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Rainforest reveals ‘much bigger challenge’ the world faces

Nature can reveal all kinds of stories if you look closely enough, but this particular rainforest has a bunch of its own messages to explore.

Blue Mountains Night Trail

Setting off on a bushwalk, you’re bound to see all kinds of interesting things and discover unique stories.

But the Blue Mountains takes things to the next level.

Tucked away in the ancient rainforest in the heart of the World Heritage-listed area you’ll find a bushwalk littered with important messages – and a bit of actual litter too.

It’s not leaf litter or rubbish careless bushwalkers have left behind – it’s strategically crafted art that tells its own story.

Kevina Jo Smith’s piece is made from plastic rubbish. Picture: Keith Maxwell
Kevina Jo Smith’s piece is made from plastic rubbish. Picture: Keith Maxwell

Sculpture at Scenic World transforms the rainforest into a captivating outdoor gallery and it’s back this year after a two-year hiatus.

Featuring bold installations mindfully curated to suit the environment they sit in, the exhibit showcases 25 world-class artworks from established and emerging artists.

Each sculpture tells its own story and many provide a serious message.

Simone Leonelli’s ‘The Drop’ reminds visitors of the real crisis we are facing outside of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are currently too busy suffering the pandemic implications that we have almost lost our attention to climate change,” the Italian designer based in Sydney says.

“Unfortunately climate change will be a much bigger challenge.

“There is no vaccine for our planet and the solutions to fix it can’t be instantly applied.

“We can still make a difference with our actions – the ocean is made up of drops.”

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The Drop provides an important message from artist Simone Leonelli. Picture: Keith Maxwell
The Drop provides an important message from artist Simone Leonelli. Picture: Keith Maxwell

Visitors get to the sculptures on the world’s steepest railway, one of the best parts of a visit to Scenic World which has the iconic Three Sisters as a backdrop.

Free trail guides for the kids will keep them guessing on their nature-based adventure.

Sculpture at Scenic World curator Justin Morrissey says the exhibition provides a memorable way for families to unplug from digital distractions and enjoy quality time together these school holidays.

“The Blue Mountains puts on a show in autumn and Sculpture at Scenic World ticks all the right boxes for a weekend getaway that creates lasting memories,” he says.

“It’s a privilege to collaborate with such a high calibre of artists to create an iconic outdoor exhibition that resonates with visitors of all ages.”

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Kids will love these sound sticks. Picture: Keith Maxwell
Kids will love these sound sticks. Picture: Keith Maxwell

Visitors can also extend their Blue Mountains discovery with a range of exclusive accommodation packages available from $98 per person for a two-night stay.

That way they can also take advantage of the spectacular new Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk which has sent social media into a frenzy.

Sculpture at Scenic World is open until May 2 and entry includes access to the exhibition and travel on the Scenic Railway, Cableway and Skyway.

Visitors also get access to Sculpture Otherwise at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, an indoor exhibition of smaller works.

There’s also Twist & Shout, an outdoor exhibition of larger works which invites visitors to explore iconic locations in the Blue Mountains, including the Fairmont Resort & Spa, Braemar Gallery, Mountain Heritage Hotel, and the Carrington Hotel.

Tickets are priced from $49.90 for adults and $27.90 for children under 14 years. Online early bird savings also apply for entry before 10am during the school holidays.

Scenic World is also currently accepting Dine & Discover NSW vouchers, providing $25 off entry to Sculpture at Scenic World. Vouchers can also be used for food and beverage purchases on site.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/travel/australian-holidays/nsw-act/rainforest-reveals-much-bigger-challenge-the-world-faces/news-story/bfd930ff8e28f7548d7d2a3c0be2cf64