The Byford Sculpture Trail stretches 6km from the Northern Entry Statement to the Southern Entry Statement with most of the sculptures clustered within walking distance of each other in the centre of town. All sculptures are the work of internationally renowned WA artist Len Zuks who has exhibited paintings at the Louvre in Paris. In Byford he has created sculptures of historical figures in consultation with local residents.
Although his artworks can be viewed from afar as you drive by or through town they provide a different perspective up close where you can see the finer details. We pulled over into the information bay at the Northern Entry Statement for a closer look at the Byford sign with it's various tools hidden within the letters and the girl with the cow and the tractor representing Byford's agricultural background. The trotter driver represents more recent history of the Byford Trotting Club which opened in 1969. Behind the parking area we spotted a grove of trees planted by Men of the Trees (now Trillion Trees) as a memorial grove and we had a quick wander through.
The Southern Entry Statement is best accessed heading north along South Western Highway as you can pull in to the parking bay and hop out to see the kangaroo. If you then turn off at Clondyke Drive you can park at the entrance park and wander down for a closer look at the cockatoo. If you venture into this subdivision you will find the lovely Ridge Park and Playground.
The other sculptures are all within the town centre with the greatest distance just over 1km in one direction. A great starting point is Dome Cafe which has the Boxing Kangaroos. A little further south along South Western Highway is the Horse and Jockey acknowledging Byford's 1919 Perth Cup champion Rivose. The plinth includes original bricks from the State Brickworks.. ro
Cross over at Beenyup Road and head south a little further to see the Brickworker from the Old State Brickworks. This sculpture could also be accessed by walking through Pavilion Park and you could have a play at the Brook at Byford Nature Playground.
Back in town heading north along South Western Highway on the eastern side from Beenyup Road you will come across the Returned Serviceman honouring the men who returned to Byford after the war, Sister Wossley and child representing the Child Health Clinic and Traffic Inspector Charlie Knox who would stand at the corner of South Western Highway and take down the registration plates of drivers he considered to be speeding! Cross back to the starting point at Dome Cafe.
Byford is no longer a sleepy little town on the outskirts of Perth but is a fast developing urban satellite with new developments, shopping centres and fabulous playgrounds all on the doorstep of Serpentine/Jarrahdale which has fabulous bush reserves, hiking trails, dining venues and heritage. You can also hike the short but challenging Macora Trail also known as the Byford Hills Walk Trail.
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A Day in the Country - Jarrahdale and Serpentine:
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In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
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