There's something special about stumbling across unexpected art in the outback. Today we pulled into Augathella, a small town on the Warrego Highway in Queensland's Channel Country, and were immediately greeted by one of the most striking water towers we've seen in our travels.
The Augathella water tower isn't just functional infrastructure – it's a stunning canvas celebrating the spirit of the outback. Against today's dramatic cloudy sky, the vibrant murals seemed to come alive. The centrepiece is a magnificent silhouette of a stockman on horseback, set against a sunset palette of deep reds, oranges, and golds that perfectly captures those extraordinary Queensland evenings. A windmill sits proudly at the top, a fitting symbol for this pastoral country.
What really impressed me was the attention to detail. Moving closer with the camera, I could appreciate the intricate brushwork – the 'Warrego River' signage incorporated into the design, and at the base, a beautifully rendered emu that captures the essence of our native wildlife. The warm sunset colours wrap around the entire structure, creating a 360-degree celebration of rural life.
The tower was painted by the talented Brisbane-based artist Drapl (also known as Dave Railed Allen) in 2016. Working with local community input, he created something that genuinely reflects Augathella's identity – the river, the livestock industry, the native birds, and those unforgettable outback sunsets that Lisa and I never tire of photographing. It's part of the Australian Water Tower Art Trail, a brilliant initiative that's transforming these utilitarian structures into landmarks worth seeking out.
These painted towers do more than beautify small towns – they give travellers like us a reason to stop, stretch our legs, and really see these communities. Augathella's population is only around 450 people, but this tower announces their town with pride. It's a reminder that creativity and community spirit thrive everywhere, not just in the big cities.
We've parked up for the night, and I keep glancing back at that tower as the afternoon light changes. It's these unexpected discoveries that make full-time travel so rewarding.
