Australia’s longest rail trail becomes an Arts Pathway
Published on 01 May 2026
Concept design artwork for Phoebe Paradise’s landmark artwork, to be installed near the Toogoolawah Skate Park.
THE BRISBANE Valley Rail Trail, Australia’s longest recreational rail trail, will soon feature a series of large-scale art installations, enhancing a popular tourism experience and supporting growth in Somerset’s blooming visitor economy.
The Federal Government has approved $400,000 to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – Arts Pathway project, delivering landmark, place maker and ground plane mural artworks throughout the Somerset region.
Somerset Regional Council was successful in its application to the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal Public Art Initiative to create artworks along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT).
The Public Art Initiative aims to enhance and promote a more liveable SEQ through public art and architecture.
Somerset Regional Council Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Sally Jess, said the artwork installations would be delivered by Brisbane artists Phoebe Paradise, Christopher Bassi and Chantel Fraser.
“These artworks are going to be a huge tourism drawcard for Somerset, and we’re so grateful to be part of this initiative,” Cr Jess said.
“We look forward to seeing the artists out and about on the BVRT in the coming months.”
Artist Phoebe Paradise, known for her illustrations, murals and public art installations, plans to deliver a landmark piece near the Toogoolawah Skate Park, complementing the beauty of the towns’ streets, architecture, history and community.
The whimsical cluster of brightly coloured, large-scale Queenslander and workers’ cottages on tall stilts will speak to the town’s local designs, demonstrating how the community adapts to the potential threat of flooding.
On the BVRT’s south-east entry into Lowood, artist Christopher Bassi will deliver a place marker piece, creating an identity message which engages visitors with the cultural and natural environment.
Bassi works across mediums of oil painting, writing and sculpture to create works grounded in his Meriam and Yupungathi heritage.
His three-metre-high steel artwork will be laser-cut into a bouquet of wild flowers, forming a sculptural tribute which connects industrial heritage to living botanical memory.
Artist Christopher Bassi will deliver a place marker piece in Lowood along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
Award winning Brisbane-based Sāmoan artist Chantel Fraser’s region-wide installation includes stencil-based ground plane artworks positioned at trail heads within each community hub along the BVRT, incorporating Somerset artists’ pieces through a series of workshops.
Fraser’s murals are inspired by the elements of nature one encounters when journeying the BVRT, including the subtle, fleeting movements of birds, the strong currents of Somerset’s waterways and the statuesque blue gum trees.
Cr Jess said public art installations like these would open Somerset and the BVRT to a more diverse visitor audience.
“Somerset’s visitors are drawn to the complement of cultural, environmental and recreational experiences, and through the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – Arts Pathway project we will now offer all three experiences in one,” Cr Jess said.
“By attracting more people to the region, public art installations can greatly enhance our visitor economy and strengthen the sense of community in Somerset.
“Public artwork is an important piece of the puzzle in growing the BVRT’s reputation and visitor economy, and we’re excited to start this journey with thanks to the SEQ City Deal Public Art Initiative.”
The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – Arts Pathway project was funded by the Australian Government as part of the SEQ City Deal.
The SEQ City Deal is a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) that will deliver long-lasting benefits to the region.