Spot unique wallabies around town thanks to Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival

Unique wallabies are popping up across the region as a new festival aims to celebrate local artists and bring awareness to the endangered species.

Grace McDonald creating a wallaby mosaic using recycled glass for the Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival. Photo: Contributed

Some very unique rock wallabies are popping up around the Whitsundays with local artists tasked to get creative.

The Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival is set to highlight arts in the region through exhibitions, workshops, markets, and treasure hunts.

Creative Connections Whitsunday secretary Glenda Brown said they were driven by a vision to create an annual arts festival celebrating local creativity while also raising awareness of endangered species unique to the region.

A unique feature of the festival is the Rock Wallaby Treasure Hunt which would take place across the weekend where visitors try to spot 20 wallaby sculptures hidden around Proserpine.

Creative Connections Whitsundays President, Linda Forrester created the original Wallaby prototype for the Proserpine Rock Wallaby. Photo: Contributed

The 3D sculptures were crafted as a clay prototype by Creative Connections Whitsunday president, Linda Forrester, which then became the model for the concrete statues.

The statues were handed over to 20 artists across the region each tasked with transforming their wallaby into a work of art, said Ms Brown.

“The styles range dramatically,” she said.

“Some are hyper-realistic, others play with bold abstraction, and one, by Mackay glass artist Grace McDonald, is a dazzling mosaic made from recycled glass.

“Grace spent over 50 hours, using glass from eight different wine and beer bottles, to complete her wallaby.

“Her method — heating the glass in a 600-degree kiln before shocking it in cold water — is not just technically fascinating, but also ties into her deep commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Each wallaby tells a story, and each one is a masterpiece.”

Brigitte Peel, painting her wallaby for the Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival. Photo: Contributed

Festival goers will follow a series of clues to find all 20 sculptures.

There will also be a 1.6 metre tall illuminated Proserpine Rock Wallaby lantern featured at the event by renowned installation artist Lalune Croker said Ms Brown.

She said it would light up the festival and serve as a shining symbol of the community’s creative spirit.

People may have already spotted some unique wallabies around the Whitsundays thanks to the combined efforts of Proserpine Men’s Shed and Proserpine State High School.

They have been hard at work crafting and painting 75 unique plywood wallaby cutouts which are already on display.

Prizes will be awarded during the Festival’s Opening Night Ceremony on Thursday, May 8 and a special Mother’s Day High Tea will be held on Sunday, May 11 with the festival fun spanning the full three days.

“There’s something for everyone at this year’s Rock Wallaby Festival,” said Ms Brown.

“[It’s] more than an event — it’s a joyful celebration of art, environment, and community.”

Originally published as Spot unique wallabies around town thanks to Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival