Add to Wishlist

Exploring the Pete Rush sculpture trail

Things to do
2 Day - weekend
Add to Wishlist

Exploring the Pete Rush sculpture trail

Things to do
2 Day - weekend

Writer, Sculptor and Central Coast local Pete Rush’s giant sculptures appear when you least expect it: and are a Central Coast sensation. From roadside creations to driftwood sculptures consumed by the tide, Central Coast Sculptor Pete Rush’s works are created using natural materials from the surrounding area where the sculpture is constructed. His work Snow Monkey, for example, popped up in the water at Long Jetty in 2020, was made using dried sea grass washed onto the shore of the lake, lasted just a few days: others have lasted much longer.

The joy of hunting for Rush’s work is that you’ll never know where one might pop up next. He often creates and reveals work online without revealing the exact location- and following in the footsteps of his sculpture trail is a great way to get to know parts of the Central Coast you’ve never visited.

Photo opportunity: The chance to spend the weekend surrounded by art and stunning scenery.

Keen to be featured in one of our Itineraries? We’d love to hear from you.

*This itinerary is intended as an inspirational guide only. We encourage you to check ahead of your visit that individual businesses are open, or book in advance to ensure the best experience.

The Itinerary

Hinterland highlights

Take a trip into the Central Coast's hinterland and marvel at the natural beauty of the lush pastures, windy roads and serene scenery. Admire Rush's huge sculpture with all its intricate details before letting your creative juices flows at a pecan farm. Enjoy the taste of local produce cooked with love followed by a hands-on working farm experience. The day wouldn't be complete without a night under the stars surrounded by the magic of nature.

Breakfast

One Stop Jerry's Cafe

Drive up and stop at Jerry’s One stop Cafe, a favourite with bikies for their burgers and bacon and egg roll, One Stop Jerry’s Cafe in Kulnura is a must visit for a sneaky bite and a chance to pursue the latest in two-wheeled automotive perfection. Two of Pete Rush’s sculptures are located nearby: Giraffe and a Young Child, and the Smiling Owl.

  

  

Morning

Artisan Estate

Feeling inspired by Rush’s work? In the quiet hinterland village of Somersby you can sign up for a Sunday-morning blacksmithing course at Artisan Estate, a 400-tree pecan farm that also offers Farm Stays.

  

Lunch

Sussurri Restaurant and Manor House

Order a coffee and lunch at Sussurri Restuarant and Manor House, down the bottom of the winding Bumble Hill Road in the rural village of Yarramalong. Sit down in the garden for coffee and a meal, or grab some cheese and produce for a picnic from their deli and giftshop for later on.

  

Afternoon

Grace Springs Farm

If you’ve got kids, make time to detour down George Springs Drive to Grace Springs Farm in Kulnura, which opens to the public on special open days and by appointment, allowing visitors to tag along for the daily chores where visitors can collect eggs, cuddle chooks, pat a calf, and see a cow milked.

  

  

Night

Waterfall Springs Retreat and Wildlife

Spend the night in a luxury eco tent at Waterfall Springs Retreat and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kulnura. Book a self-catering BBQ, pizza or picnic hamper for dinner, and take a one-hour tour of the Sanctuary, which is focused on saving the brush-tailed rock wallaby and yellow-footed rock wallaby, and rehabilitating eastern grey & red kangaroos, as well as swamp and red-necked wallabies. 

  

  

Where we are

The hub of the universe

Awake relaxed and fill your belly with a breakfast of local hinterland produce. A short drive brings you into a hidden gem where you'll find another incredible Rush sculpture on the banks of the Hawkesbury and a chance to take in the beauty of this quiet little hub. Tuck into a river side feast at the general store before getting acquainted with your hiking boots and hearing all about the historic tales of years gone by as you meander bush tracks or take a watercolour painting class. 

Breakfast

The Hub of Mangrove Mountain

Head south towards Spencer, stopping for breakfast at the Hub of Mangrove Mountain for coffee and breakfast. The small store offers cheesecake, cafe fare and gelato as well as stocking fresh produce from local farms in and around the Central Coast Hinterland.

  

Morning

Spencer

The tiny community of Spencer proudly calls itself the hub of the universe, boasting its own “invisible” hotel, river tours, dingy hire, and cafe food. You’ll find one of Rush’s most evocative works: Serenity. While he normally creates figures with animals, Serenity is of a female figure reclining on the riverbank by the wharf created using locally sourced gymea lilies. The sculpture was damaged slightly during the 2021 floods on the Hawkesbury but it still remains in tact with the figure dangling her feet in the river.

  

Lunch

The Anchor

Dine in with a view of the water at The Anchor, the newly refurbished, family-friendly cafe at the heart of town. Along with bait, ice and takeaway, the cafe offers live music Sunday sessions on the wharf in summer and fireside dining in the winter months.

  

  

Afternoon

Heritage Ventures

Sign up for a tour with Heritage Ventures, who run quirky, ever-changing micro-history tours of the area featuring everything from a tour of Dangar Island to a Women up the Creeks tour (complete with fiddler) and watercolour fish painting.

  

Where we are

This article was originally authored by Shaney Hudson, as part of a Love Central Coast grant project brought to you by Destination Central Coast, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. To maintain accuracy, some editorial changes may have been made since publication.