Download the brochure or pick up a copy from an information centre.
Embark on a journey through time as you explore the Malanda Mosaic Trail featuring nine beautifully crafted mosaics that depict the rich history and vibrant culture of Malanda. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, art lover or simply wanting to stretch your legs, the Malanda Mosaic Trail is an enjoyable experience for all ages.
Can you find the beautiful Ulysses Butterfly in each of the mosaics?
1 The Original Inhabitants
This vibrant mosaic tells the story of the region’s first people. The Rainbow Serpent ‘Yamani’, traditional protector of the Ngadjon People, forms the border and the symbolic map shows lakes Eacham and Barrine and mounts Quincan and Hypipamee. The sacred burial ground of Bartle Frere from which spirits were set free, native wildlife and local Indigenous people who lived in nomadic campsites are also featured. In the centre, two men with tribal shields decorated with geometric patterns link the bearers with their Dreaming ancestors and totemic spirits.
Original design by Warren Canendo.
Bone carvings by Helen McConnell.
Artwork by Natalie Foster and Felicity Wallis.
2 Transport
A magnificent steam train dominates this mosaic. The train is complete with replica steel front plate crafted from a photo by William Bunker. Built in 1910, the railway initially carried timber and later milk and was vital to the success of the Golden Grove butter factory in Atherton. The cement pylons of the rail bridge are still visible downstream from Malanda Falls — at the time of construction they were the largest concrete structures in Queensland. The border recognises the various forms of transport over the last century, from steam tractors and ox teams to horse sleighs and petrol vehicles.
Steel front piece by RM Symmonds.
Artwork by Natalie Foster and Felicity Wallis.
3 Hardships & Struggles
This energetic work shows the battle between man and nature. A cyclone, floods and mudslides are graphically depicted while an orange-clad State Emergency Services volunteer takes on the elements. The border tells more stories of hardship including the ill- advised introduction of cane toads in 1934, wet season cabin fever, making clothing from old sacks, and road building by hand. The glass rainfall graph shows monthly rainfall for the area.
Artwork by Natalie Foster and Felicity Wallis.
4 Commerce
The colour wheel at the centre of this mosaic celebrates the vibrant arts community in Malanda including ceramics, theatre, woodwork, music, writing, photography, glass, textiles, painting and more. The border depicts some of the local farming industries — poultry, eggs, tea, flowers, sugar cane, forests and crayfish.
Ceramic piece by Annette Tranter.
Fold art by Tricia English and Vicki Wall.
Glass piece by Michael Scott.
Artwork by Natalie Foster and Felicity Wallis.
5 Recollections
This mosaic features the Malanda Hotel — the biggest wooden structure in Queensland and locally referred to as ‘The Big Pub’. Many people recall their parents talking about the day the hotel opened in July 1911 and how it was an oasis of comfort and company for the isolated settlers. The border illustrates stories, achievements and memorable events of the last 100 years including the first Peeramon Push wheelbarrow race in 1935 and the prohibition of nude bathing at Malanda Falls in 1920. This mosaic is based on photos by William Bunker who features under a cloth with his camera in the bottom left corner.
Artwork by Natalie Foster and Felicity Wallis.
6 Early Settlers
While our values and attitudes have changed, we are amazed at the tenacity of the early settlers. In 1907 the rainforest around Malanda was divided for selection and cleared. While the men logged and felled the forest, including Red Cedar, Kauri Pine, Maple and Silver Ash, the women kept busy with endless household chores. Hard work all round!
Artwork by Natalie Foster and Felicity Wallis.
7 Dairy Industry
Malanda is justifiably proud of its dairy industry, which has developed from its pioneering days to be ‘the world’s longest milk run’. This mosaic depicts the basic steps of milk production — from the cow to the milking shed where the milk is kept cool in large vats until picked up by the milk truck. At the factory the milk is pumped into huge storage tanks and then processed and presented in a range of dairy products! The graph at the bottom left shows the increase in milk production (white tiles) in contrast to the number of farms (red line) up until 1999. Along the top there is a timeline of defining events in the dairy industry including the opening of the dairy and butter factories, drought, co-ops and deregulation.
Stainless steel pieces by the guys in the milk factory workshop.
Artwork by Natalie Foster and Felicity Wallis.
8 Recreation
What have people been doing for fun in Malanda over the past 100 years? Playing sport and dancing! This scene depicts 25 March 1931 when Sir Donald Bradman and the Kippax 11 played the local Tablelands cricket team and 5000 people turned out to watch. That night there was a dance at the Majestic Theatre. The border shows some of the sporting and cultural activities in Malanda.
Glass sun/moon by Dragonglass.
Artwork by Natalie Foster and Felicity Wallis.
9 Looking Ahead
In the past 100 years we have realised how very precious the forests are. Today community groups have ongoing projects to create wildlife corridors and replant riparian (riverside) areas. This mosaic shows volunteers potting and germinate seeds and seedlings, and replanting areas. The border shows many of our beautiful tree species.
Artwork by Natalie Foster and Felicity Wallis.