Now this was
something quite unique. Between Bunbury and Collie is
'Gnomesville'. Not a town as such, just an area near a roundabout that is
full of garden gnomes, not just a few, but thousands. I love these quirky
Australian .....what? Things, locations, activities, attractions, simply weird stuff?
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| Just a small section of the gnomes |
The story
goes that in 1995 a roundabout was built at a very quiet country intersection
and created public discussion as to the cost of such a roundabout in a
deserted mill town. An unknown resident of the area placed a gnome at the
intersection to watch as the roundabout was built. Then a second gnome was
placed at the roundabout and so on.
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| An example of a family of gnomes |
New gnomes
are added by tourists and visiting clubs and groups and a wedding has even
been held at Gnomesville. There are well over 5000 gnomes now happily residing
at Gnomesville. I guess if we had known what to expect, we would probably have purchased a gnome and added it to the collection as well.
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| Many gnomes were quite funny |
You basically just park your car and follow the various trails which branch off in all directions into the bush, around a bridge and down into a stream. We spent nearly an hour there. Many of the gnomes have been hand painted and have funny captions added. There is no charge to wander around, it is completely unattended which is amazing in itself. Apparently it’s bad luck to damage or steal a gnome, so that may explain how it survives largely intact save for storm damage and animals in the area.
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| Some were a bit rude.... |
I can't find the right word to
describe Gnomesville. I'll let the photos do the talking! Needless to say, the girls loved it.
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| Kate's favourite gnomes |
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| Elizabeth's favourite gnomes - Roam Gnome More. |
Travellers Tip: Purchase and decorate your own gnome (Big W,
Kmart, Reject shop, Bunnings). A great
activity for kids to add their own creation to this bizarre but special
collection! Gnomesville is an easy detour from Bunbury.
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