Cunnamulla Water Tower Art - Queensland

Tucked away on the grounds of the Croydon Hotel in Queensland, this small and remote water tank has quietly become a piece of local history, symbolizing the spirit of the outback.

Though the exact details of its origin remain somewhat elusive, we know that the tank was adorned with its iconic mural prior to October 2009. In fact, it is believed that the artwork could date back even earlier, possibly as far back as 1999. This makes it one of Australia’s oldest known painted water tanks, adding to its historical significance.

The mural itself is a striking and detailed depiction of life in rural Queensland. It showcases vivid scenes of cattle mustering, a key activity in the region's agricultural life. The artwork captures the essence of working on remote farms, highlighting the hard work, determination, and connection to the land that defines the everyday life of those living in the Queensland outback.

The imagery brings to life the landscape, the livestock, and the people who have spent generations building a life in this rugged and isolated part of the country.

Though the tank may be small in size, its mural serves as a powerful visual reminder of the region's agricultural heritage and the traditional ways of life that continue to shape the area today.

The painted water tank, in its remote location, has become a hidden treasure of sorts, an off-the-beaten-path piece of art that offers a window into Queensland’s rural past. For those who venture out to see it, the tank stands as both a work of art and a testament to the enduring legacy of life on the land in the Australian outback.

Photo by Lesley Marshall