On a detour to beachy Mornington, I stopped by the McClelland for a peek and ended up spending an entire afternoon exploring the grounds.
It’s not just the legs that get a workout at the 16-hectare native bush park, complete with a lake, a sleek gallery and sprawling landscaped gardens.
More than 100 spectacular outdoor sculptures by prominent Australian artists are tucked behind trees and bushy corners, giving the eye lots to focus on.
Tarax by Peter Corlett. The sculpture’s circular white forms represent the bubbles of Melbourne’s iconic Tarax soft drink.Alexander the Great by Dean Colls. This giant rusty steel beetle lies in wait for unsuspecting adventurers traipsing through the lush bushland.Annulus by Ken Unsworth. River stones strung up within a steely web create a weightless “levitating” impression.The Tree of Life by Phil Rice. Many would recognise this wind-activated kinetic sculpture that was once a prominent feature at an exit off the Peninsula Link freeway.A representation of serial warheads or skittles? The children are unperturbed as they chase between these sand, cement and fibre composite structures, tagged as Plantation by Ian Burns and John Clark.It is nice to see Alien by John Kelly is safe and well on the grounds of the McClelland Sculpture Park.La stupenda (There is nuthin’ like a Dame) by Peter Corlett is a quirky tribute to the famous Australian soprano, Dame Joan Sutherland.Phantom by Tim Jones stands tall between the trees.
Following a meandering path through the trees, the McClelland labyrinth took me by surprise.
The Winding Path, the Search for Truth, by Andrew Rogers is described by the sculptor as a labyrinth that represents humanity’s “existence in time and space”, a connection with the past, the present and the future.
Interestingly, Mr Rogers never went to art school yet has gained fame for his colossal land art projects.
The spectacular McLelland labyrinth combines art and fun.The boldly-coloured Top Shelf by Louise Paramor is an interesting concept about consumerism and plastic waste.Snuffleby Sebastian di Mauro. Synthetic turf makes it easy to clamber these fantasy forms.A kangaroo is a common sight in the Aussie bush, even when it is off its feet.Modern sculptures with futuristic elements can be seen here and there.This captivating creation is a harmonious blend of sculpture and resonant musical chimes.The dark and sensual elegance of these horse sculptures remind me of Peter Shaffer’s emotive play, Equus.Dare to enter. A surprise awaits inside this steel bush hideaway.
About 4km from Frankston in Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, the McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery is a not-for-proft organisation.
cloudchaser 
Wow, what a find, Pat!! I must check it out.
Come on. What IS in that steel hideaway?