Just 30 minutes drive inland from Devonport on Tasmania’s north coast, you will find the quaint town of Sheffield. Known as the ‘Town of Murals’, Sheffield and neighbouring areas are home to more than 200 murals. This street art, created by local artists, depicts the community story and that of local characters past and present, such as the Alpaca Man (Ludo Mineur) and his alpaca, Nico, who we met in the street. We asked if we could pat the alpaca and were told yes. If you have never patted an alpaca, you will not know that they are incredibly soft!
After saying goodbye to Ludo and Nico, we wandered down the town’s main street, looking at the exciting murals… and then we stumbled across a painting of Ludo and Nico!
The idea of “painting the Town” emerged in the 1980s when the once bustling town was in decline after completing the Mersey-Forth Power Development Scheme in 1973.
The first mural, ‘Stillness and Warmth’, was painted in 1986 by John Lendis. Since 2003, Mural Fest has been held annually in Sheffield, and compelling street art has enhanced the town. Most murals have a nearby interpretive board narrating about the painting and artist.
Mural Fest is an annual event in Sheffield that encompasses an art competition and a festival. The ‘outdoor art gallery’ competition attracts national and international artists and visitors.
The festival’s competitive segment has nine artists selected from those who have entered the competition. The entry form includes an Artist Statement, a short description of the Mural Entry, a photo, the artist’s resume and a small payment.
During the festival, they have five days to create their mural based on the year’s theme. 2022’s theme was ‘The Place I Call Home’. The murals are 2.1m x 4.8m. The artists are vying for the People’s Choice Award and Highly Commended Award. The murals remain displayed in Mural Park until the following year’s festival.
Next Festival – 6 – 11 November 2023
Location – 5 Pioneer Cres, Sheffield, Tasmania 7306, Australia
Phone – 0427 475 113
Website – https://muralfest.com.au
Email – [email protected]
More street art from Australia and around the world?
Brisbane Street Art / Sydney’s Sensational Street Art / Townsville’s Vibrant Street Art Scene! / Port Adelaide’s Must See Street Art / Darwin’s Stellar Street Art / Sea Walls – Napier’s Spectacular Street Art! / Penang’s Must-See Street Art! / Hong Kong’s Captivating Street Art / 16 Cities with Amazing Street Art! / Another 16 Cities with Amazing Street Art!
More from Tasmania?
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Currency
Australian dollar – AUD – written here as $
Accommodation
We typically book our accommodation through booking.com. We like the convenience of booking online, and we can usually pay for our accommodation on arrival at the hotel/resort or room. Also, booking.com advertise many different accommodation styles in Tasmania, so you are sure to find the perfect place.
When visiting Sheffield we stayed at Mole Creek Cabins
Mole Creek Cabins
Where – Mole Creek (30 minute drive from Sheffield)
Cost – We paid $160.00 per night
Pros – The cabin-style accommodation is very nice and comfortable. The kitchen facilities were suitable for cooking. It was a very relaxing place. I liked having a heater and heating lights in the bathroom.
Cons – None, it was very pleasant cabin accommodation.
Verdict – This was good accommodation. Would suit families.
Horizon Deluxe Apartments
Where – Stanley
Cost – We paid $249.00 per night
Pros – Fabulous apartment. We enjoyed the view, the spa, and the bed. Fully functional kitchen. Since it was a wet and windy day we decided to cook a roast lamb. TV had Netflix.
Cons – Nothing, it was fabulous.
Verdict – Luxury. We would stay again. It was lovely.
Wrest Point
Where – Hobart
Cost – We paid $136.89 the first night and $152.10 for the other.
Pros – Nice size room in the motel section. Everything was pleasant. I like having a table with chairs in the room. The iron and ironing board came in handy as did the safe. We had a meal at the Bistro. The roast was delicious and I liked the fact you could order small or large serves.
Cons – The bed is not super comfortable, but it does suffice.
Verdict – Pleasant place for a few days.
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