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Photo: Ghoongta, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Designed & crafted by stone mason Marijan Bekic, this magnificent sculpture was proudly funded by sponsorships within the Wudinna community and afar. The project took 11 years to plan and 2 years to sculpt from 2 pieces of local pink granite onsite.
The Australian Farmer is a statue located in Wudinna, South Australia. Regarded as one of Australia's Big Things, the granite sculpture stands at 8 metres (26 ft) in height, and weighs in the vicinity of 70 tonnes. It took 17 years to produce from initial proposal to the final unveiling in 2009, and two years for the artist, Marijan Bekic, to carve. The stylised work of a farmer represents the early settlers of the region, with carvings symbolising grain and sheep found within the sculpture.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Mount Wudinna is one of Australia's largest granite monoliths at 261 m tall. Facilities include: picnic shelters, BBQ, parking area and toilets. Camping not permitted.
A site of unspoiled beauty any time throughout the year, however the best time to visit the Gawler Ranges National Park is between April & October when spring wildflowers are in bloom. Combine this with historic infrastructure, deep colours of the majestic volcanic hills and gorges and the stark, pure white of the many salt lakes in the area, a visit to the Gawler Ranges is a truly unique experience. The park is best accessed by high clearance vehicles and a permit is required for anyone wishing to visit the park. Permits can be obtained at self-service locations at Park entries or at the Gawler Ranges Visitor Information Outlet (Wudinna Telecentre) at 44 Eyre Highway.