and find the right coverage for you.

Before you book the rest of your trip: Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

Save for your Perth to Albany road trip

If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media and save it for later on Pinterest.

  • Discovering the Public Silo Trail and Wave Rock on a Perth to Albany road trip
  • Discovering the Public Silo Trail on a Perth to Albany road trip

Will you try this Perth to Albany road trip and enjoy the Public Silo Trail on your next visit to Western Australia?

More from Australia you might like:

  • Highlights of our Great Ocean Road Self Drive in Australia
  • Gnomesville is Real! A Quirky Spot in the Ferguson Valley, Australia
  • 17 Fun Things to Do in Adelaide South Australia
  • Things to Do in Kangaroo Island – Itinerary for 2021
  • Fun Things to Do in Melbourne for Couples

Disclaimer: We worked with FORM, Western Australia on the Public Silo Trail portion of this article. They provided accommodation and meals to aid in the writing of this article. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.

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Category: AustraliaTag: Recent, road trip, Street Art, Western Australia

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Clare

    November 26, 2019 at 3:29 am

    I imagine that this road trip gives you a really good sense of the huge distances there are in Australia. Coming from little England it’s hard for me to imagine these long distances between towns. I love the painted silos – what a great way to brighten up the landscape.

    Reply
  2. Lyn @ aholeinmyshoe

    November 24, 2019 at 2:33 pm

    Looks like you certainly had a great time. You’ve picked a lot of places Steve and I plan to get to this year too. It was a pleasure to meet you after you arrived back in Perth , we enjoyed our day together showing you our favourite parts of the city.

    Reply
  3. betty - NZ

    November 24, 2019 at 9:33 am

    I would love to see this for myself some day (hopefully soon!). We always do ‘off the beaten track’ and I’m never disappointed!

    Reply
  4. Sharon

    November 22, 2019 at 4:39 pm

    What an adventure! Those colorful wheat silos are amazing!

    Reply
  5. beatravelling

    November 22, 2019 at 4:21 am

    The silos are super cool!!! I wanna do this! And I love the wave rock too!

    Reply
  6. Tony

    November 21, 2019 at 6:14 pm

    Thank you for showing these communities to your followers, they are certainly not on the tourist trail as such & so won’t ever be crowded (maybe with the exception of Wave Rock), WA has a lot of wonderful out of the way places that rarely get any promotion.

    Reply
  7. Rajlakshmi

    November 20, 2019 at 11:33 am

    OMG so many increadible places. This is just the kind of trip I like. History, culture and a natural beauty in between. Thank you for sharing this.

    Reply
  8. Alissa A Apel

    November 20, 2019 at 11:19 am

    I love the images on the silos! We used to have some prints on ours (Nebraska), but the artist moved, and didn’t want to keep them up. I so wish they still existed. Actual painting would be the best though!

    Reply
  9. Amy Franks

    November 20, 2019 at 11:05 am

    What a cool idea having a public silo trail, I wish they would do it here, ours are so boring.

    Reply
  10. Cristina

    November 20, 2019 at 8:39 am

    What an amazing road trip! I’ve only been to eastern Australia but I’d love to visit the west some day.

    Reply
  11. Sandra Nachlinger

    November 19, 2019 at 5:29 pm

    What a clever idea to paint the area’s silos. It must have been fun to discover the artists’ creations along the silo trail.

    Reply
  12. Carol

    November 19, 2019 at 1:50 pm

    Love the silo art – another great excursion for my list.

    Reply
  13. Lydia C. Lee

    November 19, 2019 at 10:05 am

    Wow! We went the coast road. Looks like we missed a lot! Are you on your way to Esperance? Lots of photos please!!!

    Reply
  14. L. Diane Wolfe

    November 19, 2019 at 8:45 am

    All of the artwork is beautiful and unique.

    Reply
  15. Paul Pietrangelo

    November 19, 2019 at 8:28 am

    Unbelievable Rhonda. I was shocked by the wonderful designs especially the wave. Beautiful my friend. See ya. Guess what Rhonda? Today I arranged my 2021 cruise. Whoopie!

    Cruisin Paul

    Reply
  16. Sandee

    November 19, 2019 at 7:57 am

    How lovely. So many things to explore along the way. Your photography rocks as always.

    Have a fabulous day and week, Rhonda. ♥

    Reply
  17. Alex J. Cavanaugh

    November 19, 2019 at 1:34 am

    What a unique assortment of sights to see a long the way. The rock wave is wild. Are the rabbit fences still functional?

    Reply
  18. Jemma

    November 18, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    I was following your story on Instagram. I was surprised to see so many interesting things in the small towns.

    Reply
  19. Dawn Rae

    November 18, 2019 at 3:12 pm

    I’ve always wanted to see Australia. I’ve never heard of any of these places/things (except the rabbit proof fence). Thank you for the tour!

    Reply
  20. Don Bryant

    November 18, 2019 at 3:06 pm

    Those silos are really impressive. You always find such interesting things to do off the beaten path.

    Reply

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