Explore an art adventure in Docklands

Art lovers are being encouraged to explore the quirky public art in Docklands with the launch of the Harbourside Docklands Art Trail app by Development Victoria.

Featuring 26 pieces of art in Docklands, the art trail is testament to Melbourne’s love of public art and covers a range of themes including land and sea, past and present, humanity and technology and what it means to be Australian.

Development Victoria’s General Manager Precincts, Mr Simon Wilson, said the walking tail and associated app provides a snapshot of the public art program in Docklands.

“We are proud to oversee the extensive public art program in Docklands, which is widely recognised for its contribution to the unique feel and character of the precinct,” he said.

“The art program has delivered an extensive range of works including sculptures, artwork incorporated into building architecture and facades and pieces that have been integrated into the public realm and landscape of Docklands.”

The walking trail has been divided into three sections: “Real and unreal”; “The dynamic earth” and “You, us and them” and takes art lovers on a journey through Docklands from Etihad Stadium, along Harbour Esplanade to Waterfront City, Victoria Harbour and Batman’s Hill.

Each section is around 2.5 kilometres and takes approximately one hour to complete and with the weather warming up, it is a perfect time to explore Docklands.

The walking trail focuses on a key selection of major art works that typify the diversity of artwork in Docklands. It is intended to be expanded and updated as new artwork is delivered throughout the precinct.

The majority of the featured artists are Melbourne-based, such as RONE, Callum Morton, Alexander Knox, Kate Daw and Stewart Russell, with international artists Antony Gormley from the UK and Wang Shugang also included on the app.

Several artists have provided commentary on their work, including RONE (Edge of Your Seat), Sally Smart (Shadow Trees), Mark Stoner (The River Runs Through It), Stewart Russell (Civil Twilight End).

The app has been developed for both Apple and Android and can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play. The Harbourside Art Trail brochure is also available at The Melbourne Visitor Centre and Library at the Dock.