Heidelberg School Artists' Trail Victoria Australia

The Heidelberg School was the first significant art movement in Australia. The name originated in July 1891, when art critic Sidney Dickinson wrote a review of the exhibitions of works by Walter Withers and Arthur Streeton and noted that these artists, whose works were mostly painted in the Heidelberg area of Melbourne, could be considered as “The Heidelberg School”. Since then, The Heidelberg School has taken on a wider meaning and covers Australian artists of the late nineteenth century who followed plein air painting. The Heidelberg School Artists Trail extends over 40 kms through parks, villages and designated bike/walking paths in the municipalities of Banyule and Manningham and the Shires of Nillumbik and Yarra Ranges. It includes a total of 57 colour, interpretative signs which follow the history of internationally recognised artists including Arhtur Streeton, Tom Roberts and Louis Buvelot. The signs include reproductions of some of the artists most famous pieces and a description of the works, located in or near where the artists painted or lived. This allows visitors to experience not only how the artists interpreted the landscape, but also how the landscape may have changed since the artworks were produced. The Trail is ideal for art lovers, walkers, school groups – and anyone who is interested in our region’s rich cultural heritage. Whilst there is a well signposted route, you can start and finish anywhere along the track. The Heidelberg School Artists Trail is a great way to enjoy our environment, learn a little and stretch those legs. If your time permits more than one area, stop along the way and browse in our shops or enjoy a coffee or glass of wine. A trail map is available at Visitor Information Centres in the region, by ringing 131 963 or can be downloaded from www.hsat.info.

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