Understory Art & Nature Trail

27/08/2026

Have you seen this unique installation at the Northcliffe Garden Gallery?
This sculpture is part of the national and international Genestreaming Journey project (see link below), an initiative that weaves together ancient First Nations knowledge, ecological science, and art to celebrate Australia’s extraordinary biodiversity and deep cultural heritage.

The Genestreaming Journey Sculpture concept was co-founded by Noongar Elder Aunty Carol Pettersen OAM and artist Ben Beeton (Art of Nature School & SciArt), draws inspiration from Dr Noel Nannup's Journey Ways map, featuring artwork created by artists along the Gondwana Link.

What is Genestreaming then?
Genestreaming Sculptures serve as physical and digital gateways to understanding our landscapes. They visually trace the interconnectedness of species, evolutionary lines, and songlines across time. By pairing deep traditional ecological knowledge with scientific understanding, these sculptures invite us to reflect on our role as custodians of the land and inspire collective action to protect and restore places like the majestic Gondwana Link region.

On your next trip to or through Northcliffe, come experience this sculpture in person and reconnect with the deep stories of Country.

Location: Garden Gallery, outside the Northcliffe Visitor Centre

If you've already seen this, drop a comment or photo you've taken below.

12/08/2026

12/08/2026

Looking for a fun, creative stop on your road trip over the school holidays through WA's South West?

Bring the whole family to the Understory Art and Nature Trail in Northcliffe.

Here art comes alive even for little explorers. Understory isn't just a walk in the forest, it's an interactive journey for all ages to touch, experience and play among magnificent sculptures set in nature.

Whether you're breaking up a long drive or spending the weekend in the area, its the perfect family spot for young minds to connect with art and Nature.

Open throughout the year.

09/08/2026

Understory is open today - Sunday 9 August - even though the Northcliffe Visitor Centre is unfortunately closed due to illness.

To access Understory, walk to the rear of the Northcliffe Information and Visitor Centre building. On the verandah at the trail head you'll find a sign with a QR code that takes you to our online booking service. Please pay for your entry fees, collect your Trailguide at the turnstyle and away you go....

If you have issues wth phone reception you can pay with cash through our cash deposit box (also at the trailhead).

Sadly, the Painted Tree Gallery is closed. We apologise for the inconvenience.

31/05/2026

Understory Art & Nature Trail is closed today - and most likely tomorrow - due to high winds. Visitor safety is paramount.

27/05/2026

We are still buzzing from Saturday’s launch of our brand new Garden Gallery at the Northcliffe Visitor Centre & Public Library

We had a special guest travel all the way from the in Canberra. Curator Leanne Santoro joined us to officially inaugurate an incredible new resident of our forest: Lisa Roet's - Orangutan Foot. 🦍👣

This striking piece will live at the entrance to our iconic Understory trail, a symbol of the world-class art we are lucky enough to have right here in our own backyard. This trail belongs to all of us. Whether you’re popping over from Quinninup, driving down from Manjimup or Pemberton, or heading inland from Windy Harbour, this is your artistic sanctuary to explore, enjoy, and take pride in. Come wander the new Garden Gallery, find the Orangutan Foot and connect with nature through our local regional artists.

Here's a little sneak peak with Leanne and Southern Forest Arts- Artistic Director Sinclair giving us a little tour. There are dozens more sculptures to explore along the trail, which is usually fun for all ages. So bring the family along for a creative adventure.

13/05/2026

Look what dropped into its new 'forever home' in our Understory Garden Gallery on Monday - 'Manscape' by artist, Tony Davis (pictured).

Created from 150kgs of jarrah and steel, it's form is inspired by mesa and butte eroded land formations found in the North of the state Kimberley region and Tony's continued exploration of "human shelters" throughout history. It also is similar to the dome shaped mia-mia shelter structures used in by Australia's First Nations peoples.

Manscape was first exhibited on Cottesloe beach as part of the Sculpture By The Sea in 2016.

Tony has been extremely generous in 'gifting' this work to Southern Forest Arts for the enjoyment of Northcliffe's residents and visitors.

Tony's work is one of several pieces to be formally launched next Saturday at 2pm as part of the garden's official opening event.

See more of Tony's work: www.tonydavisart.com

18/03/2026

Heading to the Southern Forests & Valleys Heritage Festival this April?

Running from Saturday 18 April to Sunday 26 April 2026, the festival invites you to discover the nature, culture and heritage that has shaped our region with engaging historic tours, family-friendly activities, workshops, heritage trails, demonstrations and more.

While you’re in the region, make a day of it atSouthern Forest Arts. Wander the Understory Art & Nature Trail, explore the Garden Gallery, or step inside the Painted Tree Gallery and soak up even more local stories, creativity and connection to place.

📸

16/03/2026

Small becomes large, and subtle becomes striking...

Sundew by Nat Williamson (Blue Mountains, NSW) takes inspiration from the delicate native sundew flower, a tiny plant often overlooked beneath our feet. Commissioned in 2006 and crafted from metal pipe, steel rod, laser-cut steel, glass nuggets and gloss enamel paint, the sculpture plays with scale, inviting us to see the miniature wonders of the forest in a whole new way.

By magnifying this quiet beauty, Sundew reminds us to slow down and notice what’s easily missed.

Discover this piece, and more than 70 other sculptures, along the Understory Art & Nature Trail. And if you’re visiting between Wednesday and Saturday, stop by the Understory Community Café, open 9am–2pm, for a well earned cuppa or sweet treat after your walk.

📷 Frances Andrijich Photographer

15/03/2026

We’ve been collecting some lovely comments from visitors and locals at the Understory Community Café ☕️🌿

One of our favourite parts of running the café is meeting people from all over, locals, travellers, and visitors exploring the Understory Arts & Nature Trail.

Here are a few lovely comments shared with us during their visit.

If you're passing through Northcliffe, feel free to stop by for a coffee and say hello. We'd love to hear what you think about the café and the trail.

Open Wednesday to Saturday, 9am – 2pm
📍 Northcliffe Visitor Centre