Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Statue
Highlights
- Life-sized bronze statue of poet Dorothea Mackellar on horseback
- Scenic Maas Walk with native plants and her poetry in a bush setting
- Explore Aussie literary heritage at the nearby Mackellar Centre
Overview
Discover the charm of one of Australia's most loved poets at the life‑sized Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Statue, beautifully set in Gunnedah's Anzac Park.
This striking bronze sculpture captures Dorothea sitting side‑saddle on her horse, gazing toward her family properties—Kurrumbede and The Rampadells—the landscapes that helped inspire her iconic poem My Country.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Maas Walk, a scenic path created in honour of Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society founder Mient Je (Mikkie) Maas OAM. The walk features native plantings and showcases two of Dorothea's evocative poems "Dawn" and "Burning Off", bringing her words to life in a natural bush setting.
Just across from the memorial, the Mackellar Centre invites visitors to explore the story behind Australia's longest‑running youth poetry competition. The annual National Poetry Awards receive more than 12,000 student entries from over 1,000 schools nationwide. Inside, you'll also find the exquisite collection of 32 watercolour paintings by Jean Isherwood, each inspired by the vivid imagery of My Country.
A visit to the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial offers a beautiful blend of art, nature, and Australian literary heritage—right in the heart of Gunnedah.
Accessibility
Actively welcomes people with access needs.