Heidelberg School Artists Trail
This route is designed to take interested parties to the approximate sites depicted in the paintings of those associated with the Heidelberg School (i.e., Arthur Streeton, Walter Withers, Louis Buvelot, Tom Roberts, Clara Southern, David Davies, Emanuel Phillips Fox, Charles Conder, Tudor St George Tucker, Eigene Von Guerard, May Vale and Jane Price).At each such site there is a reproduction of the relevant painting, providing insight into the artist s interpretation of the landscape and into how the landscape has changed since that time. It passes largely along the Yarra River, through Heidelberg, Bulleen, Templestowe, Eltham, Diamond Creek, Research, Warrandyte, passing through Ringwood and Montrose, en route to Kalorama, Olinda,Kallista and Upper Ferntree Gully. There is a guiding brochure which can be obtained from Banyule Council (tel: 03 9490 4222) or the project s organiser, tel: (03) 9458 5955 or (0418) 356 768.
This outstanding Artists Trail extends for 40 kms in north- east Melbourne s Valley of the Arts, Yarra Valley, Dandenong and The Ranges. The 57 explanatory signs are situated in a diverse range of outdoor settings: from busy suburban streets, and river valleys to towering Mountain Ash forests. The signs show you a reproduction and description of some of the most famous paintings of important artists such as Arthur Streeton and Tom Roberts, located in or near where the artists painted or lived. This is a free-of-charge, self-drive, cycling, walking trail. For Public Transport details, please phone VicTrip on 13 1638.
Dandenong Ranges
There are nine signs on the Heidelberg School Artists Trail that can be found within the Dandenong Ranges, featuring Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Eugene Von Guerard. A network of walking trails are also on offer throughout Dandenong Ranges National Park, where you will find yourself immersed in the lush green beauty of this rainforest environment, characterised by ancient ferns and towering mountain ash trees. Take the time to visit William Ricketts Sanctuary, a place of beauty and tranquillity where 92 mystical kiln-fired clay sculptures of people and animals merge with the natural surroundings.Heidelberg
The greatest concentration of signs along the trail is in the Heidelberg area and in the neighbouring suburbs of Eaglemont and Ivanhoe. There are 20 signs in this area alone and it offers great opportunities for interesting walks through magnificent parklands and heritage residential streets with stately homes. There are also small but unique commercial centres which offer art, craft and antique shops, as well as wide variety of cafes and restaurants.Nillumbik
The area known as Nillumbik, of which the townships of Eltham, Diamond Creek and Research are a part, has long been known as a centre of creative activity. The artists featured on this part of the trail include Clara Southern, Walter Withers, Jane Price and May Vale. Nillumbik s artistic heritage lives on in the architecture and sculpture that you can see today throughout the area. Artists studios, galleries, cafes and wineries, and art in public spaces provide you with a multitude of opportunities to enjoy this living heritage.Manningham
Follow the trail of signs through Templestowe and Warrandyte. Walk through picturesque parkland at Banksia Park and Finns Reserve. Browse at coffee shops, cafes, restaurants and speciality shops at Templestowe Village. Wander down the riverside path beside the Yarra River and along art and craft galleries and Australiana stores atWarrandyte. Hear aboutWarrandyte s gold-mining history by touching the buttons on the Warrandyte Gold Soundscape Posts while you re there.Yarra Valley
It takes less than an hour to escape the city and enter the magical Yarra Valley. Walk among towering stands of mist-shrouded Mountain Ash, relax over a glass of wine at one of the many renowned cellar doors and delve into the area s rich cultural heritage at the Museum of Lilydale. Marvel at the exceptional collection of Australian and Oceanic indigenous art at Burrinja Gallery in Upwey and the magnificant contemporary art of Tarrawarra Museum of Art.About the Heidelberg School
The Heidelberg School was an Australian art movement of the late 19th century. The movement has latterly been described as Australian Impressionism. The term was coined in July 1891 by local art critic Sidney Dickenson, reviewing the works ofMelbourne-based artists Arthur Streeton and Walter Withers. Dickenson noted that these artists, whose works were mostly painted in the Heidelberg area, could be considered as The Heidelberg School . Since that time, The Heidelberg School has taken on a wider meaning and covers Australian artists of the late nineteenth century who painted plein-air in the impressionist tradition. These artists were inspired by the beautiful landscapes of the Yarra and the unique light that typifies the Australian bush.More >>
