Strangler Cairn 2011
Photograph: Omar Bakhach
Conondale Range Great Walk, Sunshine Coast
British artist Andy Goldsworthy was commissioned by the Department of Environment and Resource Management, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Division to create Strangler Cairn for the Conondale Range Great Walk: 56km of magnificent, rugged terrain featuring ancient rainforest and cascading waterfalls. Goldsworthy is noted for his sensitive response to the environment, which made him a perfect choice for working in the national park. Strangler Cairn is made from granite and slate sourced from a local quarry. It is also planted with a small strangler fig – Ficus watkinsiana – which, over time will grow and ‘strangle’ the cairn. It will become a not-to-be-missed attraction for hikers, tourists and art lovers benefiting Conondale and nearby towns such as Kenilworth and Maleny which are already popular stops on the art tourism trail. You need a four wheel drive vehicle with a high wheel base if you want to drive to the day-use area, where the track starts. This is because there are three creek crossings that could damage an ordinary car. If you don’t have a four wheel drive, simply park your car before the first creek crossing, and walk two kilometres to the start of the track. This should take about half an hour, but you’ll need to take your shoes and socks off to cross the creek unless you want wet feet.
You can see Andy Goldsworthy talking about Strangler Cairn in the video available here.
