Things to do in Great Ocean Road, Victoria: The Best Monuments & Statues

Reviewed By BeckandSteven - Melbourne, Australia

If you have ever inquired of someone "What chance do I have?" only to have them answer "You've Got Two Chances, Buckley's and None" you may be interested as to how this marvellous Sculpture located in Aireys Inlet has links to the origins of that famous saying. [The Man Whose Chance You Have]: In the year 1803 a man named William Buckley was deported from England bound for a convict settlement near Sorrento in Victoria. Facing prison in an unknown land the young man in his twenties was not prepared to relinquish his freedom. Escaping into the surrounding bushlands accompanied by two others, records indicate that his companions found the going too tough, consequently turning back shorty thereafter. William perservered, wandering through the harsh bushland, dehydrated & barely sustaining himself via means of shellfish & berries. Fortunately for Buckley the region was home to the Wathaurong People whom befriended him. Treated with respect & ultimately fondness the tribe provided him with immense assistance, shared their food & taught him about all aspects of their culture. History records William had two wifes & at least one child, remaining with his Wathaurong family for thirty two years. As if the tale of this escaped convict whom became known as the "Wild White Man" isn't already fascinating enough, when we add Williams assertions that had seen Bunyip's on many an occasion the adventure takes on an even wider dimension. This leads nicely into us now considering the artist behind this magnificent monument in its own right. [Buckleys Bunyip meets artist & musician Jeff Raglus]: Situated at the entrance to the Allen Noble Sanctuary this ingenious statue was designed & carved by Jeff Raglus whom many may be familiar with as a result of his designs for famous brand Mambo. [ Alex Lorenzi worked alongside Jeff in the design & carving of this commissioned artwork.] It is understood that the inspiration for the art work was drawn from the story of William Buckley & the structure celebrates his amazing tale of survival & in particular refers to his claims that he had seen a Bunyip. The glorious natural beauty of the wetlands was not lost upon the artist either & visitors will enjoy discovering the additional numerous features such as bird life, insects, weather, myths as well as the history of the wetlands in which the sculpture sits. Jeff Raglus has an extensive range of talents. He is described as a multi instrumental musician, visual artist, author of children's books & sculptor just to name a few. His timber sculptures are initially carved using three chainsaws, before he then hammers away with Swiss chisels before, finally, painting the work. My husband & I absolutely loved experiencing this monument up close & it was delightful to discover all of the little nooks & crannies throughout this fabulous old tree. The natural grains & bends of the trunk have been cleverly used to the best advantage and a wealth of layers & grooves highlight a wide variety of tiny scenes. The colours are vibrant & are complemented by means of the surrounding wetlands that it draws upon. [Summary]: Located at the entrance of the Allen Noble Sanctuary in Aireys Inlet the Sculpture is easy to access & if you combine a trip to check out Buckleys Bunyip with a relaxing walk around the wetlands we are sure that you will find it a very enjoyable experience. The Bark Hut Reserve & Playground along with the Split Point Lighthouse are also nearby so for those planning a trip to either of those sites can easily include a stop to "meet" a couple of local legends - the wonderfully eccentric William Buckley & his often companion, the very elusive Australian Bunyip!