Experience “wonder-full”
Visit Australia’s leading art in nature experience
Connect with Nature & Creativity in the beautiful Southern Forests region.
NORTHCLIFFE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
DISCOVER ARTWORKS SCATTERED LIKE TREASURE
as you wander through ancient forest
With inspiration from our artists, look beneath the canopy and experience the unique (under)stories of the Southern Forest region.
Let imagination be your guide through this glorious natural environment
What will you find?
Open Daily – Northcliffe Visitor Centre
Our Trail
A 1.2km easy-walk circuit through stunning forest. From the majestic Karri canopy to coastal heath, with abundant native flora & fauna.
Our Artworks
Music, stories, poetry and more than 70 sculptures created in response to the unique landscapes, people & histories of the Southern Forests region.
Our Artists
Our artists come from all corners of the globe and include emerging and established talents.
CONNECT WITH NATURE
Understory is a love letter to the forest.
Deepen your connection to Nature through an experience of awe, wonder & joy.
We hope it inspires you to share our passion for conservation & creativity.
FOUNDING ARTIST
Add value to your visit
Audio Extras
Links to a range of bonus audio extras including music, stories & artist interviews are included in your entry fee.
Guided Tours
Pre-book a personalised tour with our experienced guides. We cater for small & large groups.
Family Friendly
Bring the entire family! We offer child-friendly audio tours & activity sheets. Everyone loves treasure hunting for sculptures.
Plan your TRIP
Understory is located in the small town of Northcliffe, approximately 4 hours drive south of Perth.
Meandering through the lush natural environment that is the Northcliffe Forest Park, the trail begins & ends at the Northcliffe Visitor Centre.
Find out how to get here, what to expect, what to bring, where to stay, eat & play.
Good for body, mind & spirit
Cultures around the globe have understood the benefits of spending time in Nature.
‘Forest Bathing’, based on a Japanese term, ‘shinrin-yoku‘, means absorbing Nature’s atmosphere.
Scientific studies have shown that being in Nature contributes to positive physiological, emotional & mental health.
Latest news
Art in Nature: The Transformative Power of Connecting with the Environment
Art and Forest Bathing As an eco arts organisation, we believe that art has the power to inspire, heal, and connect us with nature. For many of us, being amongst nature elicits feelings of relaxation and provides us with some distance from the electronic devices that tend to …
Artist Focus: Rae and Joie’s ‘Ray of Joy’
Joie Villeneuve and Rae Gooch have built their collaborative art partnership on a foundation of friendship. For their latest piece, ‘Ray of Joy’, the two merge the mediums of painting and sculpture with prose and poetry.
recent sculpture news
The sculpture ‘Competitive Ground’ was recently refreshed by artist Peter Hill. Originally commissioned in 2008, as an ephemera artwork, the piece was never intended to be permanent. Over time, the work had fallen into disrepair. Six new ladders were created by …
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find more questions and answers on our FAQ page here
Q
What makes this experience unique?
A
Understory is a nationally unique ‘site specific’ art trail. This means that every one of our original artworks has been created in response to the distinctive landscape, people and history of the Southern Forests region, by acclaimed local, national and international artists alike.
Q
How long does it take to walk the trail?
A
On average, people spend 45 mins to 1 hour enjoying the Understory experience. It depends how long you have to amble. We recommend a slower pace to discover all the artworks and soak in the atmosphere of the ancient native forest.
Q
How do I book a guided tour?
A
Guided tours are offered by local artists with a deep connection to the history of the trail and the region, ensuring a truly meaningful visitor experience. Visit our Prices & Bookings page for further information.
Q
Can I bring my dog?
A
No. Dogs (and other pets) are not allowed on the trail. Understory is situated in the Forest Park Nature Reserve. Please leave your pets at home or call us to discuss alternatives.
Supporting our local community
Understory is managed by Southern Forest Arts – a local ‘not for profit’ arts & culture organisation.
Understory entry fees support local & regional art, culture & conservation.
LISTEN TO COUNTRY (‘BOODJA NI’)
In the language of the Noongar people (the Traditional Custodians of this beautiful land) ‘Boodja Ni’ means ‘Listen/Listening to Country.
When you visit Understory you are encouraged to slow down, be present, honour the land beneath, the skies above and all that exists in between.
“We loved it all. The combination of art & nature was inspiring – bought us to tears (gentle ones). Fantastic work. Thank you.”
EVANS FAMILY, 2021
reviews
We love to hear from our visitors. Read what others have said about us by clicking the links below.
Painted Tree Gallery
Our beautiful rammed earth gallery is located at the Understory Trailhead within the Northcliffe Visitor Centre.
Virtual Tours
Enjoy these Virtual Reality tours of Understory and the Painted Tree Gallery
Coming soon – Understory VR tour