Cape escape in Lakeland Park
SCULPTING A NEW FAR NORTH ART ATTRACTION
TRAVELLERS to Cape York have a new reason to stop at Lakeland with the opening of the Gateway to Cape York sculpture park featuring 16 striking artworks designed and developed by communities across the Cape.
The park has a “gateway”, a traveller information centre, a rest stop area as well as the interactive sculpture park showcasing Cape York communities.
The $1.2m project at Lakeland on the Mulligan Highway welcomes visitors to Cape York Peninsula.
Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott said the park had been designed in the shape of a map of Cape York, with the park’s footpaths symbolising the region’s roads, and each sculpture reflecting the spirit of the community that designed it, as well as the community’s geographic location on the map.
“Lakeland marks the beginning of many Cape York adventures and is a significant tourist junction for the tourism drive market and 4WD adventurers,” Mr Scott said.
“An important aspect of the project was to highlight what makes the Cape so historically, culturally and ecologically unique.
“It has been designed to be iconic, interactive, artistic, educational and inspirational.”
The information centre showcases the history and unique ecology of Cape York, while addressing environmental challenges including littering, fire, invasive plants and animals and the importance of respecting land owners’ rights.
Cook Shire’s tourism, arts and events manager Sally Eales said the area was anticipating a bumper tourist season.
“With international travel restrictions easing, this heralds the beginning of what we know will be a sensational tourism season for the whole region,” she said, adding the park was ideal for Instagram pictures.