The Penneshaw Progress association has embraced and developed the inspirational concept of a Sculpture Trail that was first envisioned by business man and entrepreneur, John Gamble.

 

The trail is positioned on 4.5 hectares of dunes overlooking Hog Bay; the beach at the heart of Penneshaw, the little town where the ferry docks. In fact, it is only a short walk from the ferry terminal, which is the main arrival and departure point for both visitors and locals.

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Nature and its various forms have been interpreted with a range of sculptural and landscape elements, comprising natural materials, found or reclaimed objects, or materials sympathetic to the site. The area is also home to a significant population of wildlife which adds interest.

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But the journey has only just begun. The trail will be ever evolving as it grows and develops with the addition of sculpture and landscape form over the years to come. Each time you visit it will present a new surprise.

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After some years of planning the project has come to life with Federal funding, and the support of the Kangaroo Island Council. The energy and passion of community volunteers has been boundless. Each one is passionate about the environment, their community and the project. Their energy and commitment has not waned. From trimming the trail, to carting tons of limestone rocks and   revegetating the area with over 1,000 trees and other native plants.

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The 1.5 kms of the trail, winds through the dunes and feature lookouts, steps, boardwalks, a swing bridge, seating and scenic views with a surprise at every turn. The grace and form of ancient Blackthorn trees, the majestic ravine where the swing bridge will be installed and the ghost tree that sits atop a rise are some off the features.

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The design of the trail, by local artist and landscape gardener, Bryon Buick, is a sculpture in itself. He has captured the essence of the site with a sympathetic approach to the extraordinary elements within the area which comprises four main character precincts: sand dunes, a deep ravine formed in a massive flood over 100 years ago, bursia heath and woodland, allowing considerable interpretive scope for sculpture artists in the future.

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Local artist/sculptor, Dave Clark, has transformed the trail with stone walling, hand crafted seats, and impressive entrance signs. He has also embraced the essence of the site with beautiful creations and attention to detail. The natural materials used complement the existing environment.

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It has been a labour of love for all those concerned to produce a trail planned to be the best in South Australia and among the ten best in Australia. Construction began in early 2018 and we officially opened the trail in July 2018. Each season, there are new things to see, new additional sculptures being installed, and always a surprise to be found in the nature along the trail.